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Original poster

To be annoyed at wedding venue?

230 replies

LolaDo · 31/01/2018 13:51

I’m getting married in 3 weeks at an English country house hotel type venue.

They have called me today to advise that there will be roof works going on on my wedding day complete with the usual scaffolding etc. Fine. However, this goes round the perimeter of the whole venue so will be at the entrance. This means no pictures outside or under the beautiful archway. There’s a huge path leading up to the entrance with gardens either side so I won’t be able to have pictures here either as the scaffolding will be in the background.

They have also “advised” that the main bar and sitting lounge (it’s like a cigar lounge type thing where guests would have waited when they arrived) will be boarded off for refurbishment and they will be putting a temporary bar/ lounge round the back of the hotel.

I have guests coming from all over and the first thing they are going to see it bloody great scaffolding/ tarpaulin and builders.

I am so upset. What would you do?

We have spent a huge amount of money on this venue because it was “perfect” and now I just feel like the whole day will not be as I imagined. Am I being over dramatic?

OP posts:
Calvinlookingforhobbs · 01/02/2018 18:51

You need to use social media to your advantage here. And you most certainly need to visit in person! I would want at least 50% discount. You’re unable to make use of any outdoor space and the indoor space is compromised. This is so poor. I’d also be concerned about how they e handled it and their commitment to you as a customer..

Tapandgo · 01/02/2018 18:51

Outrageous!

chocolateorangeowls · 01/02/2018 18:51

That is upsetting but have you checked the T&Cs / contract you signed. Luckily I didn't have any issues but mine basically said tough tits if work is going on ☹️

Goldmonday · 01/02/2018 18:55

I would be furious and would be asking for a BIG discount. Quite frankly they shouldn't have been taking bookings for the time they knew these works were going on, greedy fuckers.

Clearly isn't a last minute thing given that the works seem so expansive! Complain complain complain!!!!

purplebunny2012 · 01/02/2018 18:59

I wonder how many other couples they are inconveniencing at short notice. It's not just going to be there on your weekend

Dailystuck71 · 01/02/2018 19:17

I too am fairly laid back but this would annoy the hell out of me. Any update?

ErinC1982 · 01/02/2018 19:18

My wedding venue had a fire a month before my wedding and their main function room was burnt down!
They hired a marquee for the rest of the weddings and didn’t charge us for the venue hire! So they lost a huge amount of money on weddings!
However, for us, it made the whole day so much better as we had beautiful views of the mountains around us (which is why we got married where we did) mine obviously has a happy ending but I would suggest going for a visit to see if it is as bad as they are saying and really they should be offering you free venue hire or an alternative location, no wedding venue would pit their business at risk, I would be asking why did they plan work when they had weddings booked in! You surely can’t be the only ones! Good luck and hope you get sorted x

cherish123 · 01/02/2018 19:20

I expect you will be entitled to a healthy discount.

thewrinklefairy · 01/02/2018 19:33

You don't need a fancy venue or back drop for staged pictures to have a fantastic day - it will be marvellous regardless BUT the venue are taking the mickey and need to be called up on this.
I would be very nice but very firm - and check the contract and rights before the meeting, so you don't have to be nasty. Just state what they promoted to you and promised - against what they are delivering, and ask how they intend to compensate you.
Or take a few pictures with the scaffolding in as well / by the building work and get them widely shared and # on SM so they come up every time anyone searches for that venue.

MrsSchadenfreude · 01/02/2018 19:35

I'd go for a 75% discount.

bossyrossy · 01/02/2018 19:50

Did you take out wedding insurance? If so is there anything in the small print that would ensure compensation?

LoveProsecco · 01/02/2018 19:50

Great advice from @SpriteGirl. Great language to use with them in your complaint

jayne1976 · 01/02/2018 20:22

They have totally done one on you. They knew it was up was up for refurb - try contact the local paper / try set a local group with other people who’ve hired the venue in this time. You certainly need some money back. Try not to let it cloud your day though x

Original poster
LolaDo · 01/02/2018 20:33

No phone call!

I’ve had a manic day at work so didn’t get a chance to call myself once 9 had come and gone. Beyond angry Sad

OP posts:
YouOKHun · 01/02/2018 20:45

OP, unbelievable that they didn’t call you today! I think there’s a wedding planner somewhere in the south of England quaking in their boots (at least they should be). I think it’s apalling not to warn about what sounds like a planned bit of maintenance. Twitter and the local papers now!

Lovingit81 · 01/02/2018 20:47

Name and shame the bastards...for once the Daily Mail might help!!

wheresmyphone · 01/02/2018 21:05

Call Citizens Advice consumer helpline. The number is on their website. They can help with pro forma letters etc.

Canary123 · 01/02/2018 21:21

Flowers for you op, it musr be so stressful.

Dianag111 · 01/02/2018 21:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LIZS · 01/02/2018 21:31

Can you meet the manager and go through exactly what will and won't be accessible on the day. It is unlikely they will have scaffolding on all sides of the building at once so you may still have photo opportunities. Once you know more exactly you should negotiate on price. Presumably the contract penalises you heavily for late cancellation but that assumes they could deliver on your booking.

MarthasHarbour · 01/02/2018 21:50

Oh OP this is stressing me out just reading it.

FWIW I would cancel the lot with full refund and reschedule the wedding

Puzzledandpissedoff · 01/02/2018 22:05

No phone call!

I'm truly sorry to hear this, Lola, but not in the least surprised; the way they're handling the whole thing makes it utterly clear that they simply don't care, and personally I'd worry that this would translate to the day itself and the service you'll receive (or not)

As things stand what do you feel you want to do?

LancelotLink · 01/02/2018 22:20

You need a new venue. It's bad enough that this was not mentioned at the time of booking, but the way they have dealt with the situation subsequently is appalling.

I would record the call. It may not be admissible in a civil claim, but you need a record of what gets said and there's nothing illegal about recording a call you are personally on without the other party's permission (at least not in England there isn't).

celebrityskin · 01/02/2018 22:45

😮😵😡 defo call them in the morning.

MrsF1 · 01/02/2018 22:48

I agree. Get asking for a huge discount, and if you have wedding insurance, see if you can claim as you may be able to have some of your photos retaken at a later date when the venue is back to its former glory!

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