Quote:
Originally Posted by ASUADPi
But I think this one might take the cake on stupidity 
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12784368/
Fuming NYC bride sues florist over flower color
Lawsuit seeks more than $400,000 over color of hydrangeas
NEW YORK - The wedding was lovely, except for the flowers: They were the wrong color.
So says the bride, Elana Glatt, who was so upset that she sued the florist and alleged breach of contract.
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Okay, so when I first heard about this story, I too was shocked and figured it was outrageous... BUT there are some more details that the abbreviated press versions haven't included (but are included in the court documents):
- The bride specifically chose this florist because the florist guaranteed a specific variety of hydrangea that the bride wanted (and was willing to pay 27K for) and the bride paid $1000 to have a mock centerpiece made in advance, which was done properly. The breed of hydrangea actually provided was a MUCH less expensive breed and was not as coordinated to the colors of the room. I'm not saying wedding flowers have to be, but when you are willing to shell out 27K to have what you want, I think you should get it and not a substitute.
- The florist delivered many of the flowers unarranged, the vases were dusty, and she arranged many without enough water. The bride herself was arranging the flowers right before the ceremony.
So, while I think 27K is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on flowers and would never be so picky myself, if you contract for a more rare breed of hydrangea and get a common breed at the last minute that are not presented professionally, I don't think it is unreasonable to refuse to pay.
I'm not sure on what website I read this, but I'm pretty sure I read that the bride offered to settle for 4K before she sued. My guess is that this bride is trying to teach this florist a lesson, probably for the benefit of other brides who would otherwise be tricked into paying an absurd amount of money for cheap, everyday flowers. If all that the florist had to shell out was 27K, I doubt that would be enough deterrant to stop the bait-and-switch practices since most people won't sue. If the florist flat out lied and possibly committed fraud, punitive damages may be entirely appropriate. More money for damages (maybe not 400K) might be completely reasonable to punish the florist and deter the florist from continuing with this practice.