Weddingbee boards

We booked our reception site back in June of 07, put down a deposit(country club) and were given a price list for the food. When my mother booked it and paid the deposit, I wasn't with her. They told her they didn't do contracts, and even though I told her that we needed one, she didn't feel it was necessary. My mom believes the best about everyone and would never expect anyone to take advantage of us. Well, we went out there tonight to get the logistics worked out and choose the food.

 First of all, they now want $400 more for the room rental. They are building a new club house which is what we booked. Also, the food prices have increased from what we were originally given by quite a bit. However, since there's no contract they can do what they want. I'm so upset that I didn't push harder for a contract. My mother was told that they don't do contracts and never had anyone need one. Keep in mind this is a very small town.

 On top of that, we were told that although we would have to use different sizes of round tables, we could seat all of our guests at round tables. Now today the event coordinator said that she never told us that and we have to use 2 sizes of round tables as well as 6 rectangular tables to fit everyone. My table runners won't work on those tables and I'm going to have to see if I put 2 together and cover where they meet with the centerpiece it will work.

My fiance has called a a few times to ask questions and she always sounds unhappy to have to talk to him. He called asking about the tables to make sure we have enough centerpiece vases but she couldn't tell them what tables they have. Of course we don't have enough and we'll need 2 on each rectangular table to look right.

We're 3 months from the wedding, it's not like we can find another venue. I just feel like we're being taken advantage of. I've never heard of a venue being able to change their prices after you book. It's just frustrating and I needed to get all of that out I guess. I knew better than to book somewhere without a contract but I decided not to push the issue. :(

I am so sorry you're going through this.

I would start by telling them that you're not paying an extra $400.00 or higher food prices, as that wasn't what was agreed upon and you have a strict budget that you planned around the fact that the venue was XXX amount of money.

( I am a wedding photographer - so let's use photography as an example here.  If I book a client and hold that date for them, they are locked in at my rates at the time of booking.  Even if it's one day after I booked a wedding that I decide - I'm going to raise my rates!  A client books you based on your current rates.  )

It seems very shady to me that they would try and do otherwise.  Word of mouth is very powerful and since you live in a small town, if I were you I would make sure they know that you're not happy, that everyone in town will know what happened to you and that they'll never get business because of it!  Typically - I think when people start making threats like this that it's childish.  But, there's a time and a place for everything and this is the time and the place to stand firm and not give in.

You booked and paid your deposit to secure the date and price.  THAT is a contract in itself! 

As for the table situation - tell them you've already bought your centerpieces and table runners and that you refuse to be further inconvenienced and stressed about problems they have created and they had better get everything straightened out without changing anything they promised.

P.S.  If it is PHYSICALLY impossible to accomodate all your guests with the round tables - then they better be giving you a discount for any additional time and expenses you incur as a result of switching the table planning.

Best of luck and stand your ground.  Don't let these people intimidate you or make you feel forced into something because you don't have a "contract".  You do have a verbal one.

Alicia