Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

I debated if I should post a bad review of a wedding I attended in October, because I did not want my comments to upset any future brides,
But...... I thought it may help future brides in planning your wedding there.........

The Ceremony was on a Saturday at 12:00 p.m.
at the Carltun, and the cocktail hour followed.

When you first walk in, there is suppose to be a waitress who hands you a glass of champain, I am still waiting for it??!! They Ran out of champion or the waitress just left?? The they send you to a waiting room, where you stand and wait until they let you go out side for the ceremony. They did not have enough chairs set up so some of us sat on the left side were they had some round tables with umbrellas. The cocktail hour was half outside and half inside. There was not enough food!! There were only a few stations: Pasta, some kind of meat that was cooked very raw, an omolete station filled with shrimp in a white sauce, and a fish and shrimp station. I waited on line for fish and shrimp for '20 Minutes' to find out they ran out of shrimps & fish, and had to wait another 10 Minutes for new ones to be brought out, they were still being cooked. I left that line and went to another line... I selected mussels in Maranara sauce, they were COLD!! One waiter put dirty dishes on top of clean ones and walked away....
There was not enough food or selections.... But that could have been the brides choice...... There was a small bar outside with one bartender serving 200 people. So you can imagine the wait.
The servers, worked like molasses....In Super Slow Motion......There was only enough time to get one drink and food, due to the long waiting in line. The only positive was the Grilled Tuna, It was Excellent!!

The reception.......The table next to me, did not get the bread served. Which were little round balls the size of a Munckin. And only one plate of per table with five pieces of butter made to look like roses. There were 10 people per table so of course everyone had to request additional plates of butter. The tablecloth were creamy in color and tapestry in material, very pretty, but they put silk white napkins, which did not match in material or color. The Salad was a mixture of greens with a sweet pear and nuts....Delicious!!
But then it took 20-25 minutes for the plates to be picked-up after eating. There was no in between pasta dish between the salad and the main meal, so it took about 30-45 minutes for the main course. So....people go tired of sitting for so long, some got up to dance and talk to other people at other tables.

The next thing you know, there are waiters weaving in and out of carrying a painters board with mini cones filled with sorbet ice cream. And if you wanted one, you had to reach out and take one as they passed by you. It was like being at a kids party or Barmitzva. Then you had to go look for a napkin. I found it to be inappropriate for a wedding and especially for that particular hall.
Maybe if kids had been invited they would have been more appropriate. In all the weddings I have attended they are always served in silver or glasses and served at your seat. Everyone just looked at each other in amazement and later comments how it took the classiness of a wedding JMO. I don't know if the bride requested them to be served that way, but if not I would have been upset at the hall. They took the easy and quick way out, but serving them like ordoreves

Choices of dinner were, sea bass, chicken stuffed with spinach and file Meinon The fish was not that fresh, if was bland, no one at my table asked for the chicken because of the spinach, so nine people asked for the filet Meinon. One person asked for well done and it was on the dry side and a little tough. The person next to me ordered medium and it was so raw they had to bring her a new. The mashed potatoes were good as well as the vegetables.

The service was terrible!! The average age would be 18-23, inexperience and very young which reflected in the slow and bad service. The dished were left so long at the table, we had to push them towards the center. As for drinks, our waitress was pretty attentive. But, again the empty glasses were not picked up, they piled up in the middle.

They had the cigar hour with a band. The band was great! However, with in Ten minutes of everyone lighting up and puffing the cigars, you could see the smoke in the air. Within 30 minutes your hair and clothes smelled of smoke. They do not have vents to take out the smoke so it just lingers in the two rooms they had. If you don't smoke or use contacts, that is not a place you should be in. But as a novelty it was nice and different.

I have a friend who here sister got married a month later, on a Saturday evening and also were very disappointed. The sister and mother of the bride are writting letters to the management, with similar complaints. They were very upset with the service and lack of food. The other negative was the bathrooms are all the way down stairs and I think they only had three in the ladies room. They were a little inconvient for the elder people to get to.

Unfortunally this wedding was very dissapointing.
Especially since it was supposed to be considered as one of the higher priced end halls. All the comments have been all negative since the wedding, except for the jazz band.
Perhaps some of it has to do with the chande of staff and management. I hope this helps some of you in the planning of your wedding there.

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

I have been to about 4 weddings at the Carltun and the have all been AWESOME!!!!!!! The service is fantastic, the food is delish and the atmosphere is so elegant.

If two of my cousins didn't getting married there in '03, it would have been my first choice!!!!

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

I guess you were lucky to attend only the good weddings there, unlike the one I attended. Like I said, Management and staff change constantly in this business, from day to day, and wedding to wedding.

Another thing I was told, was that they sacrafice the serice of the staff, because they now hire younger and less expierenced staff in order to cut down on costs, in order to try and compete with the other higher end halls on the Island.

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

I think there are a lot of factors of what makes a wedding great.. You have no idea what the bride chose and while from your post- it sounds as though things were haphazard-- who knows- the bride and groom may have said- we want things served like this- so that everyone is up and dancing. You said in your review that you were forced to get up and dance.. I mean, this is a party- you are supposed to be dancing-- not waiting for more food.

My cocktail hour will have 8 stations and 15 different passed items-- that sounds like a ton of food to me. Who knows if the bride and groom did anything to cut corners with their CH to cut down on costs.

Also- the strolling intermezzo has gotten rave reviews-- I have seen it in other posts here. It does not sound like it was executed properly- but then again, this may have been the brides choice as she wanted people up and dancing.

The service- I don't know.. I made sure to ask that there was ample service for each table.. Who told you that the Carltun sacrifices service??

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

I just had my wedding at The Carltun less than a month ago and all I have heard was how beautiful it was. Each table had their own waiter who was constantly bringing drinks so they didn't have to go to the bar. And the meal was delicious. My DH and I got served all three dishes since we were the bride and groom. I ate the chicken and filet mignon and both were yummy. As far as the sorbet goes, we did not ask for that, but I only heard good things about it. We also had no meal inbetween our salad and main course and it made more time for people to dance and talk instead of waiting for the next meal. And since our arrival at 5:00 until the CH ended, there were people at the front door holding trays of champagne for our guests. I actually felt bad for them standing there for 2 hours. I have no complaints of The Carltun and my full review is coming soon.

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

To answer some of your questions........

The bride was my cousin, and I helped with some of the planning of her wedding. So, I know first hand the selections in food and service she requested and expected, but did not receive. She is not a member of LIW and therefore you will not find a review from her. However, the point of this board BHB is excatly the reason for my review. I know they paid a significant amount of money and as a result, were disappointed with the Carltun.


'You said in your review that you were forced to get up and dance.. I mean, this is a party- you are supposed to be dancing-- not waiting for more food.'


Please Re-Read that paragraph, you miss-read and miss-quoted, what I wrote.

As far as the cocktail hour, it does not make a difference if a bride select 4,5,6,or 8 stations of food....the point is there should be 'sufficient' food for what ever the number of guests attending, even if it's 50, 100, 150, 200 or 250.
And that goes for any and every hall.

The intermezzo....She did not ask nor did they go into detail of how it would be served. She just assumed it would be served in individual dishes on the table, like at every other event and hall she had attended. That was a mistake on her part for not specifically asking the question. Had she known, she would have requested it to be served at the table or at that point selected a pasta dish between the salad and main course.
My point was to let other girls know what to expect so they are not taken by surprised the day of their wedding. As I stated, if there were children invited to the wedding it would have been more appropriate and maybe even cute, as opposed to an all adult affair. Some brides are going to like it, other are not, everyone had different tastes.....My point is to make them aware of the above, incase like my cousin, they
did not ask or were given details.

My review was meant for future Carltun Brides, to be aware of some areas where the Carltun lacked service. I know that every bride wants her Wedding to be Perfect, and if it means pointing out some of negatives, so that they will have their Dream Wedding. Every hall and every wedding will have ups and downs. Some brides are lucky and have a perfect day. I feel 'Prevention' makes all the deference. The whole point of LIW is 'Brides Helping Brides, and that is what I am doing, not trying to bash another wedding or hall.

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

I agree with you I believe like you it is not a direct attack on any one brides wedding and I look to the boards for both positive and negative feedback so I know as a bride what to look for and question when I go to look at any hall. I have looked at halls that were given negative reviews anyway. I don't believe the negative is to get people not to go there but to be aware and address concerns when you do. Also, by walking into a hall whether you've already booked or not and telling the BM look I heard this on liweddings makes them pay closer attention to details and possibly keep the future or present bride from any unecessary stress on their day because ladies we all know these halls are not cheap!! So try not to be so defensive but kinda greatful for the negative as well as the positive and use it to your advantage. Good Luck to everyone

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

Ok-- well it is completely different if you knew that the bride did not get what she expected.. I did not get the sense from your previous post. At any rate- it is helpful to know what you experienced. And every venue has off days-- too bad it was on your cousin's wedding day. Let's hope it is not on future Carltun brides' days either!

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

I have to agree.... I have noticed since I have been on these boards that people can not handle the truth or anything negative. I personally like the fact that there are honest people on the boards that tell us the good and the bad, especially regarding picking and choosing vendors.... Granted what happened to one may not always happen to another, but it lets all of us brides to be know the questions to ask and what to look for. Some of us don't know the correct questions to ask, but by reading reviews and other peoples posts helps us understand more about how vendors just tell us what we want to hear, not always the truth. Granted I may not be getting married at the Carltun, but I am getting married and I have received a lot by reading this. Basically just don't assume something is going to be a certain way... ASK.....

As far as your reply randella, I don't think you should take it as a bad thing, all 2untamed is trying to do is give knowledge to not only the brides that are getting married there within the upcoming months or year, but to BTB as well. If I was you I would take it as a good thing and not a bad thing.

Personally I wish other people had the guts to post more negative things regarding the experiences they have had at either there wedding or someone else's. I like knowing both the good and the bad in everything this way I can insure that I make my wedding the best it can be, by asking the right questions and addressing every last detail.

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

yeah we've found another one. I am sooo glad you posted for 2untamed. Too many people are taking the reviews too seriously. Please listen to what we are trying to say and don't be hurt by what is said!

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

I for one agree. Ever since October 30th I have been using these boards for my personal reference. You're always going to have someone who didn't like the food, the dj, etc. Just nice to get a collective whole and know difficulties before hand so you dont have a similar situation. I like the more negative reviews they tell me what to look out for.

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

I agree with halfpint (love that name, by the way!!). I want to hear EVERYTHING. It doesn't mean I'll take their word as gospel, but it's great to get several perspectives.

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

Thanks for the honest review. If every single vendr conly got glowing reviews, we'd know A) that the truth isn't ebing told b/c even the best vendor is going to mess up once in awhile, and B) that there's no basis for comparison. Thanks for posting the review. Carltun brides, don't take ti as a personal attack. People have dfifferemt tastes, etc, and use it constructively. IF there's something you read that you didn't like, you can discuss it with ur BM so it dones't happen at your wedding.

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

Antoinette 72 & Stressed3204 -
Thank you both for taking the time to carefully read all of my post, before responding. Obviously both of you understood the purpose of my review, from my very first paragraph. It seems that some people take a negative review from a vendor or hall personally & become defensive, especially when they did not even attend the actual wedding being reviewed.

I was not going to be Knit-Picky about some of the minor things, but since some brides FM asking me for more details, here goes.......

Another complaint......
Was that there wasn't enough hand held hors'doeurves being passed around during the cocktail hour, which just made it worse because of the lack of food and long waite at the stations.

Another complaint.....
The bride did not choose the Viennese Hour, that was her choice, however, instead we got a big plate with a Sliver piece of chocolate cake (delicious), a Tiny small Muffin (?) and a dish of flan that was so watered down, we had to ask for a spoon to eat it! Not cooked correctly.

Another complaint.....
When the salad dishes were finally picked-up along with the knives, they did not replace them. We had to ask the waiter for them.

Just because a bride selects an expensive hall, does not automatically mean the quality or service will be better than the other halls. That is what is 'Assumed and is Expected', and why you pay extra. But, not necessarily always the way it turns out. Just as in the two weddings that took place a month apart, one was held during the day and the other at night, and both had the same complaints. Hopefully these issues have been addressed and the future brides will not be disappointed.

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

just for the record-- I will say I read quickly as I am busy here today-- and I appreciate the honesty-- I thought my second post addressed that.. I actually only saw the post cause someone FMd me about it and I glanced at it quickly.

I will certainly be bringing some things up to my BM's attention. Thank you again.

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

Randella, I'm glad you understand I had only good intentions and helped future brides not have a dissapointing day like my cousin. I hope your day turns out perfect for you and all the other brides.
No harm meant or done.... All's good............

On the positive notes....
The valet service was quick and efficient.
The grounds were beautifully manicured
The outside ceremony was beautiful
The Grilled Tuna at CH was incrediable
The main Reception room is very airy and elegant
Each room is decorated beautifully
The bathrooms were maintained clean
The when the main entree was raw, they brought out a new one, instead of re-cooking the same one
The Jazz band and the cigar rooler were great

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

Thanks for an honest review. I think its natural for people to be defensive for their hall. But at the same time I have realized that what some people consider good service may not be the same for another. Gor example we went to a very $$$ hall in the city and the food was HORRIBLE. Some raved about the food because its a known caterer but 80% did not. So that shows that everything is subjective..the most important thing to remember is everything is WONDERFUL if the bride and grrom have a good time

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

I also appreciate the honesty, but pointing out the goods parts is something that you forgot to do the first time around!! This is very important! It is a beautiful hall and I feel very lucky to be able to have it here!!!!

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

Thank you for your honest review! I don't know why, but everybody seems overally stressed and they're getting easily offended. I guess it's the holidays coming! Maybe the negativity will go down a bit once Christmas is over.......I hope so anyway

Re: Carltun Brides - FYI - Negative Review!!

I wanted to say 'Thank You' to all the girls who posted and FM me, in support of me writing an 'Honest Review' and help them point out a few things to questions when planning their own wedding at the Carltun.

I've noticed a lot of the time, girls who get married at Higher Priced Halls, only post about how 'Perfect' it was, and never anything negative. It seems it's mostly the girls who get married at less Expensive Halls who are more honest and post both positive and negative reviews.

I know some girls on this board have expressed they sometimes feel a little sad because they were not able to get married at a more expensive hall. But, like my cousin who thought she was 'Lucky and Happy' to be getting married at the Carltun, because of the was disappointed. It can happen and it does happen. Sometimes it's good to let girls know price isn't everything, if the hall does not provide the service you paid or expected.

My humble point...... I wish and hope ever girl getting married lots of Happiness and a Perfect Wedding Day!! And to feel just as 'Happy and Lucky' to be getting married at you the hall of your choice!! May it be your 'Dream Wedding'!!