Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

simba301 Posted: Apr 10, 2013 11:45 AM

Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

We had our tasting last night and I was a bit underwhelmed. They didn't have vegetarian options for my MOH even though I had called the day before to confirm this. We were not able to taste the wine or champagne that will be served at the wedding. The filet mignon was overcooked. We couldn't taste the fish dish we were most interested in because we hadn't asked for that in advance--I had no idea how tastings work and didn't know I could do that...and our BM didn't tell us either.

The fact that I had a really hard time getting a BM to return my calls is making me nervous. I had read so many good things about this RH, but my experience with this tasting was not so great. Today is our last day to cancel and I am wondering if I should have visited more RH's before booking Westbury Manor on the spot as I did. I guess I was just so happy that they would accept a 60 guest minimum instead of the 100+ other places require. But, now I am having second thoughts. Our wedding will be in March of 2014 so, if I cancel and shop around at more RH's but don't find anything I like, I suppose I can always go back to WM. What would you do if you were me?

sgf2 Posted: Apr 10, 2013 01:13 PM

Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

I've never been to a wedding at WM, but I work with a girl who got married there about 2 years ago. She had no complaints at all, and said that everyone was wonderful and helpful.

I was also there for a wedding showcase on Monday, and they offered champagne, which tasted so great to me, I had a second glass.

Hope this helps!!

simba301 Posted: Apr 10, 2013 01:17 PM

Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

Thanks! I asked about champagne too, but didn't get to try any. They let us try the wine they serve at the restaurant (I had shiraz) but said the wine at our wedding may be different. Everyone was nice, but there seemed to be a lack of communication that has me worried. I'm not a perfectionist, but I want my guests to be happy with everything--especially since some are coming from across the country to celebrate with us.

Chaz Posted: Apr 10, 2013 01:34 PM

Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

I've been to Westbury Manor a million times for events, and they seriously won't disappoint! I live down the block so every family, work, & school function I've ever had has been there and Chateau Briand.

I assume there's a reason you fell in love with the place besides them accepting the lower minimum. If you're seriously worried, go with your gut, but any time I've been there they've put on a wonderful spread and the food/drinks were delicious.

Good luck!

simba301 Posted: Apr 10, 2013 01:55 PM

Re: Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

Posted by Chaz

I've been to Westbury Manor a million times for events, and they seriously won't disappoint! I live down the block so every family, work, & school function I've ever had has been there and Chateau Briand.

I assume there's a reason you fell in love with the place besides them accepting the lower minimum. If you're seriously worried, go with your gut, but any time I've been there they've put on a wonderful spread and the food/drinks were delicious.

Good luck!

Thank you! I've mostly read all positive reviews and heard good things about WM and really liked our BM when we met with her. I guess that is why I booked it on the spot like that. I've made an appointment to go back and meet with her tonight after work. Hopefully, we can go over all of my concerns and work something out. I haven't been to many LI weddings. I attended two last year--one at the Metropolitan (disappointing) and one at the DeSeversky mansion (amazing). I just want to make sure my guests will leave happy--especially since some of them are flying across the country to celebrate with us. Thanks again!

Shanti12 Posted: Apr 10, 2013 01:56 PM

Re: Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

I thought they had a lot of vegetarian options?
I asked them to change one thing on my menu and they took it off and replaced it with a vegetarian pasta so I don't know why you got that impression!

Oh nm I see, maybe they didn't have it at the tasting when you went.
The food at the showcase has always been great. I wouldn't worry, my family and bridesmaids thought the food that we sampled was great and whenever I called to get any questions answered they were super helpful. And like I said, they were really flexible when I did my final menu.
I think it's normal to have cold feet, there are a lot of options out there! I think you have a little time if you want to shop around more but if you don't get the same date it could affect things with other vendors if you already booked some other vendors.

sgf2 Posted: Apr 10, 2013 02:12 PM

Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

When you meet with your BM tonight, ask her for the name of a second BM who you can speak to when she is unavailable. My venue only has a few people working in their office and so any time I call, whoever answers the phone can help me. I think that you should have at least ONE other person you are able to speak with, and then they can just make sure to put a note in your file. That doesn't seem like too much to ask for.

JuneBug86 Posted: Apr 10, 2013 02:13 PM

Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

I really have nothing but great things to say about this place. They were on point during our wedding planning and more so on our wedding day. I didn't even realize they offered tastings except during the showcase which were mostly cocktail hour add ons, so we never had one, but we're still pleased with the food choices and so did our guests. I hope your BM works something out for you, but if you feel like you should cancel definitely go with your gut because in the end it is your day and you deserve to enjoy it without having to worry about anything.

marquitatweety Posted: Apr 11, 2013 04:33 AM

Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

Sunset Harbour will do a 60 person minimum that's what I have but it has to be in the club room not the bigger prettier harbour room

simba301 Posted: Apr 11, 2013 10:35 AM

Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

I met with our BM last night and ended up not canceling the RH. She said we could put something in writing when we finalize the menu that gives a temperature range for the steak so that it wouldn't be overcooked. I also got to taste the champagne and found out that we were incorrectly informed at the tasting--the wine we tasted will be available and the cheesecake I ordered for dessert will be the same as at the wedding. I'm not sure why our MD didn't know that, but I felt better once I went over all my concerns with the BM. She did not give me the 'hard sell' I was expecting and basically told me that, if I hated the food, I should cancel and look elsewhere. I appreciated the honesty (even if it might have been motivated by her thinking I'll be a huge PITA down the line and wanting to escape, lol) and told her that it wasn't the food quality that bothered me. It was the preparation--and the lack of communication with the RH when I called about the veg meal. Turns out, our BM had my cell # incorrectly entered in the computer. So, the other BM's were calling the wrong # (even though I left the right # on their voicemails). Anyhow, I toured the grounds, discussed menu upgrades, and left feeling better about it overall. Thank you all for the support!

sandr325 Posted: Apr 11, 2013 10:43 AM

Re: Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

Yay, glad it all worked out.

ASemderWedding Posted: Apr 11, 2013 11:39 AM

Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

I'm glad that it worked out for you!!

DharmaColbie86 Posted: Apr 11, 2013 11:43 AM

Last day to cancel RH - having cold feet

Just a heads up if you do decide to cancel a lot of places wont let you book there after the fact within the same year. I think WM is beautiful but I felt our BM was a little pushy we had put a deposit but then I changed my mind and they told me we couldn't decide to rebook.