Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

Original post by julykbride

Jun 16, 2003 02:57 PM

We guaranteed 150 adults at the hall (Watermill) and we have 134 and we are getting married during the day on July 4th. Do you think I can negotiate for a vienniesse hour or something? We have 6 kids as well coming to the wedding. FI and I have invited extras already, but now we don't know what to do. What is everyone else doing that do not have enough people?

UPDATE:
Ok, I just spoke with one of the Banquet Managers at the Watermill (Brian). I was so mad when he was the one that picked up the call as I have spoken to him before and he was sooo mean! Once again, he was totally rude. I told him that I would be short 10 people and that was after the kids and vendors. He said that there is nothing that he can do for me as I guaranteed 150. I told him that I think it's wasted money and would like something in return. He said that they had a banquet manager get married there last month and he was short 40 people and paid up for it. Once I kept complaining, he said when I give my final headcount that he would ask his boss if there was anything he could do for me if I was under, but not to expect it as it has never been done before. I think he's full of it. He could have at least been nice about it. Are banquet managers the ones that are the maitre de's at the wedding??? If so, I need to make sure that I request not to have him!

Misty Posted: Jun 16, 2003 05:08 PM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

That is an assinine policy. Crest Hollow let us remove people up until the Friday before the wedding, and refunded the money on 1 that couldn't come, and added wine to the tables for the money on 2 other cancellations.

070502 Posted: Jun 16, 2003 05:26 PM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

We paid for 20 empty seats at the Imperial Manor

Iloveweddings Posted: Jun 16, 2003 05:32 PM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

That is a really important question to ask when you are booking the place. When my sister got married, at Douglaston Manor (non package) she guarenteed 165. The BM also said that they understand if people don't show and give a 10 person lee-way (sp) When only 162 showed up, she was returned 80.00 pp at the end of the night. As a show of good faith, she then put that extra money towards a bigger tip for Thomas. That way everyone was happy!

MayDay16 Posted: Jun 17, 2003 08:30 AM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

Well if they are MAKING you pay for people that are not there then MAKE sure you tell them that you want the 10 extra meals you are paying for wrapped up to GO. This way you can get what you pay for and their pockets don't get full.

dawnie Posted: Jun 17, 2003 08:33 AM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

I had to pay for the empty seats at Flowerfield also. I wasted about $2000.
They also wouldn't throw anything else in..
I figured I was so short at least they could have thrown ice cream in or something..they made me pay extra for that too based on the actual number attending not the guarantee.

julybride444 Posted: Jun 17, 2003 09:56 AM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

Talk to the main manager yourself, not that guy.

Becky Posted: Jun 17, 2003 10:27 AM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

I would take it out of their tips. If they want you to pay for people who are not there, then they can take their tips out of that money.

I am so sorry Karen. I would be so angry

sanmik Posted: Jun 17, 2003 10:29 AM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

What types of desserts are you having? If it's just the cake, ask if trays of pasteries can be added to the tables to make up the difference.

julykbride Posted: Jun 17, 2003 11:18 AM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

From what I heard, a lot of other brides at the Watermill have been in the same dilemma and had nothing done for them. We're going to just have the meals wrapped and taken home unless you all want to come to the wedding!

butterfly20 Posted: Jun 17, 2003 12:03 PM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

have you thought of inviting all your neighbors?

julykbride Posted: Jun 17, 2003 12:08 PM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

My mom invited some of our neighbors, but I live in San Diego, so none of my neighbors can go.

Maribelle7777 Posted: Jun 17, 2003 12:18 PM

Re: Don't have enough people! UPDATE LONG

I am a bit confused. So instead of paying for the empty places, you want a viennese instead? I don't see the problem with that. It's money no matter what it's going towards (entrees or viennese). I hope they change their minds and do it for you.