Venue doing construction

I would definitely press for a discount as you didn’t get what you signed for!!

I agree with the pp. You should get a discount for all that to be there after being told it would be gone and you said it was crazy expensive. It's not really good enough for your day.

Obviously I don't know the details of the construction, but scaffolding (to a smaller scale) is not that difficult to break down. I would insist if it is a smaller scaffolding set, that they break it down. No one will be doing construction on a weekend. Then you could always hang up some xmas lights of your own, or even set up an artificial tree. If this isn't possible, I would probably look for a new venue, or at least get money back.

View Quoted Comment My fiancé owns a construction business and occasionally rents out and erects scaffolding for smaller jobs, and it is a very expensive and labor intensive process. I doubt the venue would be willing pay the scaffolders, out of pocket, to break down and re-erect the scaffolding. The pieces are all very heavy and difficult to move and they probably wouldn’t have anywhere to store the crossbars, planks, handrails, wheels, connectors, etc. It’s unfortunate but the labor costs to break down the scaffold, alone, would make this cost-prohibitive, even if the couple offered to pay for it.


I would try to find a way to have the ceremony/reception face away from the scaffolding if possible to avoid getting it in the photos.

I would ask for a discount and consult a lawyer if they refuse. You purchased a product based on the expectation of the product being delivered as advertised; if the venue fails to provide the product and services promised, then its false advertising/fraud. You might run into some difficulties if this isn't explicitly in your contract, but if you have a record of communications indicating that they said the construction would be complete or that the Christmas tree was significant in your decision to choose the venue, you might have a case.

I would probably approach the venue first and attempt to negotiate a discount or other compensation without involving a lawyer. Document everything. If the venue doesn't cooperate, then I would absolutely get legal opinion involved.

I totally get that comping other things isn't going to replace not having the visual you were going for with the venue and Christmas tree, but I'm pretty sure the venue has their hands tied, and construction projects rarely finish in the timeline stated. So even if they want to make it right, its unlikely they have much control about the project timeline or "in construction" appearance at this point, but they can comp other things or discount your package.

Unless you are willing to switch venues entirely (and if you do it would be 100% appropriate to fight for a full refund in this case), you are likely going to need to deal with some scaffolding and no Christmas tree, unfortunately, but you absolutely shouldn't be paying the full amount for a premium wedding experience you aren't getting.

I would take a look at your contract. Are there any loopholes? As in does it state the Christmas tree? Does it state that there may be construction occurring around the time of your event? You paid for a product and service that you may not be fully getting. However, at the same time, the venue may not be able to take the scaffolding down or put up the tree as you mentioned there may be a safety issue. I would further discuss what discount you may be able to receive up to and including a refund. There are a lot of places that are looking for business especially since wedding season is primarily over and a lot of companies are not holding their usual holiday parties.