Wedding Am I just being dumb? (pics later today)

[Smurfysmiles]

So my dad wants to have the reception at this hotel his company holds conventions at simply because he is friendly with the lady who does the booking and details. Here''s the thing, the large room looks fine but the carpet is absolutely hideous!!! it''s like this weird lime green and orange and red and brown swirls on carpet. I actually took some pictures so you guys can get an idea but, in the end does it really matter? Also they say for the reception line for food that you have to use maroon table cloths....our colors are blue! Won''t that just look stupid? Ok I am done. Pictures to be put up as soon as my mom emails them.

 

[Halo]

I'm considering having my wedding at the location below and I too have been pondering the carpet. It won't go with my colours at all (I haven't chosen my colours but I don't like warm ones, like the carpet has) so I worry about that a little. But I think in the end if I liked everything else about the venue, especially the core "important" details, I probably would still go with the location. Everyone will be looking at you, not the carpet anyway

That's really weird about the maroon table clothes though. That would bother me more than the carpets actually. I've never heard of a place that forces you to use a particular colour. The venues I've been looking into provide you with white linens and allow you to supply your own (in a different colour) if you choose.

EDIT: Crud, I can't seem to find the pic of the venue that shows the carpet. Anyway it's a dark red with orange swirls. Ick.

 

[Sabine]

I would say, unless this lady is giving you some sort of discount to have it there, or it just happens to be your best option in your area/price range, keep looking!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Well we''re not getting a discount but we are getting more stuff than we normally would from the hotels in the area (room for present opening the next day, 20 blocked off rooms, etc.) i dunno, youll have to let me know when i show you the pictures if you guys even think the venue is ok looking

 

[gtn]

Date: 10/10/2008 5:07:08 PM
Author: Sabine
I would say, unless this lady is giving you some sort of discount to have it there, or it just happens to be your best option in your area/price range, keep looking!

ditto... Also, who really cares about the carpet? With all of the table nobody will really notice the carpet. Also, for the table linens, you could always buy your own linens for the buffet table or rent them from another vendor. Just it''s their policy to use maroon linens if they provide it, not if someone else does, right?

 

[Blair138]

Date: 10/10/2008 5:11:41 PM
Author: Smurfysmiles
Well we''re not getting a discount but we are getting more stuff than we normally would from the hotels in the area (room for present opening the next day, 20 blocked off rooms, etc.) i dunno, youll have to let me know when i show you the pictures if you guys even think the venue is ok looking

Actually, you could probably get this stuff at a different hotel if you asked. Normally you get 10 rooms blocked and once those fill you get more. Also, I got a conference room for after the reception (no charge) and one for the next morning and all I did was ask!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

I''m waiting to hear about whether we can bring our own linens in or not. They tried to show me the centerpieces they provide free of charge to which my father said "oh those will work perfectly" Yeah they were red and orange leafy ugly things. I had to put my foot down and say "Thanks but no thanks, I''ll actually be making my own centerpieces." Then my dad got this really worried look on his face like he thinks I''m not capable of making centerpieces. For pete sakes, it''s friday and I''m gonna go have a margarita.

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Ok here is a picture of the room
I guess the color is more green than orangey/red but it still looked like a unicorn puked on the rug *sorry for the visual* I know once the dance starts that it will be dark in there and hard to even see the floor. Now that I'm looking at it I'm not too crazy about the wall colors either but I'm sure it will be fine...what do you guys think? I do like the large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling though. Also I will be gunning for seat covers if we do go with this lol

 

[wishful]

Eeek, it sounds like maybe you and your dad need to sit down and have a talk about all of this.
It seems like he''s off and running and you are struggling to get your opinions and ideas heard!
I know it can be hard esp. when the parents pay for things, but to take a moment and have a heart to heart about how important some of these details are to you may at least get your dad to slow things down a touch and then you guys can weigh the pros and cons together.

 

[Smurfysmiles]

This picture really shows the carpet

 

[Smurfysmiles]

This one also shows the carpet but it also shows how the head table would look

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Last picture, this shows the outside (it was yucky and rainy) there''s also a large hotel attached

 

[rockzilla]

With white seat covers you will not notice the floor, promise.

I just wouldn''t choose wedding colors that totally clash.

Some of the advantages of going with someplace your dad has a relationship with is that 1) you have first hand knowledge of the degree of service and 2) they have a built in incentive to not screw you over. Most brides only do an event someplace once...but with your dad they will likely be very attentive to avoid losing someone who gives them a lot of business.

However, if you are just choosing the place for the "deal" you are getting...and there are other places you definitely prefer, I''d pass on this one unless it is an AMAZING deal (which it doesn''t sound like it is). Sometimes people, especially parents, get attached to the idea of doing something because they think it is a better deal than it really is.

 

[Shoopy]

Two words: dim lighting

And another two words: up lighting

LOL

It really doesn''t look all that bad when the tables are in place. I would ask if you could dim the lights and then maybe you can use candles with your centerpieces (as most brides do) and ask the DJ about uplighting. If you do blue uplighting then it''ll distract from the color of the carpet.

 

[wishful]

I also wonder if you could arrange to have different carpet rolled in on top? I''ve been to trade shows where they bring in carpet to do the aisles and they just roll it out. I have no idea if that is even a possibility but it''s a thought....

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Date: 10/10/2008 5:41:10 PM
Author: wishful
Eeek, it sounds like maybe you and your dad need to sit down and have a talk about all of this.

It seems like he''s off and running and you are struggling to get your opinions and ideas heard!

I know it can be hard esp. when the parents pay for things, but to take a moment and have a heart to heart about how important some of these details are to you may at least get your dad to slow things down a touch and then you guys can weigh the pros and cons together.

I think what it is is the last time he was really involved in planning a wedding was in 1989 and things have really changed since then and he doesn''t really know that. I speak up when something is important and I have given him a list of things I would prefer to have the final say on (and it''s not much so I think we are on the same plane there, I think I just was a little shell shocked from the carpet, but now looking back at it its not THAT bad

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Date: 10/10/2008 5:44:52 PM
Author: fieryred33143
Two words: dim lighting


And another two words: up lighting


LOL


It really doesn''t look all that bad when the tables are in place. I would ask if you could dim the lights and then maybe you can use candles with your centerpieces (as most brides do) and ask the DJ about uplighting. If you do blue uplighting then it''ll distract from the color of the carpet.

Yeah I thought of the lighting right away and will probably have them dim it. I don''t know about other lights though because we are actually doing a live band (if you were following my other thread, I have been given the choice of the band lol) Do live bands usually bring lighting? I don''t really know about that

 

[wishful]

Date: 10/10/2008 5:45:48 PM
Author: Smurfysmiles




I think what it is is the last time he was really involved in planning a wedding was in 1989 and things have really changed since then and he doesn't really know that. I speak up when something is important and I have given him a list of things I would prefer to have the final say on (and it's not much so I think we are on the same plane there, I think I just was a little shell shocked from the carpet, but now looking back at it its not THAT bad

Cool. I hear ya. My mom is insisting on having punch bowls (one spiked, one not) for our reception because...(drum roll please.....) that's what she had at her wedding (40 years ago!!). Yeah, parents. gotta love em.

I do agree..the floor is not that noticeable when all the tables are in place and then you're going to have all the people! so I bet it will be fine. Esp like someone else mentioned, if the chairs are covered.
I kind of like the wall behind where the head table is...the molding sort of swoops up - it's kind of regal.

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Date: 10/10/2008 5:45:03 PM
Author: wishful
I also wonder if you could arrange to have different carpet rolled in on top? I''ve been to trade shows where they bring in carpet to do the aisles and they just roll it out. I have no idea if that is even a possibility but it''s a thought....

That would be nice but 1.) i don''t think they let you do that and 2.) we can''t afford that haha

 

[Shoopy]

Date: 10/10/2008 5:49:07 PM
Author: Smurfysmiles

Date: 10/10/2008 5:44:52 PM
Author: fieryred33143
Two words: dim lighting


And another two words: up lighting


LOL


It really doesn''t look all that bad when the tables are in place. I would ask if you could dim the lights and then maybe you can use candles with your centerpieces (as most brides do) and ask the DJ about uplighting. If you do blue uplighting then it''ll distract from the color of the carpet.

Yeah I thought of the lighting right away and will probably have them dim it. I don''t know about other lights though because we are actually doing a live band (if you were following my other thread, I have been given the choice of the band lol) Do live bands usually bring lighting? I don''t really know about that

I don''t know about bands but I do know that you can just look for lighting places around your area. It doesn''t have to be through the DJ. Also, some DJs will do the lighting even if you don''t contract them for music.

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Now that I''m thinking about it, I guess yellow and green wouldn''t be the worst colors to have against my blue but I am really hoping I can bring in my own linens

 

[Gwyn]

i dont think you are being silly. Then again, one of my stipulations in looking at reception sites was that I didnt want any carpet. So I might not be a good meter to judge against.

 

[havernell]

Would it hurt to check out a few other reception places in your area before you sign a contract with this hotel? I wouldn't rush into a big decision like this. Maybe after looking around a bit, you will find something you all like better (even your Dad). Your post started with "My Dad wants..." If your parents are helping pay for the wedding you should definitely include them on big decision like this, but YOUR wants and desires should also feature prominently in decisions about your wedding. That includes your fiance too- what does he think about this hotel your Dad suggested? If I were you I would thank your dad for the good suggestions but say that you want to check out some of the other options in town before making the final decision. Maybe you'll find an even better deal somewhere else.

Bottom line- if you don't love this place (which it sounds like you don't) don't settle for it before you even LOOK at some other venues! Good luck!

 

[somehowcollide]

I''m just going to echo havernell and encourage you to look at more sites! It doesn''t really seem like this site is giving you any particularly special discounts or freebies. Wouldn''t you much rather have a site that you LOVE versus 20 blocked of rooms and a place to open presents (which I think most facilities will offer anyways)? Plus, it would suck if you ended up spending extra dollars on decorations just to overcompensate for drab carpet/site.

My .02 cents. But I am so happy to hear about your proposal story and that you''re full steam ahead on wedding planning!!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

I''m going with my mom today to do some stuff and I am going to see if she wants to stop by another hotel. They have hardwood floors (at least that I can remember) and it''s much nicer looking, also for people with kids staying there, they have a waterslide.

 

[Yimmers]

I think looking at other venues will give you good perspective...also, is there a way to see that venue with some lights dimmed? Then you might get a better idea of how the carpets will look.

 

[LAJennifer]

Smurfy - I honestly can''t remember ever noticing the floor color or wall color of any wedding I''ve ever been to or been in (including my own).

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Not being dumb, I worried about the same thing; however, I think the carpet''s not bad and I agree that once chair covers are added it would be really unnoticeable. Not to mention it will be dark in there most likely..too dark to be staring at the carpet - if someone''s walking around critiquing the place from top to bottom (other than you, your FI, and the people paying for it if that isn''t y''all) well they have issues!