I would print out some of the negative reviews and take them with you to the meeting and say that you are concerned. hopefully it will shame them into pulling their socks up a bit. Then get them to put in writing everything that you agree on at the meeting ie. they will make sure the other bar is open if there is another wedding party, they will make sure they have adequate staff etc and get it signed so at least you have something to fall back on.

I did this with mine, there was lots of things going wrong with the reception since I had booked so I complained to the manager and presented all my concerns to him, my wedding day they couldn't have done more and you really could tell they were trying their upmost to make me happy and added a few extras in :)

Xx

The printing off is defo a good idea as it's kinda proof on how the place is being run and they can't fob you off saying it one off issue . Apart from the manager is there a wedding coordinator there that deals with the running of weddings ?

I know in the original post you said you were due to meet in Sept can you arrange to meet anytime before ?

That's rubbish :( the print out sounds like a good idea. Would you lose a lot if you change venues now? Might be worth looking into other options if you can afford it as no bride should have that kind of added stress xxx

When you say you saw stuff online was it via the book ? Only because people tend to put fresher reviews and issues there more than somewhere like trip advisor etc
So maybe keep eye on there too :)

Is there anything in confirmation or contract about exclusive rights to venue ?

Could be :) Hopefully everything will get sorted x

I hope it works out fine for you but did u not research before you booked? X

I would make sure you can have a meeting with some of the higher management and tell them your concerns, displaying the information that you have got. Ask what the situation regarding your deposit is. As they may have to may it back as they may be in breach of their contract by not supplying what they say they can offer?

unless you pay for exclusive use of a venue you run the risk of having another wedding in the venue unfortunately BUT you do have the right to ask that both bars be open so that all guests can get a drink in a reasonable time .

good luck, ill be thinking of you xx

i agree with the others, just voice your concerns and im sure they will aim to please

thats a ridiculous price for a bacon butty, omg! i bet your angry i dont blame you,
how much deposit did you have to pay? (if thats not too rude?)

thats alot to just chuck down the drain then :( after the way they have treated you, i would be tempted to tell them where to go, who pays that much for a bacon butty! some venues take the michael xx

Went and saw my reception venue. Was a bit of confusion at first as she didn't have my name booked in and the reason I was there, then she seemed a bit rushed, but it turned out she had other meetings and a wedding that afternoon.
But after our discussion and my questions I feel a lot more at ease. She showed me the room made up for the wedding later that day to get a rough idea of how it would all be set out. The grounds of the park looked lovely in the sun (fingers crossed for a dry day on my day in May). Asked her about the 2 weddings and she said if there is another one in the downstairs of the restaurant it'll be finished by 5pm.
Feeling much more positive now. Just need to move the church an hour early to 1pm otherwise she said the day would run too late.