I am planning my wedding and after looking at several places, we decided to go with The Elk?s Lodge for our reception. The place looks nice as it has recently been remodeled. They have tables and chairs (that you don?t have to pay extra to use), there is a full bar that is available for your event and a full kitchen, a dance floor area and a nice outdoor space. When I went in and talked with Peggy, she showed us around and went over everything they offer. Because of all of this I was excited to pick them for my wedding reception.
After we decided to go with them, I went in to do the contract with Peggy. She once again went over everything. She gave me the DJ?s name and number (they have a member in-house that you have to go with ? I hear he is really good so great- check DJ off the list) and told me about the preferred caterer of Royal Raspberry (RR). She gave me a name of another caterer in case RR could not do what I want or work with me on prices. Peggy did say that if I want to go with a different caterer besides RR, there would be a kitchen fee.
Knowing all of this, I started looking at caterers. I reached out to RR and got a quote. I wasn?t impressed with their selection plus it was way fancier than I want for my wedding. We looked at the other caterer Peggy provided me but in the end we decided we wanted BBQ (which neither RR or the other caterer have on their menu). I called Peggy to see what I needed to do to go with another caterer ? she in turn told me that I could not go with another caterer and needed to use RR.
Peggy told me that they really need and want to start getting their hall rented out for more events ? well I will tell you this ? that will not happen if you do not offer the people who are going to rent the hall more options. Not everyone wants fancy food for their events. People may want Italian food, Mexican food, BBQ, German food, etc. which RR (the preferred caterer) does not offer.
I am now very stressed with my wedding because The Elks is going back on everything they originally told me about caterers. As I am trying to work with RR (they haven?t responded to me in almost 2 weeks), The Elks (who say I can?t use the caterer I want) and the caterer I want ? I have decided to start looking for a different place to have my reception. I feel that The Elks is willing to lose out on the rental income and the income from the bar (my family likes to drink) because they won?t allow me to have the food that I want to make my day true My Special Day.
I will provide updates as things unfold.
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