Price increases!?

When we went to see my venue they had just changed the way they did things and the packages but I told them that I wanted the old package and they said its no problem, because Id already done my research and knew what I wanted to pay, they wernt going to say no!! Just ring them and tell them how u feel, I wudnt be happy and would defintely say something.....I think they'd be happy to help xxx

Me too! when we were booking they were introducing new rules about minimum spend and things for weekend summer weddings, and when we booked in 2010 they had only got 2011 prices. We paid the 2011 prices and said that we weren't happy with the new rules as theyweren't there when we'd first negotiated.

Do you have a contract with your prices in from when you booked?

Nightmare situation, but as you have already agreed to pay WAY more than the original quote I think you should stick to your guns! Definitely shadey even of they are not breaking a contract or the law by upping prices like that!

My venue changed their packages and prices and i was given the choice of sticking with the package when i booked or going for the new package this was about a year ago now i actually went with new packages as they were better and actually a bit cheaper if u have paid a deposit and got a contract check the details

No I don't think it is legal (not 100% though).

If this was me, I'd have a sour taste in my mouth, and would be looking elsewhere.

Also if the deposit is termed 'deposit' in your agreement, it should be refundable.

That doesn't sound right at all. What does your contract say about prices? Ours had already set the 2013 prices when we booked but with other things, and it seems with other brides's venues on here the standard seems to be that the price is as agreed at the time of paying a deposit and they can't just increase the price down the line whenever they feel like it.

Whether they can do it or not depends on what you agreed to in the contract. For example, when we arranged to get married at our church, we had to agree to pay whatever the price may be in 2014 when we get married, not 2012's price. So think you'll have to check what you signed, it may be in the small print.

They had the 2013 prices, which they gave us before we booked. I'm happy to pay, despite it being £10 per person more than 2012. The terms and conditions document we signed only outlined the amounts to be paid for the deposit, and the circumstances in which that deposit would be refundable or not, and what additional amounts we would have to pay 3 months and 2 months prior to the wedding. There's no actual prices listed on the document, but it specifies the "Passion Rose Wedding," which in the tariff document provided by the venue was listed a price £10 less per person than I've had sent to me in the confirmation.

I didn't want to advertise how much we're paying, but to clear things up:

2012 price - £199

2013 price - £210

Price stated in my confirmation pack - £220!

As for it being shady practice to up the prices every year, I don't believe that to be the case, and I'm still trying to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that it was a typo. It's only shady if they're actually trying to change the price on us. Luckily I have all the emails in which she quoted us the prices we agreed on, but I hope it doesn't come down to having to argue the point.

It was just a bit of a come down from my initial excitement to have the confirmation package. It was a yay moment for about 5 seconds before I read the price! ?

If the price is agreed and in writing then the have to honour it I believe.

Oh no, its not shady that their prices went up the first £10 - but the second one could be (if its not a typo)

Be firm with them - you made your decision based on the information they had given you at the time and was not made aware of any further changes until after you paid the deposit. This is NOT fair in any way. If you have written confirmation of the prices, then that will work highly in your favour. If you continue to pursue this venue after the prices have been settled, I suggest you ask for a contract to be written up which includes everything you have agreed on.

I asked for a draft contract before paying the deposit and went through every detail to make sure certain areas were flexible (e.g. timings can be changed) and other items were written in which were not part of the initial contract (e.g. crystals for the tables to be provided by the hotel, discounted room rates). If it's written down, then they can't go back on it.

Ahh I feel your frustration we viewed a venue and fell in love with it im going to name and shame it Coworth Park in Ascot.

The managers assistant showed us around made us feel very welcome sent us a quote which we were happy with but she said a few of the things we discussed upon reflection would not be possible due to other events that day so we arranged a second viewing to make sure the alternatives would suit us and this time the manager showed us around and she was a complete witch! clearly in the wrong job and basically said no to every idea we had even though her assistant said it was all fine (and not that any of our ideas were anything out the ordinary like arranging soft drinks before the ceremony she said NO! and this was supposed to be luxury 5 star hotel)

Anyway we came away from the second viewing feeling like our dream venue had turned into a nightmare which was made worse when we received a second quote from the manager which was about £1000 more then the original quote even though we seemed to be getting a lot less for our money.

Anyway we told her to jog on.

I hope you manage to resolve the issue its not nice starting off your wedding planning with such a sour tatse.

Thanks everyone! I've read through the contract and it says nothing in regards to price increases, so I have that. Otherwise, everyone at the venue has been so accommodating and lovely, I really do think I was had a sudden and complete overreaction when I posted originally. After talking to my OH I've been assured they wouldn't have grounds to increase the price and he reckons it really is just a typo. I mean, they've already agreed to discount the guest rooms for us, so they're not unreasonable.

If there's nothing in your contract about price increases then I don't see how you can be forced to pay one. We booked, knowing the 2010 price, not knowing the 2011 price, but our contract clearly stated we would be paying the 2011 price as that's when our wedding was, so weknew well iadvance that we'd be paying a (slightly) higher price. I'd have a word and ask them what's going on.

We booked in 2011 for 2012, but it clearly stated in our contract that we would be subject to the 2012 price, which would not be more than a 10% increase. If there was no stipulation in your contract about increases then I would refuse to pay higher than the original price.

My experience is similar. I secured the 2011 venue fees for a 2012 wedding by booking early, but the contract says that the venue can raise the price per head for food and drink in line with inflation subject to a maximum increase of 10%. As it is, the prices (other than for wine, oddly!) have stayed the same. I think this is a pretty standard contract term used by venues to cover them if their overheads increase.

If you had nothing in writing about price increases, particularly if you have nothing which says they will fix at the prices valid on the date you booked, I think it's fair to expect a small annual increase. The second increase does sound incorrect though, I hope it's a typo like you say. If they've been good with you up to now get back on to them and explain your understanding and seek confirmation.

I hope it all works out well!

I got this email today:

"Hi Emily

I’m sorry, that’s my fault, a clerical error, the price is £210 per person for the package.

I’m sorry if I’ve panicked you!

Glad you’ve received it though,

Sarah *******

Events & Sales Co-ordinator"

Haha, panicked it right!