FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

Ok, I share this with you all because there are many lessons to be learned.

You may remember me posting about a month ago that she was having a huge problem with Bridal Reflections over alterations and such, so that's where it all started.

RD was at the Olive Garden in Centereach. We were to have one of those 'private' areas. Well all 30 of us show up and they have no record of her reservation (she confirmed 2 days prior). LESSON #1: write the date, time and name of who you speak to when making arrangements over the phone. We waited about 45 minutes. They gave us breadsticks while we waited and then gave us 6 free appetizers.

While waiting to be seated at RD, FSIL calls limo company to confirm (don't know who). They say she hasn't made her final payment yet, which she did (in cash) earlier in the week. Her contract is packed since they just moved into their new place and the limo co. only had one copy of the contract which was locked in a safe and the ONLY person with the combo was on vacation....whatever! LESSONS #2 & 3: Try not to make payments in cash! Keep all contracts together in an easily-accissible place. Ps...she found the contract.

Sadly, there's more. Now, I as well as many others have raved about the Fox Hollow. I kept telling FSIL she had nothing to worry about!! We show up 2 hours before cocktail hour and have FULL use of the photo studio for the entire time which was very nice, but the BP was not 'allowed' into the bridal suite, but the bridal attendant was collecting their items and bringing them somewhere. Right before cocktail hour, my other FSIL discovers her card (with cash in it) is missing. Bridal attendant says it's not with the stuff. As of now, the card still hasn't been found. OK, so cocktail hour is starting and FSIL is saying it;s the wrong room! For 125 people there was only seating for about 50 and with that many people plus the buffet tables, it was like a fire hazard. About 25 minutes into cocktail hour they set-up another room for seating which was not near the main cocktail hour room. BP is still not given access to the bridal suite so FSIL raises a stink. Turns out the bridal suite they were supposed to get is being painted but they offered her another suite which could not fit her 12 person BP and they didn't offer to bring food in (which was supposed to be set-up in there anyway) plus the room reiked of paint fumes. After all this goes wrong she asks to see the dining room (winter garden) and there are NO pointsettia's. Which last year when she booked the room, they were all where the ivy is hanging (for those of you that know the room), once again she was told it is decorated like that every year. And to make matters worse, when she dropped off her favors and stuff last week she was told again that they would be there. LESSON # 4: get it ALL in writing!! They also had a bride and groom build-a-bear on their cake table and as of this morning, they were missing.

As I was trying to calm FSIL down, I knew I'd feel the same way after spending so mauch time and money. I felt so bad for her, I tried to get her to see al the wonderful things....she was married now, her guests had no clue that things were not perfect.....but the let down is hard to deal with.

Just wanted to share....hope this helps some B2B's!

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

I was my sisters MOH this summer, I took copies of all of her contracts and copies of the checks and had them with me for the wedding. My sister had hers too but I didn't want vendors bothering her on her day.

There was some confusion between the DJ and hall as to the order we'd walk into the reception. I went with my sister before the wedding to the DJ and took a copy of the sheet the DJ would use to announce us. I gave it to the bridal attentant who was lining us up and it was the correct order. The DJ looked at me like I was crazy for making such a request.

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

OMG, that is TERRIBLE!!! I am shocked over what went down at the Fox Hollow! I'll be sure to double check everything. Thanks for the tip. I hope it works out for your FSIL.

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

That is awful!! I'm so sorry

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

It's awful, isn't it...We went to a wedding last week, FI's cousin. The limo driver never checked to make sure they had everything and when the girls got to the church they realized the brides train was back at the house. The limo and the bride had to go back, which delayed the ceremony 45 minutes. The limo went the wrong way from the church to the reception. The dj wasn't ready when we got to the main dining room. FSIL was in the bridal party and had major alteration issues two days before the wedding, had to have her Nanny's friend fix the dress.
You never know what can happen, I guess you can only hope that most people don't notice anything. And try to learn by other people's mistakes.

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

HalloweenBride
Just out of curiosity, My FI works with someone who got married at the Fox Hollow last night. Is the Grooms name Tim?

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

Thank you for sharing this! I'm sorry to hear so much went wrong. It sucks but we do have to accept that things can go wrong on wedding days No matter how many copies of things we make (great tip btw ) or how much we confirm and re-confirm things, people still screw up. And we can't think of EVERYTHING to have them put it in writing. I mean I'm sure she never thought she had to tell them about the poinsettas. This makes me want to review all my contracts!!!

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

OMG! That is horrible!

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

Im ready to call everyone and confirm all my events.....and thanks for the great tip ...Im bringing copies of the contracts where ever we go!

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

What a nightmare. Yeesh

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

Wow, I am so sorry that she had a bad day....

As for the contracts...they are your lifeline as a bride! Unfortunately, many companies only accept final payments in cash. Get the receipts in writing & keep them all together in an accordian folder & if you need to, bring it with you on the day of your wedding!

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

Stupid question,
But is it so bad that I want to pay off everyone possible before the wedding?

I want all my contracts (minus photo/video of course) paid in full at LEAST one month before our wedding. I want proof 'paid in full' from all vendors in writing.

Only thing I should have to worry about on that day is the tips. That's my plan. Am I insane? I don't hear much of brides doing this. I cringe when I hear all these horror stories.

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

I'm not sure I'd take a 'paid in full' stamp from a vendor. I'd try and get a letter on their letterhead that says it was paid in full.

Re: FSIL's wedding was yesterday...so much went wrong!

that is terrible. if that was me I would have to make a visit to People's Court!!!