The Nest

Wyndham Orlando

Posted Sunday, July 13, 2008 10:40 AM

I had some issues last week and I admit I am disappointed with the way everything turned out. After going to a bridal show, FI and I decided it would be awesome to have an ice luge at our wedding. It totally fits our personalities. The ice vendor told us it would be about $300 for the ice, and I thought the price was okay. I did not think it would have extra costs associated with it.

Fast forward to a couple weeks later. We went to a bridal showcase at our venue and asked one of the wedding coordinators about an ice luge. She said she would get back to me. We finally got in touch with them and after some time, we got the info for the ice luge and I almost fell out of my chair.

The actual piece of ice would be about $350. Not too bad. Since we only have about 65 guests, we didn't need an extra bartender, so we didn't have to worry about the extra fee (which would be $100). But this is what is ridiculous to say the least:

$7 per person for the first hour, $5 per person for each additional hour.

If you do the math, it is over $1,000 for an ice luge for 65 guests even just for 2 hours! We are already paying for unlimited call brand bar. Why do we have to pay for more alcohol? The key word is UNLIMITED. Yet I got an explanation how more alcohol will be used... again it's UNLIMITED, and I doubt much alcohol would be lost sliding down the ice.

Do you know how many bottles of Grey Goose I could buy with what they are charging me in extra fees? In addition, I mentioned that not every guest will take part in the ice luge. Some people do not like martinis, even if you can slide it down a piece of ice.

I spoke with another girl who told me she is getting a martini luge for $450. No other fees. She said she already paid for an open bar so they didn't charge extra. Wow isn't that a concept.

What really upset me is that they were not willing to work with me at all. Before we signed the contract, they responded promptly, were willing to negotiate, and overall a lot more helpful. Now that they have my money, they don't care.

And to top it off, when I declined, the consultant said she hoped she could help us find some other thing to make our wedding unique. I don't think so! I am not handing them over any more money than I have to. If I think of anything extra I want, it's going to be something they can't provide and I will get it from an outside company.

You would think that after spending thousands of dollars there, they'd be helpful. I thought they'd be willing to work with me because by me getting an ice luge, they increase their revenue. Oh well.

And to top it off, they gave me a crappy room rate for my block and when I tried to negotiate it, they were very unwilling to do so. So instead of fighting, I found a beautiful hotel down the street of comparable value for $50 less per night. Most of my guests plan to stay there anyway.

OK enough venting for now.