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Beginner May 2018

Contract Changes?

Antoinette, on January 13, 2018 at 5:20 PM Posted in Planning 0 9

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Hi All,
New here. I’m getting married on Friday, May 11, 2018. We signed a contract with our venue last May and they’ve had changes to management. The new catering manager has mentioned over the last few months that she would be sending a new contract for us to sign that would have most of our final details on it (she has lagged continually and I’m still waiting). Anyway, I told her today to just go ahead and send me the estimate again so I could see where we were at. I noticed a change in the service charge going from 20% to 21.5%. Can they do this? Why would I have to agree to it if the original contract said otherwise- Can I argue this? I’m already annoyed they want to nickel and dime me for little things ($100 labor charge if I want to bring in my own overlays to place on the table). Your advice please! And they said I couldn’t use any other decorating vendor except for the one they use which isn’t in the contact either...

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9 Comments

Latest activity by Cuoghi, on January 14, 2018 at 1:57 AM

Champion June 2018
muriel · on January 13, 2018 at 5:28 PM
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Is there a change of ownership or just management?
You have a signed contract. Read it and see what they are allowed to change and in what circumstances. Is there language that allows them to increase the service charge? Is there language that restricts you to using their decorator?
If it's not in the contract and there is no language allowing them to make changes, you can insist on the original contract language.
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Beginner May 2018
Antoinette · on January 13, 2018 at 5:35 PM
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I just called because previously I was under the assumption it was new management only but i guess it’s both ownership and management. I tried to ask to be transferred directly to the manager of the hotel but they wanted me to leave a message. It’s been a hassle communicating with anyone because all they do is transfer me to the catering manager.
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Master July 2017
Going to the chapel · on January 13, 2018 at 6:25 PM
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Read the original contract and see if their is a section regarding change in ownership/management. In general, no they can't require you to sign a new contract that includes increased/additional fees.
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April 2018
GoodMOB · on January 13, 2018 at 6:32 PM
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Don't sign anything new in haste. Sounds like they want you to think you need to sign a new contract, but if you already have a signed contract, you should be able to insist on those terms. If necessary, go there in person and take someone else with you so you don't get bamboozled.
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VIP May 2018
Red Queen · on January 13, 2018 at 6:43 PM
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I agree with going in person to insist that they follow the terms of the contract.
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Beginner May 2018
Antoinette · on January 13, 2018 at 6:51 PM
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Can I also insist that I use my own decorator? There is nothing specific about any vendors except that I was told they would require insurance. That was verbally stated, btw. Apparently I can use any vendor I want (florist, bakery for my cake, etc) but I have to use their specific person for the chair covers and any other decorations such as draping, fancier table linens, etc. Again, all this was verbally communicated not written in their contract. Does it make a difference if I signed the contract online through email?
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VIP September 2018
EngineerInLove · on January 13, 2018 at 8:46 PM
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An electronic signature is as valid as an ink and paper signature, contractually.

If everything about decor was discussed with the previous owner and management but not documented, then I would not expect it to be honored because it is only your word. You can try and use all of your own vendors and see if they'll allow it, but they may have an agreement for linens and chair covers that would obligate them to use that vendor. It's worth asking either way.
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Beginner May 2018
Antoinette · on January 13, 2018 at 8:52 PM
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Thanks everyone!! I’m going to set an appointment and bring some muscle with me lol.
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Master July 2018
Cuoghi · on January 14, 2018 at 1:57 AM
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I agree with muriel. You need to investigate this more. Your contract should stand.
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