Lumiere du Corps seems like a perfect venue: outdoor ceremony sites and your choice of an outdoor reception or an indoor reception...all on the same property. Unfortunately, the beautiful, convenient exterior is a facade for poor business practices. \r
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I could write a novel depicting the numerous mistakes, arguments, and deception that occurred while my family and I worked with Lumiere to plan my wedding. However, I will attempt to summarize by frustrations:\r
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1. Beware of hidden costs. I was warned by a previous Lumiere bride so I exercised caution and still managed to be surprised at every turn. No exaggeration...I was surprised they didn't charge per toilet paper square in the restroom!\r
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2. Lumiere has an uncanny knack of making up the rules as they go. If you don't think you will be charged...don't worry...they will figure out a new rule/charge that miraculously applies to your idea or situation even though you signed a ""contract"" months ago. \r
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3. If they make a mistake, it is the bride's job to remedy the situation...whether that be spending more money or developing creative solutions (which will probably result in a new rule, thus a new charge). \r
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4. The customer is NEVER right. On multiple occaisions, I had actual arguments with the event planner or one or both of the owners. My relationship with Lumiere makes my new marriage seem easy! \r
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5. My family overpaid (which is normal in wedding planning) and we were told the money would be refunded after the wedding. Money was refunded but not an amount that my family and I agreed upon. The disceprancy was less than $100 (not much, but, at this point, it is a matter of principle). I have contacted Lumiere five times and they refuse to respond. Come to find out, poor refunding and refusal to respond is what gave Lumiere an F from the BB.\r
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I do want to be fair, so I will admit that the actual wedding day was great. Lumiere's staff (which ironically did not include any of the people with whom I previosuly worked) did a great job. It is a shame that ten months of agony preceded what should have been a wonderful experience.
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