Thousands of people have taken to Reddit, social media and Google reviews to express their dissatisfaction with a Durham wedding venue. Given the circumstances, The Cotton Room offered a partial refund of nearly $11,000 if another group booked the venue. Unfortunately, despite our good faith attempts, the date has yet to rebook,” wrote Michelle Aldred, owner of The Cotton Room. “Those costs should be able to be refunded,” said event planner Elizabeth Flake, owner of Elizabeth Flake Events. So if you have a rehearsal dinner that's at a venue, that's covered, and then it covers you a little bit past midnight on the day,” Walston said.