I'm getting married on a Saturday and wanted to sleep at a charming B & B on Friday night with my Mom, my Nana and my MOH. I envisioned us casually getting ready there on Saturday morning and checking out at their standard time. So...I emailed The White House B & B in Port Jeff, because that was my ONLY choice for this type of affair. They had that Friday night available and the owner sent me a price quote. I also learned that they can accomodate four people in their largest room. She also asked if there was some special event in my life for that time (I guess booking 7 mos. in advance tipped her off!!) Anyway I was ecstatic. I replied to her email, stating that I wanted to book the room for that Friday. I complimented her on her fast response time, and how beautiful the home is. I also told her that I was getting married on Saturday and shared my vision with her. Once she heard that I was getting married she informed me that it is their policy to only do business with a bride if they rent the entire B & B house and for a 2 night minimum!!!! WHAT?!?!?!? How quickly the price and the rules changed once she heard that there was a wedding in town. Is she so consumed by her capitalistic greed that she forgets that the origin of a B & B is to share your home and create special bonds with special people? So, I decided to play the 'industrial wedding complex' game that I am by now, so familiar with. I sent her an email back to inform her that I am interested in renting the whole house for that whole weekend. I have yet to hear from her. I am appauled at the change in 'policy' and how she so clearly discriminated against me for being a bride. Not only did her price and requirements change drastically because of the wedding, but she clearly has no interest in renting to anyone getting married. Her 'change in policy' was a passive aggressive, undercutting, and unfair attempt to discourage a bride from booking. I would have respected her more if she flat out informed me that she doesn't rent to brides or their family. I am on a permanent boycott of The White House in Port Jeff for their inconsiderate business practices and their lying, deceitful communication styles. Whew.....thanks.
AugustBridein09
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Re: Bridal Discrimination: Vendor RANT
Posted by SANDYROODY
Take a look at this... I think this drives your point home
Hmmm interesting.... I'll play devils advocate. Maybe the reason for this is that many weddings are pretty chaotic, and although I know you said it is only the four of you staying there. Maybe she thinks people will be stopping by all day and you may bring a photographer or things might not be as 'calm' as with a regular guest etc and she doesn't want to disrupt other 'guests' that may be staying there, and therefore requires that brides rent out the whole space. The reason for the two night minimum would be because it is harder to book a B&B for only 1 night out of the weekend when people usually want 2. I hope this is the case, which to me is understandable, and not that she was so caught up with greed that all she saw was $$$. Either way, I would try to approach her nicely and ask her reasoning for this maybe it is what I suggested above.
HOw about trying the three village in in Stony Brook? They have cute little private cottages and its right on the water. It owuld be beautiful at this time for the year. Also, they deal with weddings all the time and would probably be able to accomodate you!
I heartily agree with this response. I have stayed at The White House on High Street numerous times (including two nights for my honeymoon), and have never been treated with anything other than respect, kindness, and with oodles of accomodation. I love the place to pieces, and would hate for them to get a terrible review before you even give her a chance to respond.
That being said, if she doesn't have an understandable reasoning for her policy, then that's another thing entirely!...
siffleuse319
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Re: Bridal Discrimination: Vendor RANT
To the Devils Advocates: Please note that even though I expressed an interest in renting the entire home for the entire weekend, she did not respond to me. It is very clear that this business has No Desire to open their home to a bride and her family PRE wedding. The 'change in policy', from my perspective was an outright attempt to discourage me from renting, by way of making it impossible/unreasonable. If that's not the case, then why haven't I heard back? I wish it was not so...but it's abundantly clear that she doesn't want pre-wedding brides.
LBride
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Re: Bridal Discrimination: Vendor RANT
B & B are supposed to be a calm and intimate place for all guests... walls are thin... etc.. She probably assumed that brides are not calm on the morning of their weddings ( I sure know I wasn't!)....were you planning on getting ready there?
FullersBride
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Re: Bridal Discrimination: Vendor RANT
Posted by siffleuse319
To the Devils Advocates: Please note that even though I expressed an interest in renting the entire home for the entire weekend, she did not respond to me. It is very clear that this business has No Desire to open their home to a bride and her family PRE wedding. The 'change in policy', from my perspective was an outright attempt to discourage me from renting, by way of making it impossible/unreasonable. If that's not the case, then why haven't I heard back? I wish it was not so...but it's abundantly clear that she doesn't want pre-wedding brides.
Whoa.........I was just giving you another perspective. I'm not defending the B&B just having you look at it from another angle. Maybe you should try calling if you really want an answer because a lot of times emails get lost. As for pre-wedding? You were considering getting dressed there the moring of your wedding?? If this is so, then what I pointed out previously would make sense. But at this point I think you are so upset that you should find another place so that it doesn't taint your memories on a big day. I wish you the best of luck, again, you should look into the Three Village Inn as a possible option. And remember, sometimes its a good idea to look at things from another perspective, things aren't always black and white and many times during wedding planning, i've been there, we are so caught up in the moment and emotions that things aren't as they seem.
