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Beginner June 2018

How do i deal with last minute venue changes?

Megan, on March 23, 2018 at 6:33 PM Posted in Planning 0 8

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My wedding is June 16, so we’re stil a little bit out but coming down to crunch time to get things figured out. Found out this week that our venue changed the event coordinator, which was fine by me because the previous one was difficult to get a hold of and gave vague responses to any questions. So we met with the new coordinator today and she proceeded to tell us the following things:

Our ceremony/reception will most likely not be able to be set up on the lawn behind the ski resort lodge because it will be too swampy. Mind you, we selected this venue because we were told we could do both the ceremony/reception on the lawn, and we signed a contract/paid an extra deposit to have this happen. We were told today that that area is “swampy all summer long”.

We cannot have alcohol on the lawn. Apparently their current liquor license only extends to their deck, and they would need to apply for an extension license, and would then need to put up a fence around the reception area. Based on my limited research, fences are not necessary in outdoor drinking areas (in Michigan). We have about 230 for our reception, and the only outdoor space that would accommodate this is the lawn.

We we cannot play music after ten. This is not as major of an issue, just annoying because our contract says something different (1130pm).

The coordinator apologized to me over and over, but I’m just so frustrated and hesitate to even go forward with this venue. She made the comment that we could just move everything inside, but that’s not what I want and want to be able to at least try to have the wedding outside (if it rains, of course we can move inside). I just don’t know if I should even give this place any more of my time/money. They also told us that the chef had no idea who were or any idea that there was going to be a wedding on June 16, when we a couple months back had sat down with him and picked out a menu. The place is horribly disorganized and unprofessional and I am about to cancel everything...

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8 Comments

Latest activity by Michelle, on March 24, 2018 at 7:27 AM

Master July 2017
Going to the chapel · on March 23, 2018 at 6:40 PM
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I wouldn't cancel until after I found a replacement venue and caterer. Doing those two things might not be so easy because June is a highly popular month for weddings.
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VIP January 2019
Daria · on March 23, 2018 at 6:40 PM
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Awww, this is rough. I'm sorry. I think that your best choice would be to go ahead and go through with this, or you might have to push back the date all together, which may then cause problems with all your other vendors. Finding another venue available with this late notice, in peak wedding season, could be really tough. Have at least the ceremony outdoors if you can, then move inside for the reception.
I would ask them to comp something towards food or the bar to make up what is clearly their errors, not yours.
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Dedicated June 2018
futuremrstheriault · on March 23, 2018 at 6:41 PM
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I would say to shop around a little to see if other venues can accommodate your guest list and if they have availability on that date. If you find another venue you should be able to get out of your current contract considering that they are going back on things in a signed contract. If you are unable to find somewhere else you could always stick with the same venue, or potentially push out your wedding date. It all depends on what is best for your situation.
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Super February 2019
Kiley · on March 23, 2018 at 6:45 PM
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I would see if you can find a venue that can host your wedding before you cancel. If not, they entered in to the contract with you. They can't change the terms without consulting you. If they are must change then they need to compensate you.
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Devoted September 2018
Kim · on March 23, 2018 at 6:56 PM
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I would highly suggest hiring an experienced DOC and see if you can purchase a partial planning package. If you find another venue you’ll be out the deposit on this venue anyway. It sounds like having someone handle the mess that is the venue would be extremely useful to ensure it goes off without a hitch. In my experience a venue coordinator is never sufficient. I would see if the DOC can get things on track before walking away.
Also if they aren’t living up to the contract you should research what that means for you - do they reimburse you a portion? Do they offer something else of equal or greater value in return. It’s not right that you aren’t getting what’s in the contract.
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Devoted July 2018
Precious Stone · on March 23, 2018 at 6:57 PM
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Look out for other venues, I believe you will get one. Booked my venue last week for my wedding in july. Everyone said it was too late and I won't get a venue. Guess What? Every venue I went to was open.
If you don't get Saturday, you can do Sunday if you don't mind.
I don't think you should go ahead with this venue. I smell disappointments. Don't ignore the red flag
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Super April 2018
Cassie · on March 23, 2018 at 7:41 PM
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That really sucks, I hate when people/places are disorganized! That would definitely make me nervous. I would say only search for a new venue if you are able to get back any money you put already AND if you can find a replacement. But it might be too close.
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Devoted June 2018
Michelle · on March 24, 2018 at 7:27 AM
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Runnnnnnnnnnn
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