I had been a guest at 2 wedding receptions 2 consecutive weekends in a row. I thought I would wait until the completion of the 2nd reception to see if I was crazy or not. Were we being pushed out of the venue early?
And the answer is a RESOUNDING YES!
The first reception started at 6:00 PM and I was told that the party will be going until 11:00 PM. IMMEDIATELY after the final guest made it through the buffet line, a surge of staff came from the kitchen asking if plates could be taken back. Some of us hadn't finished half of our food. (I understand that having prompt service is one thing, but this was on a whole different level.) And they kept circling like vultures, picking the table clean, as quickly and inconveniently as possible.
Once the plates and silverware were gone a second round of staff showed up taking water glasses and pitchers of water. LITERALLY taking a freshly poured glass of water...and by "freshly poured", I mean that as I was pouring the water, the service staff was walking toward our table. I set the glass on the table and she grabbed it (and the pitcher) and walked away. I was without words. WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?!
This unapologetic hovering continued until the last piece of service (glasses, forks, knives, plates, napkins, etc.) was gone.
And just when you thought they couldn't make you feel any less welcome, as soon as a table appeared to be "empty", they started taking the table runners, table cloths and chair scarves off, meanwhile dismantling the centerpieces in the process.
By 10:15 (and that is generous saying 10:15) at least 50% of the tables were completely cleared, wiped and vacant of any evidence that a party was taking place and they had successfully pushed nearly EVERYONE out!
And this EXACT SAME SCENARIO happened 2 weeks in a row. That can't be an accident!
So, if we break this down into simple terms...the average wedding in Omaha costs about $25000. At 6 hours spent with your guests on your special day that equals $4166.66 PER HOUR (and saying you get a full, QUALITY 6 hours at A View on State Street is a stretch to say the least!)! At over 4 grand per hour, the last thing I would want is for my guests to feel unwelcome at any point during that 6 hours.
Yes, it's a dance keeping your staff happy, being able to ensure everyone has a good time, meanwhile trying to get everyone out at a reasonable hour, but this is on a while different level of rude.
I would highly suggest you review your time lines on clearing tables. Your approach MAY BE to clean the tables so guests don't have a mess to deal with but your average guest could care less about a few plates. We want to eat at whatever pace we see fit. To sit and enjoy the company of our companions without constant interruption. To feel like we are ALLOWED to take our time eating and drinking and still know that we have a couple of hours to dance in an environment that STILL FEELS LIKE A PARTY. And maybe, just maybe, have a glass of water to replenish our system after a dance or two. (Yes, I saw the crappy plastic water cups you have available by the bar...did I mention $4166.66 per hour?)
Yea, I may represent just one complaint, but I have 2 unmarried twin daughters, who have lots of unmarried friends, and I cannot in good conscience recommend A View on State Street. read more