How my parents lost 20k on my wedding reception...

[LaraOnline]

Date: 9/23/2008 10:12:01 AM
Author: Lanie
I don''t want to think of how much more money my father is willing to plunck down. He shouldn''t have to pay a dime more. It''s not often that someone loses this much money overnight, so my anger is riding over my reasonability right now.

I wholeheartedly agree that your mum and dad have done their best for you financially in this... perhaps your fiance''s family would be interested in coming to the rescue? I guess that''s an option that has already come up naturally by now!

You''ll have to make choices... IMO, it would be better to have an intimate party, with your closest friends, in the style you prefer (ie perhaps not the beer and takeaways!) rather than the huge number of guests, in the backyard! Pocahontas'' idea is really great.

Or...if both parents can''t come up with any more funds... would you consider your guests not giving wedding gifts, and paying for their ''place'' at the reception instead... hmm not sure how this could be translated in a way that doesn''t look unusual... but then it IS unusual circumstances!

 

[SuLi]

I am so sorry to read about your situation. I really hope that there is some legal recourse for your parents. I can''t believe a "reputable" company could be so careless.

 

[Guilty Pleasure]

I''m sorry this happened to you!

I am confused as to why the deposit was over 20 thousand dollars though. Are you only losing the venue deposit or all the vendor deposits as well? Had you already paid for the entire thing instead of just a deposit?

 

[Guilty Pleasure]

oh I see... "a huge discount if they paid the majority in cash." I am guessing that they had to pay most up front AND in cash to get the discount.

 

[Lanie]

Small update on the situation...here''s an article from the front page of our newspaper, The Chronicle.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/6026197.html

Fiance and I have 5 meetings this weekend with other venues. It looks like it''s going to be 2 options:

1) have a very nice wedding with 150 people, scale down on flowers and other things

2) have a semi-nice wedding with 225 people, scale down on flowers and other things

We don''t know what we''re going to do....but I''m still focusing on the positives.

 

[meresal]

Lanie, I''m so sorry to hear that you were affected by this as well. It''s tragic. My FI has a friend that was supposed to get married at one of these venues next month. It''s a horrible situation, but you have a wonderful outlook. Best of luck finding a new venue!! I''ll be thinking of you

 

[overer]

Lanie,

My heart goes out to you and your fiance. This is such a horrible situation. I work with a woman whose daughter was getting married at the Tuscany in February and she just told me about this situation this last week. When I read your original post I knew it was the same venue. She has spoken with a laywer who also has 25+ other brides involved. Maybe you are on this route as well.

A small offer...I''m not sure what colors you are planning for your wedding but I have tons (well, about 60 or so) of copper vases I used for my wedding. They are all different sizes and shapes, most smaller, and some medium sized. I grouped 2-3 on each table and did our own flower arrangements. If copper would work for your color scheme, I could send pictures of them. I''d be happy to just give the vases to you for free. If copper wasn''t what you had in mind then no worries. My feelings won''t be hurt. Just thought I''d put that offer on the table if you continue to be on a tight budget. Just let me know.

 

[Lanie]

Thanks overer...I will keep you in mind for the copper vases. That was so sweet of you to offer. We are still searching for a new reception site, so my decor is not finalized yet. Then when that's over, I think I'm going to take a break from Pricescope...this whole thing is kind of getting to me...

Yes we are talking to a lawyer. Thank god the story was in the paper and it's all over local news....it's helping us negotiate a little bit with replacement venues!

Meresal...I saw your wedding venue when you posted it. It looks so pretty! You will have a beautiful wedding! Thanks for your kind words.