Closure?

I wrote the letter and I sent the letter.

My hubby had it right when he said that the reason I can't get over it is because I haven't told the one person that needed to be told (Ramada). Most of my anguish was a result of their lack of capability and communication.

I am the type of person who lets people know when they have wronged me. I don't like having untold feelings and it's important for me to always be open and honest with people. Basically, I was feeling like I was letting them get away with it. So... here is the letter:

Dear Mr. Matlock:

I am writing in regard to my wedding held on October 3, 2008. For over a year since my wedding and I have been living with the regret and stress of how that day carried out. I feel that writing this letter may alleviate some of my sadness and I believe that you should know the downfalls of your operation.

To begin, my husband and I met with Frankie to initiate the plans. We let him know right off that bat that we were trying to cut corners because we were paying for the wedding ourselves. We spoke about meal options and while the cost of the Sapphire package was ideal, my husband got excited about the idea that we could have Damon’s ribs served. Frankie said that if we had it as a stationed wedding, it wouldn’t be too expensive.

Frankie said that he would create a contract for us, but we never received one. We did not find out the price of our meals until a couple days before the wedding, when I had my husband go down and ask for a bill. I had no idea that it was “the norm” to only see the bill the day of your wedding. It still doesn’t make since to me. I feel that if I had known that it would be $20 more per plate, we could have made a more informed decision. Furthermore, the “stations” had somehow turned into a buffet, with no discussion or explanation.

When my husband received the bill, he had to go back and request the discount that we were promised (for having our wedding on a Friday night). Also, we were charged $500 for the outdoor ceremony, when we were originally told $400. When I came to pay the bill and informed the assistant manager of the mistake, she told me that the price went up, but reluctantly adjusted it. As well, when we were given the invitation inserts, the price listed for a stay the night of the wedding was $89. When I explained that Frankie had told us it would be $79, you had to redo 130 inserts.

When meeting with Frankie the first night and I asked about decorating the gazebo, he suggested we do nothing and that it would look great. It looked plain. Especially since he (or whoever was in charge of “decorating”) forgot to put out the bows that my maid-of-honor’s mother had made. She hand crafted beautiful white and orange bows for the chairs and I only found out that they were forgotten a few weeks after the wedding. Yes, it is frustrating that she didn’t say anything at the time, but she was trying to be polite and not stress me out. It was Frankie’s job to remember.

Additionally, to keep within our budget, Frankie assured me that we can use votives with floating candles as the centerpieces. The night before the wedding, when we saw the room, there were just two small candles on the tables… I was confused. I called Frankie to remind him what we agreed on and he said he would change it. The day of the wedding, I came into the room to find a glass votive with two small tin candles inside. I understand that I didn’t pay for elaborate flowers or centerpieces, but every bride deserves the best possible. If I had known that Frankie could no longer provide floating candles, I would have gone out and gotten some myself.

Every bride has something different that means most to her, be it the dress, the food, etc. For me it was decorations and if I had only known then what I know now I would not have trusted the “wedding coordinator” at Ramada Clarks Summit. I am sincerely disappointed with the service I received during the planning process. I never expected that one of the most important days of my life would be one of the biggest let downs.

I absolutely wish I had written this letter much sooner, but as a young bride taking care of things myself, I wasn’t sure of protocol and was too shy. Certainly, if I had known that these feelings would still live with me, I would have done more. I do hope that you learn from this letter and that you are able to make some positive adjustments to your processes.

Thank you for your time.

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So far I am absolutely feeling better. I am hoping to hear back from the manager for some serious closure, but at least I can hope to assume he has received it and will understand what I have gone through... and hopefully make some changes.