I'm so upset and need help

i have to change my wedding date. I am 7 months away from my original and i am going to have to put it back until march of 2006. We will not be able to come up with the rest of the money we need in less than 7 months.

I am nervous about what is going to happen with my hall. Did anyone go through this. Are they going to give me a hard time because october isn't that far away?

First off Im so sorry you have to deal with this!
I would just call the hall and explain to them your situation. I can't see why it would be a huge deal to just switch the date. They still have time to book your date out and it is not like you aren't going to still have your reception there.

Could you ask them if it is possible to work out a payment plan with them? That way you can keep your original date and pay it off a little bit at a time.
Good luck.

I'm sorry you have to deal with this!! I know when we signed our contract the hall said if we had to cancel for any reason they would hold any money we put down and use it towards a future date... I would imagine they can do the same for you, and its still early enough to rebook the date if need be... Don't worry, I'm sure things will work out!!

I dont know how to help but I wanted to give you some

I could be totally off here, but I thought there is some sort of law/guideline in Suffolk County that outside of 6 mos there is a specified refund policy. You may want to investigate my lack of knowledge further.... If you plan to reschedule, I bet they'll work with you...Just talk to them!

So sorry about the change, but now you'll have more time to take your time and do things the way you really want and enjoy it!

I know that you are upset about having to change the date but I am glad that the watermill will be able to work it out with you.

My cousin had to move her wedding date forward, but she and her husband were in a very bad car accident a couple months before the wedding and could not walk or stand for any length of time by their wedding date. Thankfully they are better now. They had no problems moving everything, and the caterers didn't charge extra fees.

I would think yours might charge a nominal fee at worst. They can probably still book someone for your date, and they will have your business in future. Good luck!

Good Luck!

Don't worry!! The most important thing is that you still get to marry your sweetie!!!!!

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Posted by kdrainey

It's over 6 months before your date so you can totally cancel and get all but $100 back. Watermill must return your money within 30 days.

I posted a while ago about the Suffolk County law. Pay particular attention to 237-3.

Chapter 237, CATERERS

GENERAL REFERENCES

§ 237-1. Legislative findings and intent.

A.The Legislature finds that the Suffolk County Department of Consumer Affairs has received numerous complaints from consumers about catering contracts. These contracts are very often executed long in advance of affairs, at the urging of caterers, to avoid scheduling disappointments.

B.The Legislature further finds that, upon the execution of such a contract, a consumer is required to make an initial payment and may be required to make periodic payments thereafter.

C.The Legislature further finds that those who cancel catering contracts, in most instances, do so for legitimate reasons. The major area of consumer complaints relates to these cancellations and the claims of patrons for restitution of these partial payments and, on the other hand, the caterers' claims to damages due to these cancellations.

D.The Legislature further finds that the common no return of deposit clause too often results in an unconscionable and unjust situation because the caterer often rebooks the room for the contracted date at a price more or less than the original contract price but which has no bearing on the no return of deposit clause.

E.The Legislature further finds that a caterer's delegation of its performance of the contract to another caterer without the consumer's consent is unconscionable.

F.The Legislature intends to cure these inequities by establishing criteria and procedures for cancellation of catering contracts and for the delegating of these contracts.

§ 237-2. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

CATERER -- Any person or business engaged in serving food or beverages for private functions in Suffolk County.

§ 237-3. Cancellations and cancellation fees.

A. A cancellation occurs:

(1)When the consumer mails to the caterer notice of his or her intent to cancel; or

(2)When the caterer has actual notice of the consumer's intent to cancel.

B. With regard to cancellation fees:

(1)If a consumer cancels a catering contract and the caterer is able to rebook the date, the caterer's cancellation fee may not exceed 5% of the total contract price or $100, whichever is less, plus actual expenses reasonably incurred.

(2)If a consumer cancels a catering contract and the caterer is unable to rebook the date, the caterer's cancellation fee may not exceed the difference between the total contract price and the cost of performance, plus actual expenses reasonably incurred. The caterer must be able to show diligent efforts to rebook and most fairly calculate the cost of performance.

(3)It will be presumed that a caterer who receives notice of cancellation six months or more before the scheduled date of the function will be able to rebook.

§ 237-4. Prompt refunds.

As soon as reasonably practicable after cancellation and in no event later than 30 days after rebooking, the caterer must return to the consumer any sum received which exceeds the caterer's permissible cancellation fee.

§ 237-5. Contract forms.

Contract forms used by a caterer must conspicuously disclose the caterer's cancellation fee. This does not apply to contract forms ordered to be printed or set in type before the effective date of this chapter, but such forms may not be used for more than six months after this chapter takes effect.

§ 237-6. Delegation of performance to another caterer.

A caterer may not delegate performance of any contract to another caterer without the consumer's consent. This consent may be obtained only after the caterer advised the consumer of its inability to perform under the contract.

§ 237-7. Penalties for offenses.

The Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Affairs of Suffolk County or his designated representative shall have the power to impose upon any caterer who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter and/or any regulations duly promulgated with respect thereto a civil penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $500 for each such violation.

§ 237-8. Enforcement.

A.This chapter shall be enforced by the Department of Consumer Affairs of Suffolk County.

B.The Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Affairs of Suffolk County may promulgate regulations consistent with and in furtherance of the provisions of this chapter.

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Katrina, again, what would we do without you?!

You are amazing!

you're doing the right thing!

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Posted by GoingNutty

I'm sorry you have to deal with this!! I know when we signed our contract the hall said if we had to cancel for any reason they would hold any money we put down and use it towards a future date... I would imagine they can do the same for you, and its still early enough to rebook the date if need be... Don't worry, I'm sure things will work out!!

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I have to agree with the above. And they can still book the October date. Believe me - halls do it all the time.

When I called the watermill they told me I am not going to lose any of my deposits. I just have to start a new contract where I have to put $500.00 each month for 4 months but whatever I put down is going towards the last payment I have to make. They gave me no problems at all, Brian was very understanding.

I am just so sad I am no longer a 2005 bride I have been engaged 3 years already and I have to wait another year again. But, if we can't make it what am I going to do right? At least I have another year to plan.

I'm so sorry!

It will work out for the best.

you ar still an 05 bride here with us!

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Posted by OctBride05

When I called the watermill they told me I am not going to lose any of my deposits. I just have to start a new contract where I have to put $500.00 each month for 4 months but whatever I put down is going towards the last payment I have to make. They gave me no problems at all, Brian was very understanding.

I am just so sad I am no longer a 2005 bride I have been engaged 3 years already and I have to wait another year again. But, if we can't make it what am I going to do right? At least I have another year to plan.

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Feel free to continute to come here for all of your advice. You are still an '05er at heart!! And the bright side of things is you will now have more time to plan your spectacular special day!!