As I'm nearing my wedding date (less than one month to go) I feel like a lot of my vendors have gone from making promises to lying, and it seems to be much more of a problem with Long Island vendors than NYC vendors. The level of unprofessionalism I have encountered is horrifying!
Oh, and I feel like no one ever wants to put things in writing - probably because they know how dishonest they are!
Example 1: vendor who never gave us a contract took deposit money (we never signed a contract), wouldn't return calls, then lied and insulted me, my family and illegally taped our phone conversation (or so he says). Obviously, I'm suing him, but why did it have to get to that point? We were willing to negotiate and compromise... Such a trashy loser - he acts like an addict
Example 2: menu planning - we were told at contract signing that we could go over upgrades and additions when we planned our menu a month out. We go in for menu planning and are told that we can't make any changes to the original offerings, but we can talk to bm about changes/upgrades. We go to bm and we're told no upgrades possible - then receive an attitude when we suggest we want something different than what they offer. Response to my question is: 'we don't really do that, but why don't you plan a specific menu and I'll create a price' - no suggestions, no help, no flexibility.
If I had this whole wedding thing to do over again, I would have stayed as far away from Long Island as possible - it's been too stressful dealing with dishonest people without a professional bone in their body! All of the NYC vendors were clear, upfront and willing to discuss our needs and what they offer. So much nicer, and worth the few extra dollars (by a long shot)
Had to vent - has anyone else encountered this?
CaughtMyFish
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
no, and honestly I think both items are your fault.
1. Who gives a deposit without a contract? I would never.
2. You have to negotiate everything on the menu before signing on the line! It's one thing if they say 'maybe we can toss in an ice sculpture or flower arrangement' and another thing to try and change menu items.
I'm not trying to sound mean but both of these issues were created by you, IMO.
BellaRegina
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
That really stinks, and sorry to hear....but Caughtmyfish has a very valid point. I would NEVER put down any cash without a rock solid contract, with everything I want in writing.
I hope everything works out. So far i have just dealt with my RH and DJ and they have been nothing but perfect!
bride_in_August
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
Yes, with the first example, live and learn - this was supposed to be a local person who was trusted/honest. I understand I'm at fault with the money issue, what I have a problem is the lack of professionalism in their response. Just sketchy/trashy (and shockingly so).
As for the RH - I wanted to add items (and negotiated some in the initial contract), and tried to do so for the items I am trying to add/change now when I initially signed and was told that we go over that when we do menu planning and it couldn't be added. Btw, I have had 3 cousins married in the last year who all negotiated their upgrades at the time they planned their menu - with three different halls. We have received a lot of 'yes, we can certainly do this talk to x' and then 'we never do this, no one would say this, talk to y' and so on.
This seemed to be a common problem with all LI vendors - including dress shops, favor stores, etc. Just HIGHLY unprofessional behavior - lots of yelling and trashy suggestions. Not good at all.
Just really unprofessional, that's all. I'm likely not getting married again, and if I do, I would certainly not have a big wedding a second time. I just think that if I were to do it again, my main regret would be dealing with LI vendors at all. I would have kept it in the city.
Just my 2 cents...
CaughtMyFish
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
I have had no such issues with my LI vendors. I think you just got a bad crop, and made some bad choices.
My 2 cents......
BellaRegina
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
I really hope everything works out!
I havent been in hardcore planning mode just yet (still have 2 years and 2 months until the big day), but i hope I dont come accross the same headache.
Would you mind FM me some people to avoid. THANKS!
mybabylovesmoi
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
I understand that you shouldn't have given money without a contract but it doesn't make what the vendor did any better.
I get what you're saying, I was really turned off by several people/companies during the wedding planning process...lots of snakes out there and it' unfortunate that you can't take people's word when money is involved.
halfbaked
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
Posted by CaughtMyFish
2. You have to negotiate everything on the menu before signing on the line! It's one thing if they say 'maybe we can toss in an ice sculpture or flower arrangement' and another thing to try and change menu items.
I'm not trying to sound mean but both of these issues were created by you, IMO.
I disagree entirely. We weren't even presented with a full list of menu options until we sat down with Linda a month out from the wedding. We had every opportunity at that meeting to add/upgrade whatever we so chose. That's how every RH we visited worked... except for the ones in manhattan/Queens, ironically.
ETA: To the OP: Sorry you're going through this. Don't let it ruin your big day though!
LindsaylovesJustin
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
Posted by CaughtMyFish
I have had no such issues with my LI vendors. I think you just got a bad crop, and made some bad choices.
My 2 cents......
I <3 you lol
Irishbride16
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
Wow im so sorry you are going though that ...but i always to my homework and make sure the places that i liked had good reviews and always make sure to sign a contract too... or make sure they have one ...long island wedding has helped me alot and im sorry again u are going though this
Richiesgirl
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
Sorry you are going through this....Thankfully I haven't really had any problems with LI vendors. However I DO understand where you are coming from saying you would rather deal with NYC vendors...They def are more professional (and costly) and also more open to suggestions. I feel like LI vendors are very consistent, everyones photos are the same poses, everyones cakes look the same, everyones everything is the same. I love you LIW'ers but it is true..or I am just not used to it. I am a city girl
LATOYA
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
Posted by Richiesgirl
Sorry you are going through this....Thankfully I haven't really had any problems with LI vendors. However I DO understand where you are coming from saying you would rather deal with NYC vendors...They def are more professional (and costly) and also more open to suggestions. I feel like LI vendors are very consistent, everyones photos are the same poses, everyones cakes look the same, everyones everything is the same. I love you LIW'ers but it is true..or I am just not used to it. I am a city girl
ITA however I have no problems at all with my vendors but I understand what you're saying. I'm also a city girl at heart.
jettahot
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Sounds kinda odd, no? What RH are you getting married at??
Watermelon5
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I haven't experienced this at all. ive met w/ about a half a dozen or more companies PER vendor (e.g. 6 florists, 6 djs, etc.) and all have been more than accomodating.
also re: our menu we basically negotiated our add-ins before signing our contract so that it would be in writing.
LMEL1223
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
Posted by mybabylovesmoi
I understand that you shouldn't have given money without a contract but it doesn't make what the vendor did any better.
I get what you're saying, I was really turned off by several people/companies during the wedding planning process...lots of snakes out there and it' unfortunate that you can't take people's word when money is involved.
I agree! Maybe you could have been a little more careful with signing a contract but that doesn't make it ok for a vendor to act so unprofessional.
dunnkat
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
I haven't run into any problems with my vendors, sounds like you are making snap judgements about all LI vendors and their 'trashy' suggestions.
Jmrosa1
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
Posted by jettahot
Sounds kinda odd, no? What RH are you getting married at??
I agree...this whole post seems kind of sketchy. Who trashes long island vendors as a entire WHOLE? Long island is a huge place with many vendors...
If this post is a real post I am very sorry to hear, but don't generalize a whole place based on a few vendors or poor choices.
CaughtMyFish
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
Posted by Jmrosa1
Posted by jettahot
Sounds kinda odd, no? What RH are you getting married at??
I agree...this whole post seems kind of sketchy. Who trashes long island vendors as a entire WHOLE? Long island is a huge place with many vendors...
If this post is a real post I am very sorry to hear, but don't generalize a whole place based on a few vendors or poor choices.
Exactly.
I would love to know which vendors she is referring to, as well.
cheercoach
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Re: Dishonest/Unprofessional Vendors on LI
I have had nothing but great experiences with LI Wedding Vendors. I think you made a few bad choices. Manhattan wedding vendors, I've dealt with some of them also and I found that just like LI Vendors some of them were great and others seemed like snake oil salesmen. If you don't click personally with a vendor stay away even if you like their product. It's improtant that you are comfortable with the person you are dealing with from the moment you book right up to the day of your wedding.
