UNREAL....BAD and HORRIBLE...HELP!!!!

[Strawdermangrl]

Ladies, I need to CRY my eyes out.....You won''t believe this...:
In Jan. we signed our contract at the Country Club for the reception. This included a sit down dinner, the DJ, the food, the bar and the tables,linens,decorations, and the room rental- the ENTIRE upstairs. We had a set price and signed the contrat based on that. My mother and I went in on Saturday to have a tasting. Our orignial girl isn''t there any more but we were confident that wasn''t an issue......WRONG. We get there and are looking at the room (it was set up for a wedding that night) The lady came in and was just very "I am better than you" and kept reffering to me as a "girl". That set me off...but I was raised to respect people and I kept my mouth shut. As she kept asking us questions that were not ness. things we had already decided on with the other girl, I understand that she isn''t the other lady and there are things that she may need to be brought up to speed on, but these were questions that should have been common knowledge considering she had our folder in her hands. (ie...when was our wedding, how many people, WHAT TIME!!! Come on..) So she takes us into her office and asks us what we were having and what had been decided on and finalized. We started to tell her and everytime we said something she would shake her head and say "NO. We won''t do that" or "I can just be honest with you, THAT WON''T happen." At this point I felt like my head was spinning, a bad dream I felt like- I would wake up and it would be all better. NOPE.

Now I am freaking. She says to me "I understand this is upsetting, I got a bad haircut the other day and I know how this must feel to you." ARE YOU KIDDING?

I can''t believe she would compare my wedding to a haircut!!! Anyway, she tells us that we can only have half of the room (which will hold 150- we have 225) because the other half has been booked for another party and that we can only have the room for 4 hours vs. the 8 we were promised before. Then she tells us that the DJ isn''t included and that she would "be honest with us, the other lady was fired for making these kinds of promises". I had to speak at this point. I told her " I am not directing this at you, but you must understand- we have a signed contract here in front of you in B&W. It states these things will be in place and for the agreed upon price. I can assure you that if we were backing out on the SIGNED contract less than 90 days before the wedding they would hold us to the FULL price and the contract, I expect you do the same. I don''t care that the previous lady isn''t here anymore- the reason she was fired is non of my business, nor is the fact she was fired. She represented your company and we signed this contract in good faith with her and I expect you will do what it takes to make this happen". I had to then excuse my self and cry my eyes out in the bathroom. My mother then gave the lady her views on how this is playing out, told her that we have been memebers of the CC for over 10 years and that we are HORRIFIED how this is unfolding. We left and thanked the lady for her time but let her know that we are going to decide on wether or not we are going to have the dinner and dance there. We already have everything depending on this!!!!! Our invitiations have been printed with the name on it, we have paid the contract in full and we only have about 2 1/2 months....AHHHHHHH!!!!

What am I going to do!!

 

[Rube]

Oh my gosh!

It seems that no matter WHAT the reason was that the last woman working there was fired for, the Country Club must finish up what she started, including EVERYTHING stated on the contract. I hope they see this as the only option. It would be wrong for a reputable business (which I assume it is since your family has been involved for so long!) to do anything else. They can start making changes on future clients'' contracts...
HELLO it''s a contract.

Good luck! I hope there is someone else besides the new woman (comparing it to a bad haircut???) who can help you.

 

[Strawdermangrl]

I have been in business for years and one of the key things is that you stand by your word!! What else does a company have to run off of if not for that?

I also know that when a customer is upset you must let them vent and then apologize and try to make it better- ESP when a contract is involved!!!! Oh....I just feel like the whole thing is going to be a disaster!!

 

[JCJD]

Oh no!! I''m so sorry this happened to you!! Is there someone higher up you can talk to? I think that should clear this up, if they are honest at all and want to keep their reputation. Explain how this woman treated you, exactly what she told you you couldn''t have despite it being in the contract, remind them how much money you''re paying (what they''ll be losing if they back out of the contract), and that you have been members for 10 years and will spread this information to your friends and colleagues whether they handle it badly or gracefully (if they take care of this lady''s mess, that speaks well for the upper management and the company as a whole). RE: the other half of the hall, try to find out when it was booked. It is the CC''s fault for double booking the hall, and they will need to figure out how to accomodate the two parties. If you were booked first, your contract should be honored first. Snaps to you for handling that "girl" with grace and steadfastness. I hope your mom gave her a piece of her mind!

Take lots of deep breaths!! Have a chocolate bar! And think of it this way - all you really and truly need to have a successful wedding is the bride, the groom, the officiant, and the marriage license. In the end, even if everyone is crowded into a hall closet and the cake falls in the dumpster, you will be married to the man of your dreams!!! Chin up!

 

[researcher]

That is HORRIBLE!!!

Have you considered contacting a contract lawyer to send the CC a letter? I know it''s not an ideal situation to upset the people at the CC, but it may be the best way to get them to see you''re serious about getting what you expected. Also, do you know anyone on the board of the CC? Maybe they can help?

You poor thing! I think you''re handling this very well. I would be a wreck!

 

[Strawdermangrl]

Oh....I don''t know how well I am handling this!! The DJ just called me and they have him booked ON THE WRONG DAY AND TIME!!!!! OHMYGOODNESS.

..I am losing my grip- I think I might come unglued....

My father has put in a request with the board, he plays golf with one of the members...keep your fingers crossed.

I am SO ready for VEGAS!!!

excuse me, I feel sick.

 

[flopkins]

awwwww I''m so sorry you''re going through this.....

I agree w/JCJD- find her boss immediately and speak to them directly. They need to honor your contract, regardless. I hope things work out for the best!!! I will be sending good thoughts your way...

 

[researcher]

I am SO sorry you''re going through this!!! At least your dad has a connection with someone from the board (that should help). While it sucks having to go up the chain to get things resolved, I think it''s the only way. Remember, the one woman who was so awful to you works at the club but isn''t really invested (unless she''s a member who works there). The actual members, especially the board, will most likely be horrified at how you, a member, were treated by the staff. I have a feeling everything will work out fine in the end, but you''ll have a lot of stress in the meantime (which isn''t fair). Good luck!!!

 

[ame]

get a lawyer. A girl I work with is in the SAME situation, hell I was too, till my company lawyer called. I WILL get what is in my contract. And you should too. It''s in writing they HAVE to honor it.

 

[elephant]

I agree with the former poster. Get a lawyer. Have them send a letter. It doesn''t matter when anyone else''s contract was signed. Bottom line, you have a contract in black and white and unless they''re looking for a lawsuit (and I''m assuming that they aren''t), they have to honor it. Did you have everything written down in the contract?

 

[AmberGretchen]

I''m so sorry that this happened to you. Its one of those nightmares that you just couldn''t possibly have predicted - you did nothing wrong and yet are in danger of getting screwed. It totally sucks.

I would also echo what others said about getting a lawyer. It will make a huge difference in your position - the key is to remember that you don''t have to be powerless in this situation. You can be assertive and (hopefully) get what you want, or at least something close. I suspect that when threatened with bad press, you and your family and friends all telling people what happened, and the possibility of a lawsuit for not honoring the contract, they will find a way to make it work.

Best of luck with everything and let us know how it goes - we will be waiting anxiously for updates, and I don''t think I''m being presumptuous in saying on behalf of all the ladies on this board that we are here to encourage and support you through this

 

[Strawdermangrl]

Everything is in B&W, signed. My parents are working with a meeting with the board... I am just ready to hear "it is all ok". I swear!!! This is madness. We are going to get the lawyer after the hearing with the board- if it doesn't go as planned. I really am happy I have you girls to vent to, you are so encouraging-

 

[AGBF]

I agree with everyone else: get a lawyer. If they booked the other half of the floor after they signed a contract with you, they can pay off the other party for the inconvenience to him. Keep us posted!

Deb

 

[AGBF]

Date: 5/23/2005 4:55:40 PM
Author: Strawdermangrl
Everything is in B&W, signed. My parents are working with a meeting with the board... I am just ready to hear 'it is all ok'. I swear!!! This is madness. We are going to get the lawyer after the hearing with the board- if it doesn't go as planned. I really am happy I have you girls to vent to, you are so encouraging-

Whoops! We were writing at the same time. Maybe you won't need that lawyer! Good luck!

Deborah

 

[MelissaSue]

thats awful.. seriously though.. Look over your contract.. and then get a lawyer. You have to fight to get what you signed up for.

 

[curlygirl]

Oh you poor thing. I can''t imagine what you''re going through. Hopefully the meeting with the board will bring about the CORRECT result. If not, I absolutely agree with everyone else that you should get a lawyer. This is completely unacceptable and I am so sorry you have to deal with this. Just keep breathing and know that we''re all on your side with our fingers and toes crossed, hoping for the best for you. Keep us posted!

 

[Blue824]

Wow, that lady sounds like a witch!
Really sorry to hear about this, can''t believe she compared your wedding to a bad haircut either!
Anyway, first reaction, which has been echoed by the other girls was: LAWYER!!!!!
If you have a signed contract with all of that specified, then there shouldn''t be a problem. If the other planner was agreeing to things and not writing it down, but it was just understood, you may have some more problems. Hopefully your dad can work his magic with the board and you won''t even have to deal with a lawayer. Sorry about all the trouble they''re putting you through!

 

[icekid]

oh noooooo... i hope everything works out! they definitely have no right to do this to you...

 

[Strawdermangrl]

I am just in awe at how this thing has been handled thus far. As I think about it the more angry I get, I have the confidence that they don''t want a lawsuit and I doubt it will come to that, but the issue at hand being- SHE will be the person who is overseeing the details for MY reception.

I remember when we came into her office and where going over the so called "arrangements" and she kept shooting everything down. She asked why I was upset and I said "because this was taken care of over 5 months ago, I didn''t think that all of this would be an issue!" and she said to me " Well I didn''t think I would have this job, things don''t always go according to plan".

Whaaattt? I am terrified if that is her attitude NOW, how will it be when something messes up the day of....In that case you might see Bridezilla

hee.hee... I just don''t know what to think? Should I ask she not be around? There isn''t anyone else in her position......I honestly would rather coordinate the whole thing between my mother and my self. You should have seen this room that she decorated for the wedding.

Thanks for letting me whine, I feel bad whining to people who aren''t getting ready for or who haven''t had a wedding yet... You guys are the best

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 5/23/2005 6:28:17 PM
Author: Strawdermangrl

She asked why I was upset and I said ''because this was taken care of over 5 months ago, I didn''t think that all of this would be an issue!'' and she said to me '' Well I didn''t think I would have this job, things don''t always go according to plan''.

Whaaattt?

Just breathe deeply, smile sweetly, and reply: "things may not *ALWAYS* go according to plan.....but they do sometimes, and this WILL BE one of those sometimes thanks to my signed contract."

And perhaps, if they don''t, she''ll find herself finding yet another job. LOL

Be nice....be firm.....and do not accept less than what your contract promises. If you cannot get satisfaction through her, go to someone superior, and keep doing it until you get satisfaction.

 

[codex57]

Document all the outrageous things she has said. In writing, with date and apprx time. Bring them up to the board meeting. Let them know what kind of person they have in charge. She should not have her job. If the board members are smart, they''ll realize this. You don''t go pissing off your members'' family members like that.

 

[AGBF]

Date: 5/23/2005 7:13:42 PM
Author: aljdewey
Just breathe deeply, smile sweetly, and reply: 'things may not *ALWAYS* go according to plan.....but they do sometimes, and this WILL BE one of those sometimes thanks to my signed contract.'

I couldn't have said it better myself...something I almost *never* concede. In fact, this reminds me of what I tell my daughter when we talk at night. (She is 12 and in middle school. She tells me all about the complex social situations in which she finds herself embroiled and I tell her what to say to the people who are tormenting her.) You *MUST* tell her exactly what Al said. As I was taught in social work school about interviewing a client: one can *always* go back.

You might initiate you next meeting with Al's speech, suitably altered for the occasion. You and she enter a room, her with a bad haircut. You motion to her to sit down. Once she is seated you say, from over her,

"We seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot. The last time we met you said that 'things do not always go according to plan'. Let me assure you that this time they WILL. I am quite organized and, of course, we have a signed contract."

YES!!!! Great work, Al!

Deb

 

[appletini]

I had to read this after you told me about it last night. Keep us posted on what happens, but I''m sure that everything will work out.

 

[HOUMedGal]

Good luck with the board meeting today!!! Let us know how it goes.

 

[Strawdermangrl]

Thanks for the good wishes... I am waiting to hear how the whole thing goes....

I am nervous!!

I will keep you lovely ladies posted, thanks for the support!

 

[MissAva]

Bless your heart! I just read this and I cannot imagine how stressful this must be for you. I hope the board takes both quick and decisive action. Good Luck.

 

[jellybean]

You poor thing! One of my friends went through a similar situation -- she had a signed contract for the entire ballroom of the country club, the woman she had dealt with had left and the new woman double-booked her room. B/c she had a signed contract, and b/c the country club didn''t want any bad publicity, they had to honor her contract. We felt bad for the wedding they had to move, but it was the country club''s fault.

This may sound totally sexist, but I think it''s good that your dad is involved. Too many times businesses don''t deal with women seriously. They think women are too emotional or don''t have the kahunas to stand up for what is right -- and legal! I''m glad too your parents can take this up with the board. For being members for so long it is absolutely riduculous that the club wouldn''t live up to the contract. I know you don''t want a lawsuit (especially since you need a place for your wedding!) but sometimes that is the only way to get justice.

I hope everything works out! Hang in there!

Jellybean

 

[blueroses]

Sweetie, my fingers are crossed....this situation is OUTRAGEOUS and you are absolutely in the right--I second what everyone else has so elequently said!

Hang in there, stand your ground, and you WILL get the beautiful wedding that you have in writing!!

Keep us posted!

 

[MINE!!]

HANG in there. Try not to get too stressed. Things will work out in the end!! I will say a little prayer for you!!!

 

[fire&ice]

Oh dear! I hope things work out for you. This women''s behaviour is inexcusable.

Appealing to the board is the best thing. Show them your contract.

Guys, I''m not certain that a lawyer can do anything for her. CC''s are private clubs and as such the by-laws are weird about stuff like that, especially since she is a member. BUT, as such, they should be making it right for you.

GOOD WISHES YOUR WAY!