I was going to get married at a country club, and have my reception following at the same place. Since I live in WI, I booked the actual wedding site based on a photo I saw. (http://southhillscc.com/index.cfm?nav_op... When I went to go look at the site this weekend, since the snow is gone, I discovered it is not on the golf course, or anywhere by it. It is right next to the entrance of the country club, in the back of the parking lot, and about 25 yards from the interstate! So I would be coming about 100 yards across the parking lot to the site in a golf cart- and then have my ceremony performed in front of every commuter on their way home and be surrounded by over 150 guests and golfers cars! I no longer want to have anything to do with this place, but I gave them $800 to hold my day- which I want back, and need to give to another hall. How do I make them give it to me, and what do I say? I don't want to threaten to take them to small claims, I just want my cash!
2007-04-03 05:49:22 · 11 answers · asked by A K 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
My contract says all money paid is non-refundable, but is there a way I can get around this since they were not fore coming with all information?
2007-04-03 05:50:17 · update #1
If you sent a deposit w/o having access to a written contract you might be able to negotiate your $800 fee that way. However, this might be a live and learn. Websites (especially in the wedding industry) are all intentionally misleading. Each one I have scene has a level of "Bait and Switch" to it (where they promise you one thing to get you to make an appointment, then once you're at the facility they tell you something else). I had one website show only close ups of the facility. I found out why when I got there! I had one reputable wedding function tell me the food min. was $750. When I got there is jumped to $2,000! And she had the gall to say I misunderstood her!
Try the fact that the web is misleading, that you didn't see the contract (thus not knowing the deposit was non-refundable) and that it wasn't explained to you as non-refundable. See where that gets you. But now you know! Get everything in writing, see everything first hand and ask tons of questions!
2007-04-03 06:01:35 · answer #1 · answered by Lani 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think your chances are slim, but if you call & say the right things to the right people, it may help.
You need to explain to a supervisor that you booked by looking at a photo & a description from an employee since you do not live in the area. Tell them that no one explained the actual set up. Explain why you aren't happy with this situation & first ask if there is anyway to have it anywhere else on the grounds. If they say no, then ask about a refund. Don't just start with a refund, that will get shot down very fast. Start small, show that you are willing to try to work with them.
But honestly, do not get your hopes up. Too late now & I don't mean to be rude, but you should never give money until you actually SEE something. If it comes down to it, you need to decide if getting another location is worth your $800 in case they aren't willing to refund your money. And small claims really will do nothing at all, if you signed anything or even gave a check with "depoist" written on it, you've binded yourself to a contact, even if you didn't know all the info.
2007-04-03 12:59:52 · answer #2 · answered by layla983 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My husband is from WI also and when he planned on marrying me there he made the effort with snow on the ground to go check out the place. You have no idea what angle that photo was taken from you should have gone for such an important day in your life booking site unseen is stupid {no offense} would be like just calling a place saying "I need a size 8 wedding dress and cake" hoping its what you want. Furthermore if it says NON REFUNDABLE your stuck you can take them to small claims but they have the contract which says non refundable. However I read the link you gave for us to view the place and no where on it does it say it is ON the golfcourse it does not give the exact location where the ceremony can be held but it does say you can have an indoor ceremony maybe you can change to an indoor ceremony..
By the way I didnt marry him in Wisconsin made him go back to Texas with me where I knew what I'd be getting into.
2007-04-03 13:08:28 · answer #3 · answered by texas_angel_wattitude 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ouch, never never pay for anything until you actually see it! Now that we learned that lesson, I would go there and nicely tell them you don't like the set up and see if they can move it to another part- I am assuming it's just the outside you are upset with. See if you can have them move it to a different area on the estate. Demand to be on the golf coarse. If they won't help you ask for a manage or their boss and discuss getting a refund.
They might just try to move it for you but your going to have a hell of a time getting the deposit back.
2007-04-03 13:12:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would never put down $800 on a site I only saw in a photo.
When fiance and I were interested in a site 6 hours away, we did not put any down payment or deposit on it until we saw the area and were happy with it.
Since it says nonrefundable, you are out $800. Consider this a harsh lesson learned.
2007-04-03 13:25:39 · answer #5 · answered by Terri 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since the contract says all money paid is non-refundable, I'm afraid you're going to be stuck with the loss. :(
Never sign until you have read all contracts and seen all the things you are putting money down for.
2007-04-03 12:54:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
A contract is a contract. In signing it, you were assuming all responsibility for booking, meaning you 100% agreed that the area they provided was to your approval. They will simply say that if you weren't 100% with what you were signing, you should have looked at the property in person beforehand. (which I'm extremely suprised you didn't do).
2007-04-03 12:54:41 · answer #7 · answered by LARA N 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You should contact a lawyer, but I think you will be disappointed with his answer. You did sign the contract. No harm in asking someone with legal knowledge.
2007-04-04 16:24:34 · answer #8 · answered by Pat C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My copy of "wedding planning for dummies" stated never put cash down until you are for sure. You might be able to fight it if your deposit was placed by credit card. You can call Visa/Mastercard and explain the circumstances, and they will fight the fraud for you. If it was truly cash, then I do feel for you. Fight or not fight?: it will be a hassle.
2007-04-03 12:57:53 · answer #9 · answered by ndngrlz 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You agreed to hold your wedding and reception there site unseen. That is your fault, not theirs. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but you have no legal leg to stand on. The only thing you can do is learn from this experience.
2007-04-03 12:58:36 · answer #10 · answered by jdecorse25 5 · 6⤊ 1⤋