5/6/06 NYC Wedding Review - Capitale, Pastor April, LI Sound, Duet, Mia, LA Productions, Silver Star Limos, Belle Fleur...

Let me start of by explaining that I have VERY high standards. I’m the first to say that I get easily PO’d, but I just won’t “settle” for anything less than stellar from any vendors. So, the following is my “grade” for my vendors for both the planning and their day-of performances – at times I may sound critical, but I am only stating the truth as I see it. I did learn that people / vendors are only human, and that mistakes are bound to happen, but while I recognize this, it is still hard for me to look past repeated mistakes or carelessness and their grades reflect this.


Capitale

Planning – B

Our original contact at Capitale was fired halfway through the planning process, and we didn’t find out until we contacted Capitale, which I thought was extremely unprofessional. Also, we ended up having to pay an extra $5,000 or so because of discrepancies between what was in our contract and what was never verbally communicated to us (regarding lighting and electrical use). However, our new contact was extremely nice and professional – he was always quick to respond to my sometimes ridiculous questions and he remained patient with me. Even at the tasting when I almost had a meltdown over whether to use white or ivory tablecloths, he still stayed calm. The only complaint I have is that Capitale has an engineering company that is separate from them, and the guy that runs the operation *****. Capitale insists that anything lighting/electrical related MUST go through the company….which basically always meant that they wanted more money. Even the simplest task we were charged for. You’re basically screwed if you get married at Capitale, because you HAVE to use their engineers and you HAVE to pay for it.

Besides the engineering company problem, DH and I were thoroughly pleased with Capitale. They do events all the time, and they know what they’re doing.

Day-of A+

They did a fabulous job. They were like an assembly line – plus, the staff was friendly and helpful and efficient with our guests. I don’t know if they would have done such a great job without my DOC giving them a detailed timeline, but nevertheless we have no complaints.

Follow-up / Day after F

Well, well – here comes my least favorite part. DH and I went to Capitale a few days after the wedding to pick up all the things that were left there. DH was busy carrying everything out to a cab and I was walking out with our contact there (I won’t name any names, although I would like to). I was about to thank him for a fabulous job and how it was wonderful doing business with him, when he suddenly got very weird and asked me how much I had tipped the Maitre’D. I was honestly taken aback and responded with how much we tipped - $1,000. (when we first met with Capitale, I remember the guy that got fired telling me that $1,000 was customary, which I thought was a lot of money). Anyway, our contact rolled his eyes and made some sighs of disbelief when I told him how much I had tipped. I asked him if there was a problem and he hesitated and then said, “no, no don’t worry about it – he usually gets A LOT more, but whatever…”. What followed was a very uncomfortable moment and then he just walked away – and that was the last time I saw him. After months and months of great service and being so helpful and polite, this man blew it all in one moment. I could not BELIEVE the audacity to call me out on a gratuity!!!! I had done extensive research on the boards and had determined that $2-5 per head was the norm. At 200 guests, that would put us at $5/head! I don’t know….he made me feel soooo cheap and worthless, and ultimately it made me feel really disgusted at Capitale. I was bothered for several days afterwards….but now after I think about the 22% service charge that we paid, I am even more disgusted at Capitale’s attempt to get more money out of us. Ugh!