Wedding's Postponed

"i86hotdogs" (i86hotdogs) 05/12/2020 at 10:30 • Filed to: None

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We knew it was going to happen; doesn’t mean it sucks less than it does. We were suppose to get married July 4th of this year. It was going to be a very informal wedding: taco buffet, nacho cheese fountains, semi formal dress code, fireworks from the local minor league team that can be viewed from the rooftop of the venue. It was too perfect of a wedding to happen.

I had an optimistic view of this wedding venue until recently. Throughout the majority of us working with them, they have been nothing but professional and accommodating . Their policies in light of the events going on seem to air in their favor significantly. We basically had three options:

To keep 100% of the credit paid and owed, we reschedule to a date in their off season (November-March).

To keep 25% of the credit paid and owed, we reschedule anytime throughout the year.

To lose everything you paid and still owe (we owe one small payment that was our 21 days to event payment). You can completely cancel your event.

In summation, we will plan our wedding for March, our ceremony was suppose to be on the rooftop of the venue, so let’s pray for a warm March weekend.

I understand everyone is going through this for the first time, but to not offer a refund on cancelling is unacceptable. 

Arrivederci > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:34

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Hate that for you guys.  The refund thing is sorta nebulous right now.  We had a beach house booked for my kiddo’s spring break back in March that we were able to get refunded completely.  I suppose it helped that the city it was in wasn’t allowing tourists at that time.  We also had flights to Boston and Ireland that we weren’t able to get refunds for, but received a voucher that we have to use within a year or so, similar to what happened with your ceremony/reception.

ttyymmnn > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:38

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Yeah, that’s really shitty. I’m sorry to hear that. 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:39

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Aww that sucks. At least your "perfect wedding" should simply be postponed instead of having to start over from square one. I'll save my congratulations until March then.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:40

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So let me get this straight.  You had a prime weekend booked, which they can’t honor, and their solution is to book you in the offseason?  I hate to be that person that complains at the first sign of trouble, but you probably aren’t the only ones they’ve done this to. Does your local news station have a troubleshooter or advocate?  Maybe you could bend their ear a bit about this?  Even if it doesn’t get you a refund or a better date, at least it could make people aware of what they did.

i86hotdogs > Arrivederci 05/12/2020 at 10:41

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I’ve been getting vouchers for most of my flights and trips as well. My bachelor party was suppose to be in teh infield of Talladega, so the tickets, RV rental, and flights were all vouchered. 

i86hotdogs > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 05/12/2020 at 10:42

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We had a chunk of cash saved for emergency expenses the day of the wedding. We’ve decided to use that cash on a LOT of fireworks for the 4th now. 

facw > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 05/12/2020 at 10:42

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I’m assuming that the venue is still open (or still might be open) and hotdogs decided to reschedule because of concern about the health and availability of their quests? Because yeah it seems like if the venue cancels on you, you should definitely be entitled to a full refund, and rescheduling to the off season should net you a discount.

vondon302 > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:44

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Ugh sorry to hear that.

i86hotdogs > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 05/12/2020 at 10:44

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I also hate to be that person as well. We are going to push to see if the ceremony venue (rooftop) can be refunded since March in Michigan isn’t exactly rooftop wedding weather. 

Chariotoflove > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:44

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I’ m so sorry you got shafted like this, but mostly I’m sorry your wedding had to be postponed.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:46

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That's great that you having been using your funds responsibly. Emergency funds are invaluable, especially when you have so much money tied up in something. Your 4th celebration will be the envy of the neighborhood!

i86hotdogs > facw 05/12/2020 at 10:47

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That is partially correct. Technically as of right now, the venue is open for business in July u nless the governor extends the stay at home order another month or two. The biggest concern was how big of a crowd would be allowed at that time (our wedding guest list is slightly above 200), and the safety of friends and family traveling across states to attend. Technically, their COVID policy they are offering is a better alternative than if you just decide to cancel for no reason and there was no outbreak, 

Gone > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:48

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Taco buffet  and a n acho cheese fountain? I demand an invitation!!

That’s terrible. Seems like a lot of companies are being unreasonable about cancellations and travel plans being affected. Can’t blame you for rescheduling in order to keep your credit . You don’t come across as being upset about the date change, but if so, you could still get married that day and have t he ceremony /party in March. Future congrats!

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:49

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Not the first person I’ve heard of dealing with wedding cancellations and the companies being shitty about it.

My wife’s friend was supposed to get married in June. Obviously it is cancelled, they will not refund any money and they are requiring double the upfront money (nearly the entire amount she’ll owe) to re- book for next year.

TheRealBicycleBuck > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:50

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If the airline cancels the flight and the ticket is not non-refundable , you have a right to a full refund by law.

https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds

i86hotdogs > Gone 05/12/2020 at 10:50

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It’s definitely frustrating, and we’re not happy about moving the date. But we’re all dealing with adversity whether it be wedding postponements or job changes, so we try to be optimistic as possible about it. 

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:52

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If the airline cancelled your flight, by law,  you are entitled to a refund and not just a voucher. The airlines will absolutely try to give a voucher and will avoid bringing that up at all.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:52

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That is really shitty, I’d push back on them seeing as they’re the ones doing the cancellation it’s kind of bullshit that they are still expecting you to pay the same rates. Also I can tell you that it’s almost a certainty that there won’t be minor league baseball played this year so if that was part of the package you can push back on that as well. 

i86hotdogs > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 05/12/2020 at 10:52

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THAT is absurd. I have heard from friends who their venues have not even adopted a policy regarding the outbreak, so them cancelling or postponing yields the same penalties as if you were to cancel for no reason whatsoever. They looked into it, and the least costly option was to keep the wedding date (July 18), and eat the cost of guests not coming. 

i86hotdogs > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 05/12/2020 at 10:56

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The airline did not. Once the race was cancelled, I tried working with the airlines, and rental company. Best I could get were vouchers. 

i86hotdogs > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. 05/12/2020 at 10:57

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The ball game wasn’t necessarily part of the package, but it did play a role in our decision. We looked at venues that either held a view of a fireworks show, or could host one organized by a third party. So it played a role, but not a part of the venue

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:58

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From what I’ve been hearing the wedding focused businesses have been the worst companies to deal with through all this. 

gin-san - shitpost specialist > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:59

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That seems very harsh in light of the current situation. It'd be nice to work something out to just have the same date next year and just pay what was originally agreed. March could be cutting it close depending on where you live, especially since us Canucks got snow a few days ago. 

XJDano > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:59

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My cousin had his wedding scheduled for late June in Tahoe. But it’s pushed to late August now. It’ll be my first time in California. 

haveacarortwoorthree2 > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:59

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Did you have a contract with the venue? And have you showed said contract to a lawyer?

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 10:59

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Gotcha, well hopefully you can reschedule to a more reasonable date and get some money back. 

i86hotdogs > gin-san - shitpost specialist 05/12/2020 at 11:00

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Us Clevelanders got a half an inch Saturday. Unless global warming shifts into high gear, March will be cold. 

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 11:00

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Ah...we actually waited to see if the airline would cancel for the trips we had planned. They did in both cases a couple weeks before the flights , though in one case they only cancelled the flight there and not the one back, like that was going to be useful. We ended calling that airline and getting a full refund.

gin-san - shitpost specialist > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 11:03

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I'd see if they're willing to supply those gas powered patio heaters at least... Might not be enough if it's a harsh winter but given their lack of flexibility for refunds/cancellations it seems like the least they could do. 

Nom De Plume > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 11:04

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The fear I’d have is you legally accept a new contract you don’t need to. Which allows them to turn around and profit off date/venue/accommodations fully or partially.

W edding and bridal industries are utterly cutthroat. If either of you have a female friend or relative that would enjoy the chance to spill some blood. I’d consider getting in contact with them should the two of you lack the drive and ambition to see this through.  A real shrewd negotiator who isn’t going to devalue your position.

That means first poring over every letter of the contract and having a firm knowledge of city, county, and state laws applicable to their business and your rights under the specified contract.  Document everything; All contact with them since the beginning and everything going forward.  

Under_Score > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 11:05

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That sucks, man. My sister’s friend’s wedding April 4 got canceled, but that made sense. Fourth of July is still too far away to make a decision. I know you’re in the People’s Republic of Ohio, so decisions go a bit slower up there.

At least you could reschedule!

DipodomysDeserti > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 11:11

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They probably aren’t offering refunds on cancelled event because they won’t be around if people cancel their events.

I’m ordained in the Church of Latter Day Dudes and have a spot out in the desert if anyone wants to make a trip out to AZ. Married some friends at the beginning of this thing. Just bring beer. We can get mariachis, tacos, whatever.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 11:13

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To not offer a refund in light of current events is a really douche move considering the lockdowns and social distancing in place everywhere....I get that people need to make money, but doing it that way by screwing people over at one of their most looked-forward-to life events is pretty damn mean :(

someassemblyrequired > Arrivederci 05/12/2020 at 11:21

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F lights that are not operated can be refunded entirely.  Get a cash refund or get your cc company to do a chargeback.  You do not want to be an airline creditor right now.

someassemblyrequired > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 11:21

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It’s not their option.   They must refund you if the flight is cancelled.

Sovande > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 11:23

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I am amazed they won’t give you a refund. I wouldn’t stop insisting for one.

That said, having the wedding on July 4th or any other national holiday should be a crime. 

shop-teacher > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 05/12/2020 at 11:32

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This does not surprise me at all. Wedding companies are typically the worst assholes to deal with, in the best of circumstances.

shop-teacher > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 11:33

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I'm really sorry to hear that. March is a real crapshoot in the Midwest, so hopefully you'll get a beautiful 75 degree day. It could happen! 

Tripper > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 12:03

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Ugh man that blows. Also, the “options” you’re being given are pretty fuckin’ unfair given the situation. Understandable as you say, but like cmon dawg...

I hope you get a super gorgeous wedding day after all this.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > shop-teacher 05/12/2020 at 12:04

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Stole my comment.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 12:04

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Sorry. Really sorry. I had a few on the calendar for the summer. All postponed. I did have a dear friend’s daughter get married last week in Our Fair City on the Courthouse steps, in full social distance routine. Two witnesses and a judge. there will be a party after this all goes away.

Don’t put your life on hold.  It’s going to get better.  Good luck.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 12:08

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Yeah, that’s bullshit. Did you call off the scheduled date , or did they?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 05/12/2020 at 12:09

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Considering anything wedding-related is 4x as expensive as anything identical but not wedding related, I’m not surprised. There were plenty of agreements that you were still on the hook if you canceled, plus fees for rescheduling. It is crazy.  

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 05/12/2020 at 12:28

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Many businesses in America, including major things like airlines and hotel chains, operate with much smaller margins than one would expect. I wouldn’t be surprised if the options available to the company were to propose these (admittedly shitty) terms, or refund payments to customers and fold.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 05/12/2020 at 12:51

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I understand what you’re saying, and I will agree that most small businesses can’t expect to have a contingency plan for such an occurrence as this.

That being said, at least offer him to reschedule during prime season, not in the middle of the winter.  He paid and booked a prime slot, he should get a prime slot.  Only seems fair to me.  

CompactLuxuryFan > XJDano 05/12/2020 at 13:19

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Tahoe’s usually packed all summer long. Now with it being shut down for at least half of it, I can’t even imagine what the crowds (mostly traffic on two lane roads and nowhere to park by the lake) are gonna be like once it opens up. It is gorgeous up there, though. 

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 05/12/2020 at 13:20

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Sure, but then there’s still effectively a loss of revenue for one slot of prime season rental. All of this is assuming they’re operating as marginally as I assume.

If they’re covered by a business interruption insurance policy, again, my theorization goes out the window.

Making them pay 100% of a prime rental slot fee and only allowing for a sub-prime slot is a raw deal for sure. It would make sense to give them the difference in rate back too.

My bird IS the word > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 13:25

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That doesnt seem legal. Do you have a copy of the contract?

foghat1981 > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 13:42

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Sorry to hear, from a fellow Clevelander.  Fingers crossed for a warm March!  Maybe the venue can provide (or offer for rent) those outdoor post heaters?  Not perfect, but when you’re standing within 10-15 ft of one it makes a big difference

foghat1981 > gin-san - shitpost specialist 05/12/2020 at 13:43

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My bad.  didn’t see your several hour old post about this!

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 05/12/2020 at 13:57

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Kiltedpadre > DipodomysDeserti 05/12/2020 at 14:20

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I got ordained through the same church to perform a wedding for a couple of friends.

DipodomysDeserti > Kiltedpadre 05/12/2020 at 14:21

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May his dudeness always abide in you, brother.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > i86hotdogs 05/12/2020 at 14:28

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Yeah that is pretty harsh given the times!

Arrivederci > someassemblyrequired 05/12/2020 at 14:36

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Correct - problem is, these weren’t cancelled, we’re just opting not to go.

Kiltedpadre > DipodomysDeserti 05/12/2020 at 15:36

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And in you my brother.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 05/12/2020 at 16:03

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They didn’t even scratch the surface of it.

i86hotdogs > haveacarortwoorthree2 05/13/2020 at 07:08

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Yes and no to your answers. This situation  actually works in the venue’s favor unfortunately, because they technically can still host the event on said date. Since we made the decision to push the date back in risk of low turnout and the safety of our guests, the burden hits us the most. 

i86hotdogs > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/13/2020 at 07:08

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we did

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > i86hotdogs 05/13/2020 at 09:28

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It’s tough, but you’d think they’d be more understanding with everything that’s going on. We had to cancel a big family reunion near Zion in Utah for next month, and they’ve allowed us to just move it back one year.

Just my person opinion: I think you all should have a small, simple ceremony on the day you had planned it and get married , maybe with just your parents, and buy some fireworks and set them off that night . You could even go on your honeymoon, if feasible. Then, in March or whenever, you all get together for the big wedding party with all your family and friends that you had planned.

i86hotdogs > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/13/2020 at 10:30

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We were discussing something like that. I mentioned in another comment that we saved a good chunk of cash for any emergencies the day of the wedding. Since that date has been pushed, we were going to use part of that savings to buy a whole lot of fireworks for that day.