Forum Poll

Hi

You will probably think why have I got a dilemma?

I went to see a venue and I was entered into a competion (I have attached a link on my wall), the winner would win the venue hire costs which are £3450 and a basic cake, photographer and flower package. We worked out that we wouldn't be able to afford to get married there, if we didn't win. Because I never heard back from them I presumed I hadn't won and went to see two other venues and was extremely happy when I was told I could have the wedding ceremony in the beautiful house (see photo in my album) and we could then take a short drive (I'm hiring a red double decker bus) and have the wedding breakfast in a marquee (see photo in my album) at a local cricket ground. I have provisionally booked both venues and have an appointment to go back next Monday, to pay deposits. These venues are close to the town centre, which means that any evening guests who just wanted to pop in for a little while, could do relatively cheaply. Also I could have a bouncy castle a bucking bronko if I wanted and it wouldn't look out of place where the marquee is. I have lots of guests traveling and there is a cheap budget hotel 1 minute away from my venue, so guests don't even need a taxi.

I have just had a phone call to say I have won that competition and I actually felt sick and my head feels woozy! The woman must have sensed that I wasn't very happy and even said 'you haven't booked anywhere, have you?'

I have spoken to my Mum and best friend and they were all 'wow that's fantastic' and I just feel gutted that they hadn't contacted me earlier to say I had won, before I had found these other venues.

The venue I have won will allow you to get married outside, weather permitting and this was one of the reasons I loved it. The cost of food and drink etc are alot more expensive and I will only be saving about £1000 if I use the venue of the competition I have won. There is the problem of guests who may not come because of the location and even those that book a hotel will need to get a taxi. My day guests will now want to drive as it's about 25 minutes away, and a taxi will cost them significantly more.

My h2b was no use what so ever and even tried the usual bull$hit of 'I would marry you in the garden, if it meant marrying you', lol. The garden isn't an option and if it was I would obviously choose the venue that I have won!

Please help me make a decision! What would you do if you won this, but had already found somewhere else?

I rang the lady back and explained that as I hadn't heard from them I had found somewhere else. I actually said 'I bet I sound like a right ungrateful bitch?' and she never answered, lol. I did say that I would only be saving £1000 and that I know I have also won a basic package for a photographer, cake and flowers, but she never suggested that I could still have these.

this is a hard one! £1000 is still alot of money to save and think about what you could do with it. on the other hand it does include a lot. but do you really want just a basic cake? and a photographer that isnt your choice.

Explain to them that they have left it so long you have assumed that you hadnt won and had to book somewhere else. the lasy should do anything to help you! xx

ummm can you ebay wedding venues lol? x
i think you should stick with your venue as you seem unsure of the prize one x

I think I have answered my own question! Surely I would feel happy, if that was my dream venue? My h2b just keeps laughing because he said that when she told me I had won, I actually looked gutted.

I would be so happy if they let me sell the wedding to someone else, lol. Anyone want to get married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony? lol

I've just looked at the terms and conditions and it says there is no cash or alternative prizes available

I think I'm going to stay with the venues I have already chosen. Thank you for your comments

I agree, go with your heart. Forget the money side of it for a moment and let your heart decide where you want to get married, where you want to have your big day and where you will want to remember you had it for the rest of your life. Good luck xx

if u really like the venue you chose then theres no point contemplating the other and it sounds as though their communication is not great which would make me cautious

I'm sure they could always ring someone else and give it to them so don't feel bad.

Stick with your venues; as Jo says, you'll be giving someone else their dream & you get yours! xx

Yeah - they'll just give it to someone else instead. Sounds like you've made the right choice! x

I am actually really glad I was put in this strange predicament, because it has made me realise how much I love the venue that I am sticking with. I feel really honoured that they picked me out of all the other contestants but I'm sure the person they give it too is just as deserving.