It was my daughter’s birthday party yesterday. I booked the venue 12-2pm. On booking they said we could arrive 15 mins before to set up. We had a lot of things, so asked if we could come earlier. They said we could come 45 mins before if we were happy to pay the wages of the staff to open early and spend an extra hour there. Absolutely fine and we agreed and sent the money. We arrived 50 mins before the party. As we were 5 mins before the time we’d agreed we hung around outside. I got a message from the owner saying, “sorry, staff in traffic. There asap”. Waited half an hour. By this point I was stressed and messaged asking where they were and for an ETA. Got to 5 mins before party started and our guests arrived. I was really embarrassed as had a car full of things for set up. Finally 1 min before party started the staff arrived. 0 apology. Just “traffic was shocking!” Inside. We were setting up a good half hour into the party time. I was so upset as I put a lot of effort into theming etc. I haven’t had an apology or message from the owner. AIBU to expect this, and an offer of the extra money we paid to open earlier?! I totally get this is first world problems and not a real issue in the grand scheme of things but I am pissed off. Half our banners didn’t go up and we were arranging food and table placements around the guests after arriving.