Brides Helping Brides ™ - Official DeSeversky Center Thread – Page 3

nybridetobe Posted: Apr 20, 2005 07:10 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

Laurie,
You might want to write a letter directly to the University. I wonder if they knew of all of the complaints if they would consider a mangement change. It really is such a shame b/c the place is unique--but they need some help in a variety of areas.

If I were doing it all over---would I have chosen this place? Probably yes---but I would have had a professional wedding planner deal with Debbie from the start.

In regards to Chef Rizzuto, he dealt directly with my mom and was extremely professional and courteous--no complaints at all--just that the menus were a bit limited in comparison to other facilities--less options-less variety--BUT--when brought to his attention he was completely open to changing things-adding things etc.

Some of the things they did --such as selling the place with the bridal room--then day b4 saying it is an extra charge---prohibiting us from using the conference room to sign our ketubah-threatening that we could not use any candles anywhere (the day of the wedding) Not having the vcr in the bridal suite for the kids as promised-putting out the coffee cups on display near the front door of the ballroom, not leaving our food on our table so we could try it-misplacing our cake knife for a week-not keeping the place clean-each time we went to visit-we discussed the ants on the floor and other maintenance issues....etc etc. never answering the phone-that was probably the most frustrating part of all......thank god everything turned out ok-and from what I hear the food was good--not once during the night did anyone offer me a drink--so cant vouch for the bartender....other bad-is no-one cleaned the ladies room all night--even though we discussed this ahead of time-

so glad I never have to deal with that place again---If you do write a letter-I would be happy to sign it.........

for anyone booked there---do not freak out-just seriously consider getting a planner to deal with them from here on out. You will see as it gets closer what we mean.

lreigada Posted: Apr 23, 2005 06:38 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

I am really sorry to hear that your wedding day was impacted negatively by the staff. Thanks for letting us know your difficulties so we can hopefully rectify the problem for our wedding. It is really appreciated. I second writting a letter to the university to notify them of your situation.

I actually just put down my deposit today (july 22, 06) and I had read some of the problems that nybride had stated and was aware there are some management problems - not freaked out really - just feeling like a little bit of my excitement has leaked out after reading this. HOWEVER, I must say one of the things I really liked about the place is that it is not a typical wedding catering hall so I am not surprised that the service is not the same as some of the other catering places, but it is not right and absolutely unacceptable that you do not get what they promised. Again - you should probably write a letter.

I was thinking beforehand of getting a wedding planner for this place but I am nervous that it will be a lot of $$$ and we do not have a budget that can expand a lot. Even a day wedding planner is quite pricey...

So sorry to hear your day wasn't perfect - I hope that you made some beautiful memories and enjoyed the celebration despite Deseversky staff.

pamelarog Posted: May 02, 2005 05:53 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

Thanks SO MUCH ladies for sharing - immensely helpful!!! So sorry you were less than 100% thrilled with the way your day was handled. For the amount of money DeSeversky charges...no one should have to play guinea pig!!! It's unacceptable.

I was absolutely smitten with this place until now - and now I'm extremely nervous. Actually, maybe more mad than nervous.

Now that we've got this great information from those of you who have already had your weddings at DeSeversky...the few of us that have upcoming weddings should not let this happen again.

KimberlyBride, Ireigada...other DeSeversky Brides I'm not aware of...What should we do? I'm a control freak, so didn't intend on hiring a wedding planner and instead of having second thoughts on that would rather take action on my own. And I'd love to brainstorm ideas to politely yet very strenuously have have Debbie & the rest at deSeversky understand that we know there are complaints...that other weddings have been sub-par and that that is unacceptable for us and for future brides. Letters to the University are a start...but if their treatment is already sub-prime what's to stop them from holding a grudge and REALLY screwing up your wedding.

Ugh...tricky tricky...any thoughts?

conigs25 Posted: May 02, 2005 06:46 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

I saw Deseversky w/ FI on Fri. I originally was SO SUPER excited about it i couldnt see straight. Then, after rdg these stories, i got nervous. He and i went and i left there less than satisfied and i was so upset. I wanted to like it SOOO much. I mean, the place is great but... I thought Debbie was nice but, sort of lax. I didnt sense any professionalism in her AT ALL!! Im worried that the food choices are limited. Also, i have a collegue who attended a wedding there and said it felt crowded (the wedding had approx 115 guests- Im having 200). Im so on the fence. I saw Milleridge yesterday and I LOVE IT but its he standard wedding that I thought i didnt want. I love the style of party Deseversky does, i just think they are too inexperienced. PLEASE,PLEASE, PLEASE help me make up my mind!!!!!

denise2006 Posted: May 02, 2005 07:17 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

Wow I can't believe they have weddings there! I went to school there. Their film classes and communications dept. are in the building.......who does the catering, the place?

nybridetobe Posted: May 03, 2005 03:30 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

I hate to be the one to tell you--but there is no way...no way I would have 200 people at de Seversky--I had 100 & it was cozy--200 is just way too many for this location..With 200 you would not be in the ballroom-you would probably be sold the 'mansion style' 5-6 hour cocktail party which is not the best use of the space...and there were earlier complaints this year regarding this style of event mostly on service and lack of food for the number of people...
Have you looked at Carlyle on the Green--in Bethpage State Park..? We would have chosen it but it was way too big for 100 people. If you need more info on it-just let me know.

KimberlyBride Posted: May 03, 2005 03:54 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

I have to agree. 200 people is too many for DeSeversky to handle.

lreigada Posted: May 03, 2005 05:04 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

FYI - I met with Debbie the other day and expressed my concerns with her. She is always very nice and helpful but at the end of the day she will not be the one running the wedding. Usually she is there for the setup and ceremony of the wedding, but is not contracted be be available that day. There is a bridal attendent and a manager who runs the show. I have not met with either people thus far and in the end I want to feel comfortable that everything will run smoothly so I hired a Day of Coordinator (Rosalie - she is a vender on this site - met with her last night and signed the contract we are extremely happy to be working with her she has done several weddings at Deseversky). Although weddings are beyond expensive - and I should not have to pay a cent more for qualilty service I ultimately contracted a DOC b/c it was worth the $$$ for piece of mind that the day will run smoothly. After speaking with several DOC I think I would have liked to have this service regardless of location - there really is a lot of organization and I don't want to think about a thing on my day and have fun - also the prices were quite reasonable IMO. This is an option for others if they are nervous - FM me if you have questions. FYI-Rosalie reported that the weddings she has done at deseversky has run very smoothly and were beautiful. I still love this place - I looked for 6 months and their is no doubt in my mind that this place is the one for me and my wedding day will be magical - how could it not - the food is supposedly great, the surroundings/grounds are breathtaking, and I will be surrounded by the people who I love.

lreigada Posted: May 03, 2005 05:08 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

Maybe we should begin to generate a list of concerns and/or expected services?

KimberlyBride Posted: May 03, 2005 05:16 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

That is great that you hired Rosalie! I am using her too. She has been beyond helpful and so much fun to work with. She emails me every week asking if I need help with anything and is so awesome. I think we both will be better off with a DOC. She will take care of everything and we can just enjoy the day.

Ok here is one of my concerns: the whole candle thing. My CP's are picked out and paid for and have pilar candles on each table. No one mentioned anything to me about candles when I spoke with Pilar (manager) and booked the wedding. If anyone told me the day of the wedding I could not have candles I would flip so this is something we need to work out beforehand.

pamelarog Posted: May 03, 2005 05:19 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

I'd contact them right away. It does say something about no open flames in my contract (not sure about yours).

pamelarog Posted: May 03, 2005 05:21 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

I would be up for that!

I really don't want to hire a DOC - plus I've got a control freak MOH who wouldn't let anything go wrong...but I'd much rather have peace of mind going into the day. I don't want anyone to have to deal with unexpected (and unacceptable!) mishaps. So, I may rethink the DOC thing.

But for now, I would love to have some control over this...so I'm up for whatever would help resolve the DeSeversky issues and make this more smooth-going for all of us.

KimberlyBride Posted: May 03, 2005 05:22 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

Yes I will call tomorrow. I did look over my contract and there is nothing about open flames. I booked March 04 so I think this was something they changed after I booked.

Thanks

pamelarog Posted: May 03, 2005 05:31 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

Excellent! Good for you...hold them to it.

However, just double check...I think I read it in my vendor agreement - not the actual contract.

KimberlyBride Posted: May 03, 2005 05:32 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

I will read the vendor agreement over as well. Thanks for your help.

lreigada Posted: May 03, 2005 05:37 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

my vendor agreement discusses no open flames but it is newer.

lreigada Posted: May 03, 2005 05:38 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

I am a complete control freak too!!!

KimberlyBride Posted: May 03, 2005 05:42 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

Same here - woohoooo!

HAHA!

nybridetobe Posted: May 03, 2005 05:43 PM

Re: Official DeSeversky Center Thread

That is great that you hired a doc-you mentioned that there is a manager and bridal attendant on duty for the wedding.....not sure who told you this-but it is not accurate-There was no bridal attendant at my wedding (there is not a bathroom attendant either) & the maitre-d-was a young waitress on staff--who did not act in the capacity of a manager -when the microphone was missing--not even the head chef knew who to turn to--the waitresses kept looking for Debbie-who was on site clearing tables in the cocktail room--when the tv/vcr was missing-it was Debbie who located it-when we were informed about the candles-It was Debbie again--Maitre-ds mostly are concerned with getting the food out of the kitchen-rather than the other details of a wedding--If you think you have a manager and attendant working your event-you may want to clarify that.