UPDATE: Very dissapointed with my RH..

PLEASE DON'T QUOTE:
We went yesterday to give our final payment. This meeting didn't go so well. I'm having a very small wedding on the second floor of this location, I was told to be aware that I'm not going to have a preference when it comes to taking pictures in the gardens. The brides that have a bigger party and have booked the ground floors, will be the ones to go first. I so upset; I booked this place because of the grounds. When I told them that I wanted to take pictures in the afternoon before it gets dark, I was told, again, that it just couldn’t happen due to 2 other weddings on the ground floor. I'm so disappointed in this place. They totally made me fill like the don't really care for brides with a smaller wedding. I also had a Matron 'd that has been there for a while, so I was pretty happy. But yesterday, they told me that he had to be changed (to a new guy). Are you kidding me?? Obviously, because my party is small they gave me the new guy.
I want to cry.... I won't disclose their name, but you can FM me.
UPDATE: Got a call from Owner, but I was in a meeting. He left me a message saying that if I arrived on time (1.5 hours before the my cocktail hour) I can have ONE part of the grounds - the gazebo... I just left him a message b/c I paid ALOT of money and I want to take pictures in different parts of the garden.... urghf

Unfortunately, every other place I've called charges a fee and at this point we have no money left.
I'm just wondering, can they really stop me from walking outside??

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Posted by KYBride09

Unfortunately, every other place I've called charges a fee and at this point we have no money left.
I'm just wondering, can they really stop me from walking outside??

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I dont understand what the big stink is over the fact that you have a smaller bridal party vs someone with 50 gazilliion BMs. That's a little bit daunting for them to not let you out there to take pics. Please. All the times Ive gone to Queens Botanical Gardens being in pics as a Bm there were tons of bridal parties there.

WOW!! That's a real shame! I'm terribly sorry to hear about this mistreatment. Is there anyone you can speak with about this? Any mangers etc? I'm sorry. I would feel exactly the same as you do. I'm VERy surprised they basically told you that you are bottom on the totem pole!!

can you FM me where it is? One of my BM's is going to start RH shopping soon. Thanks!

I think its just ridiculous that the maitre'ds wont let you take pics in the gardensbecause your reception and BP is smaller. You're still paying the same amount of money and deserve the same special service as any other bride whether they had 350 people at their wedding or 35!

Dont back down from this. you should have access to the gardens like every other bride!!!!!

I'm not sure where your hall is, but I think you can take outdoor pictures at the CW Post campus for free. Maybe other college campuses in other areas would also allow outdoor pictures, if Post is not in a good location.

If there are any state parks nearby, I think the fee is only about $50 (at least that's what it was for Hempstead Lake State Park), but I don't know if you could arrange the permit on short notice.

Have you talked to your photographer. He/she may have other ideas for free/low cost locations.

No matter what, though, your day and your pictures will be beautiful!!!!

Wow, I'm so sorry that this is happening. That's really shizzy. It actually makes me really mad. I'm so over this wedding horsecrap, and how it really just makes girls with small families and only close friends feel like losers. If places are going to discriminate against smaller parties, then they should just be up front about it and not book the event, rather than book it and then make you feel like a second class citizen. I'm so sorry

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Posted by Tomlaur0808

I believe the power in word of mouth. Ask to speak with the OWNER. If you cant get waht you are paying for (& even w/ a small wedding - I'm sure that's still A LOT) - you are entitled to the same thing that someone who has a larger wedding is to. If they will not give you wat you want...BE THE SQUEAKY WHEEL! Let them know you will be posting a review about them not only here, but on theknot.com as well as taking out an advertisement in Newsday, Daily News, etc. If this RH is worth any merit & esp in these economically difficult times - the RH will not want any bad press. Besides - it's not like you are asking for the entire day out there - find out a schedule of when others are going to be using the space/gardens & make sure the hall works you into it. Do you know how many times Ive seen other bridal parties having to wait...5 or 10 minutes wont kill them, If your final payment was by check you can also threaten to put a hold on the check if they dont agree to come to some sort of compromise with you. I hate playing dirty pool, but sometimes it's the only thing businesses respond to. HTH

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I DEF agree 100% ... as most of this is what I just Fm'ed you!!
Please let us know when you speak with the manager!! I'll be thinking about this and wondering how it all worked out. GGRRRRR

Thank you ladies for all your support. I called the hall and I'm waiting for a call from management.

Will keep you posted.

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Posted by DonnaPWhite1124

I think its just ridiculous that the maitre'ds wont let you take pics in the gardensbecause your reception and BP is smaller. You're still paying the same amount of money and deserve the same special service as any other bride whether they had 350 people at their wedding or 35!

Dont back down from this. you should have access to the gardens like every other bride!!!!!

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I agree...every brides should get the same access no matter how many guests!

I would TOTALLY Demand that you are allowed to take pictures there as well!! this was never in your contract that as long as there werent other weddings going on that you would be able to take pictures! you are getting married just like those other brides, and you are paying to have your wedding there! you should be able to have your pictures there as well!!!!!

i would call them and complain and let them know you WILL be taking pictures there too so the big bridal party should watch out! haha

sorry this makes me soo angry for you! just cuz you not having a gazillion people doesnt mean you should be excluded from things or be treated differently!

i am so sorry you are going through this

this is where i would break out the bridezilla..demand to speak to the owner..u r paying them lots of money..there has to be a way to make it so u can both take the pics there

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Posted by KYBride09

I'm furious. If they don't want brides seeing one another, they should space out the times better. I was also told that by the time I get there, my bridal suite won't be ready. I need to wait another 45 minutes for it.

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Sorry to crash. It sounds like that they are diong is horrible!! I couldn't imagine.

However, in your above post you said youhave to wait 45 minutes for your BS. Why even go inside yet then? GO right to the grounds and start taking your pics? I mean are they going to kick you out? Even if someone comes over and tells you to stop. I would tell your photog to move fast. Get those afternoon pics in and then if you have to go back out for other's do that too.

Also if you are concerned about your BP's bags and things. I would ask a close family member to go there and watch their stuff so you know it is safe and the BP doesn't have to lug it around.

Just a suggestion


GL!

Edited for spelling

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Posted by soontobecruz


Sorry to crash. It sounds like that they are diong is horrible!! I couldn't imagine.

However, in your abov post you said youhave to wait 45 minutes for your BS. Why even go inside yet then? GO right to the grounds and start taking your pics? I mean are they going to kick you out? Even if someone calls and tells you to stop. I would tell your photog to move fast. Get those afternoon pics in and then if you have to go back out for other's do that too.

Also if you are concerned about your BP's bags and things. I would ask a close family member to go there and watch their stuff so you know it is safe and the BP doesn't have to lug it around.

Just a suggestion


GL!

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Very good advice. I would see if you can do this. Also what about coming way earlier to take pics?

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Posted by soontobecruz

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Posted by KYBride09

I'm furious. If they don't want brides seeing one another, they should space out the times better. I was also told that by the time I get there, my bridal suite won't be ready. I need to wait another 45 minutes for it.

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Sorry to crash. It sounds like that they are diong is horrible!! I couldn't imagine.

However, in your above post you said youhave to wait 45 minutes for your BS. Why even go inside yet then? GO right to the grounds and start taking your pics? I mean are they going to kick you out? Even if someone comes over and tells you to stop. I would tell your photog to move fast. Get those afternoon pics in and then if you have to go back out for other's do that too.

Also if you are concerned about your BP's bags and things. I would ask a close family member to go there and watch their stuff so you know it is safe and the BP doesn't have to lug it around.

Just a suggestion


GL!

Edited for spelling

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I can't be outside at that time b/c antoher bride is taking her pictures. According to them, I won't be able to go to the ground until after 7:30p

this is BS you are paying just like every other bride and groom who has graced their presence - you should be entitled to the same service and amenities as everyone else!!! i would make a HUGE stink over this. ask to speak to a different manager or the owner. that is total BS that you have to wait on your wedding day!! it is the ONLY day that you can get everything you want and more and it is THEIR job to make sure it happens. PERIOD!!!!!

hope this works itself out.