Double Booked Wedding

[lwa99bgp]

We provisionally reserved a wedding at a local hotel a couple of weeks ago and were assured that the date would not be released until someone spoke to us first. We then decided to proceed and contacted the hotel to find out what deposit they needed and to confirm we definitely wanted that day. We agreed to pop in this weekend and pay it in person, which we did, and got a receipt.

We have now received a call saying the owners of the hotel, apparently without the knowledge of the rest of the staff, took a deposit from another couple on Thursday last week for the same day. Obviously only one couple can have the day and they are asking one of us to chnage with the offer of better food/wine. However we really don't want to move from as the date was one of the main factors in our decision.

Where do we stand legally? And if they cancel our booking would we be able to bring a claim against them?

[saintpeter48]

stand firm on this, if they refuse to honour the booking go elsewhere, get in touch with local paper and tell them story, hotels don't like bad news stories, its no good for business.whack in a claim at small claims court for cost of reception, etc.

[bednobs]

Waht would you bring a claim for? I presume you mean small claims court? It's not like you have lost any money over it, so small claims wouldnt reimburse you. i dont think "legally" comes into it anywhere at all - they surely have not broken any law by being crap at management of bookings? I honestly dont think there is anything you can do, as you havent suffered any loss at all. Look at it this way: if they are this disorganised at this stage, do you really want them organising your wedding? Really it's only like you had phoned up and they'd said "sorry that date is taken" - you would have either had to change the date or find somewhere else which is what you'll have to do now, so you're in no worse position really

[lwa99bgp]

Whilst I see your point we have paid a deposit which means there must be some form of contract now in place. If they don't honour the booking then that would be a breach of contract.

I agree it would be hard to show a loss we have suffered but if we have to wait an extra year to get a venue as most places are already boooked for next year then surely the increase in costs from our original booking is a loss we have suffered.

To be honest I'd normally just walk away but the venue is spectacular and the wife-to-be has fallen in love with the place so not really got a choice.

[bednobs]

lol I love that "not got a choice" comment - you are completely right ... unfortunately men dont really get a choice in wedding planning! Will the other people move?
Again, i'll just point out, if they are hopeless at this stage, they might be hopeless later; Things happen for a reason. If you can't have this venue, its coz there i a cheaper, better option waiting out there!