Starting planning Epcot United Kingdom Wedding!

[epcot1982uk]

Hi Guys,

I am new to DISboards, and have been lurking around for a couple of days! :)

I am starting to plan a Disney wedding for September 2009. There are so many questions I dont really know where to start!

We both live in England, but Disney is a big part of both mine and my DF's life. I met him 5 years ago while we we both working at the Rose & Crown in Epcot and he proposed to me last year in front of Spaceship Earth.

We are hoping to have the ceremony on the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot as it has such a personal meaning for both of us, being the place we first met! We would follow this up with a small reception and hopefully a dessert party! There are only going to be around 20 guests due to it being a long way for people to travel.

I was wondering if anybody has had a ceremony in the UK? It would be great if you could let me know your experiences and share any photographs that you have.

I am also concerned about how the day will flow with it being an early morning ceremony. I'm sure the reception will be running out of steam by early/mid afternoon and I am worried about keeping guests entertained until the evening dessert party. I also understand that it will be a full 13 hours if I do! Is it ok to have a break and leave them to do their own thing? Or should I plan activities for them? Bearing in mind I am on a budget, and do not want to go far over the minimum expenditure!! (don't we all :rotfl: )

I am looking forward to starting my planning, and any comments would be appreciated!

[Nicola2010]

Hello and congratulations from another UK disney bride to be!

I am hoping to have my wedding reception at the UK lower terrace so cant answer your question as such but im sure someone on here can, everyone is so helpful and knowledgeable.

I know that brides who have got married in Epcot had a break after the reception and everyone went back later on in the evening for the dessert party... im sure lurkyloo did that and her and her DH spent some quality time alone during the afternoon and her guests did their own thing.

Her trip report is on here and it's fab! If you cant find it, she is still dedicated to helping us all on here so im sure she'll post a message on here for you!

Hope you get the answers you need!

[perla75]

Hi there,

I'm new here too & just started putting together our planning. I don't have much info to offer you, but I just wanted to say congratulations!!!! :banana:

Everyone on here has been so kind and helpful, I'm sure the replies will start flowing right away!

One thing I can suggest is a way to keep guests entertained during those "in between" hours.....

I read a trip report where someone planned a "Hidden Mickey Hunt" around the park. You can buy a book (or there are websites for free as well) and do some research on this, and formulate some sort of map or riddle game. Everyone loves finding Hidden Mickeys and there sure are a ton in every park! This might be fun & it's also virtually a free activity!

I'm sure others on here will have many more ideas, but theres a start for ya!

:goodvibes

[epcot1982uk]

Thanks for the quck reply Nicola!

Hello and congratulations from another UK disney bride to be!


Not really a "Bride to Be" though! Check out the pic of me to the left! We are both guys! :rotfl:

Dont worry, no offence taken at all! I am just pleased for the info! I will check out lurkyloo's trip report for sure!

[Nicola2010]

Thanks for the quck reply Nicola!



Not really a "Bride to Be" though! Check out the pic of me to the left! We are both guys! :rotfl:

Dont worry, no offence taken at all! I am just pleased for the info! I will check out lurkyloo's trip report for sure!

so sorry! it is just like me to put my size 4's in it :lmao:

i hope no offence caused as there was none intended :goodvibes

will teach me not to look at the pic lol

let us all know about your planning! i love reading about people's plans, especially when they involve disney :goodvibes

[DecemberBride]

Oh how exciting! You two are going to have so much fun planning! Is your DF into the planning at all?

[lurkyloo]

Hi!

(Thanks for the sweet words, Nicola! :wave2:)

We had an early-morning Morocco wedding followed by brunch at the BoardWalk. We had a 6-hour break and then our dessert party at Lower UK. I was sketchy on the break at first, but now I think it is the best way to do it!

For one thing, you aren't rushing from ceremony to reception to DP and missing out on appreciating each element of the day. It also gives you something to look forward to at the end of the reception so you don't get all depressed that your day's over and it's only 2pm!

For another thing, having a morning ceremony and reception saves you $$$ on minimums, means you can serve cheaper brunch food, and means you don't have to provide a lot of (or any) alcohol.

Our guests seemed to enjoy having the break to themselves. They went in the parks or went swimming or took a nap (esp. since they'd been up since 6am, most of them). DH and I spent the time chattering like a couple of schoolgirls about our day and how much fun it was and what we'd missed when we were apart. And we took a nap! Then we had dinner from room service and walked over to Epcot from BCV for the DP.

Keep asking questions and searching through old threads - this place is a wealth of helpful info! :thumbsup2

[inkedupmomma]

I <3 lurky!!!

Ok, sorry lol. Good luck with your wedding planning, i'm looking into a sept/oct 09 wedding!! so let's have fun doing this... i'll scratch your back if you scratch mine!:rotfl:

[Mama of Indybride]

Hi Guys,


I am also concerned about how the day will flow with it being an early morning ceremony. I'm sure the reception will be running out of steam by early/mid afternoon and I am worried about keeping guests entertained until the evening dessert party. I also understand that it will be a full 13 hours if I do! Is it ok to have a break and leave them to do their own thing? Or should I plan activities for them? Bearing in mind I am on a budget, and do not want to go far over the minimum expenditure!! (don't we all :rotfl: )

I am looking forward to starting my planning, and any comments would be appreciated!


I have not had a wedding at WDW, my DD and her DF are planning their wedding at DLR, but I can tell you that if I were attending your wedding I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a break in the middle of the day to go relax, take a nappie, decompress, and get ready to put my best wedding day :goodvibes: for the rest of the evening.

It may just be my fam :grouphug: but we have a much better time together if we get away from each other for a little time in the middle of the day. Even if it is just to sit by the pool and chill, and we may even be together then, but it is RELAX time!

I hope your day is so very special, and I loved my visit to the Rose and Crown when I was at WDW in January.

Except for the birds stole my fish out of my fish and chips. They need signs to warn people of those vultures!

My DD is deathly afraid of birds, I thought she would have a heart attack after my fish was stolen from my hand!!! :scared:

[Wazzo]

Hi Guys,

I am new to DISboards, and have been lurking around for a couple of days! :)

I am looking forward to starting my planning, and any comments would be appreciated!

Welcome! :welcome:

Our plans are a long way off (2010), but we're also hoping for an early morning Epcot wedding and a dessert party. I am also a proud member of the LurkyLoo Fan Club :lovestruc and I recommend reading her TR. I love the idea of having time to ourselves between the reception and the dessert party... I think I'll need a nap! :laughing:

[IndyBride]

Welcome to the boards!! I love this place. I don't even waste my time on other forums. I can't wait to hear how your plans come along. When I first started posting on here I was the only 2009 bride. I'm glad there are more 2009 weddings to read about these days! PS- my mother mentioned a DD being afraid of birds. That's not me. My sister sat there cowering at the bridge afraid to cross between France and the UK with a sweater covering her face.

[DisneyBrideToni]

WELCOME!!!! :yay:

I can't wait to hear more about your wedding planning. I don't know much about ceremonies in Epcot since mine is at Sea Breeze Point but I look forward to hearing your plans and helping when I can. :cutie:

[epcot1982uk]

Thanks for the comments so far!



i hope no offence caused as there was none intended :goodvibes



None has been taken at all! I am looking forward to starting the planning! And I will put a pic of us both at the bottom of this post just for you!!! :goodvibes

Oh how exciting! You two are going to have so much fun planning! Is your DF into the planning at all?

He is into it to a certain extent, i'm sure I will turn into the male verson of a bridezilla at some points with him! (what is that called anyway? Groomzilla?)

Hi!

(Thanks for the sweet words, Nicola! :wave2:)

We had an early-morning Morocco wedding followed by brunch at the BoardWalk. We had a 6-hour break and then our dessert party at Lower UK. I was sketchy on the break at first, but now I think it is the best way to do it!

For one thing, you aren't rushing from ceremony to reception to DP and missing out on appreciating each element of the day. It also gives you something to look forward to at the end of the reception so you don't get all depressed that your day's over and it's only 2pm!

For another thing, having a morning ceremony and reception saves you $$$ on minimums, means you can serve cheaper brunch food, and means you don't have to provide a lot of (or any) alcohol.

Our guests seemed to enjoy having the break to themselves. They went in the parks or went swimming or took a nap (esp. since they'd been up since 6am, most of them). DH and I spent the time chattering like a couple of schoolgirls about our day and how much fun it was and what we'd missed when we were apart. And we took a nap! Then we had dinner from room service and walked over to Epcot from BCV for the DP.

Keep asking questions and searching through old threads - this place is a wealth of helpful info! :thumbsup2

Thanks for the information, I am starting to find that you can get information about anything on here!

I have read your PJ and a bit of your wedding trip report - all I can say is WOW :worship: If mine turns out half as good as yours I will be happy! You really did think of every last detail and it shows! Your photography did the day justice too, just the sort of modern style that we like - I am not really into the traditional wedding photography style.

Love all you money saving tips too, I think I have the biggest money saver of all - not having a bride!!! :rotfl: No hair, no makeup, no jewelery, no dress, no flowers! :rotfl:


Ok, sorry lol. Good luck with your wedding planning, i'm looking into a sept/oct 09 wedding!! so let's have fun doing this... i'll scratch your back if you scratch mine!:rotfl:

I'm sure it will be fun! Ask me in 16 months!


but I can tell you that if I were attending your wedding I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a break in the middle

It's looking like that is a popular choice! I'm sure people will be pleased for the free time.

I thought I would post a pic of us two for you all to laugh at!
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa223/bridalshowersign/n673110121_1431047_64941.jpg

[disneygal922]

Congrats on your engagement! :cool1: I am starting to plan but I, unfortunately, am not getting married until April 2010 :confused3 We are looking at an early morning ceremony followed by a luncheon and a break and hopefully ending with a dessert party! Hope all your planning goes well!:wizard: Congrats again! It's so exciting to plan isn't it?

[lurkyloo]

(what is that called anyway? Groomzilla?)

That's exactly what it's called. My brother-in-law went Groomzilla on us... :lmao:

I think I have the biggest money saver of all - not having a bride!!! :rotfl: No hair, no makeup, no jewelery, no dress, no flowers! :rotfl

:rotfl2: TOTALLY! Plus, no getting up at the crack of dawn to bring all those spendy elements together. :thumbsup2

[epcot1982uk]

Congrats on your engagement! :cool1: I am starting to plan but I, unfortunately, am not getting married until April 2010 :confused3 We are looking at an early morning ceremony followed by a luncheon and a break and hopefully ending with a dessert party! Hope all your planning goes well!:wizard: Congrats again! It's so exciting to plan isn't it?

I know how you feel, it seems so far away, but I am sure that it will go by really fast! You bet - planning is fun! Hope you enjoy planning your magical day as much as I am starting to do!


TOTALLY! Plus, no getting up at the crack of dawn to bring all those spendy elements together. :thumbsup2

Exactly! I was BM at my friends wedding (BM = best man, not bridesmaid!!! :rotfl2: ) I know that the groom took a lot less than 30 minutes to get ready!

[MadamMim]

Let me just chime in with the good wishes first of all. :goodvibes

Now down to business ;) , are you thinking of doing your ceremony in the rose garden-y bit in the back of the UK pavillion where the gazebo is? I know that's the one that's traditionally offered but I personally don't think it takes full advantage of the pretty spaces there. (As an American living in Scotland and fairly certain that any future husband of mine will be British, I've thought about this a lot! :rotfl: Probably too much... but I digress.) I've always thought that the view just up the center would be lovely, with the street lamps on either side to sort of frame the whole thing. Or because you're going to have a small party, maybe the little garden behind the tea shop? I know they do some small Food and Wine events out there and it's just so darn cute!

Until I trick, er, I mean, find a man to marry me I'll be living vicariously through you and your planning. :thumbsup2 :laughing: And I too am a card-carrying member of the Lurkyloo Fan Club. In fact I believe I'm secretary of the Smoochtastic Division. So any advice you get from Carrie will be tops.

[epcot1982uk]

Thanks for the great Ideas Madam Mim! You certainly have thought about this a lot! Hope you have fun reading the planning I do!

Just got off the telephone to DFTW and they have taken all my details and a coordinator is going to call me back in the next few days! The guy on the other end of the phone tried to send me off to watch the DVD and look at the wish book. He soon took notice when he saw how much I had already pre-planned thanks to everyone at DISboards!

PS. Lurkyloo, can i join the fan club too!

[Nicola2010]

Thanks for the great Ideas Madam Mim! You certainly have thought about this a lot! Hope you have fun reading the planning I do!

Just got off the telephone to DFTW and they have taken all my details and a coordinator is going to call me back in the next few days! The guy on the other end of the phone tried to send me off to watch the DVD and look at the wish book. He soon took notice when he saw how much I had already pre-planned thanks to everyone at DISboards!

PS. Lurkyloo, can i join the fan club too!

have you been sent a copy of the dvd? i keep requesting it through the website (now that the date tab lets you select 2010) but i still havent received one :confused:

Congrats on getting your details taken down... i cant do that until November and im fit to burst already :lmao:

[PrincessBride010103]

have you been sent a copy of the dvd? i keep requesting it through the website (now that the date tab lets you select 2010) but i still havent received one :confused:

Congrats on getting your details taken down... i cant do that until November and im fit to burst already :lmao:

I ordered about 6 DVDs....still haven't got one & I've been married for 12 weeks :lmao: I think word is they phased out the DVD because it had old info in it.

epcot1982uk, congrats on your engagement & upcoming wedding :)

[lurkyloo]

Until I trick, er, I mean, find a man to marry me I'll be living vicariously through you and your planning. :thumbsup2 :laughing: And I too am a card-carrying member of the Lurkyloo Fan Club. In fact I believe I'm secretary of the Smoochtastic Division. So any advice you get from Carrie will be tops.

PS. Lurkyloo, can i join the fan club too!

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

You guys crack me up! DH is going to pout when he finds out there's a Smoochtastic Division and he's not the secretary! :rotfl:

the only other thing I know about the UK area for weddings is that if you do use the gazebo area, they sometimes don't let you stand in the actual gazebo b/c the British Invasion's equipment is in there. So instead they lower these ugly brown curtains in the sides of the gazebo, and that's your wedding backdrop - ick!


have you been sent a copy of the dvd? i keep requesting it through the website (now that the date tab lets you select 2010) but i still havent received one :confused: :

Don't worry - you're not missing anything - the DVD is ancient and shows stuff you can no longer do/wouldn't be caught dead wearing. I keep hearing rumors they're working on a new one, but in the meantime, the Food Network and Travel channel specials on YouTube are WAY more informative than the DVD :thumbsup2

[epcot1982uk]

have you been sent a copy of the dvd? i keep requesting it through the website (now that the date tab lets you select 2010) but i still havent received one :confused:


People often put the DVD's on Ebay, I know a friend of mine got one from there, it only cost a few pounds (or dollars!) Beware the one I saw had little actual information.

[Nicola2010]

aah thanks everyone... was starting to think they didnt want me at disney :lmao:

Amanda - LOVE your sig pics! How's the pregnancy coming along?

[PrincessBride010103]

aah thanks everyone... was starting to think they didnt want me at disney :lmao:

Amanda - LOVE your sig pics! How's the pregnancy coming along?

Let's just say I can't wait for it to be over :lmao:
I'm finally in my last trimester only 12 weeks left! :cheer2:

[Nicola2010]

Let's just say I can't wait for it to be over :lmao:
I'm finally in my last trimester only 12 weeks left! :cheer2:

WOW! i know it probably doesnt feel like it for you, but the time is just flying by!

I cant wait to see pics of your little prince! Glad you're doing well though!

[Swmhc]

I am going to start by pleading my ignorance.......but, are same-sex marriages legal in the UK. In most states here, they are not. I won't even start a vent on how old-fashioned I think that is....let's get in the current century !! However, if you are interested, California just passed a law allowing them to be legal. Just thought I would throw that out in case that would make any difference to you. You could do a Disneyland ceremony if that were the case.

In any event, congrats on your upcoming ceremony, good luck on your planning, hang here and we will help you through the planning !

Welcome aboard !!

[epcot1982uk]

I am going to start by pleading my ignorance.......but, are same-sex marriages legal in the UK.

Thanks for the question! It is legal, but called a civil partnership. It means that in addition to my DFTW we will also have to make it official in the UK.

[Nicola2010]

if you dont mind me asking a question (and if you do please just say) what happens with regards to changing your names?

Do you keep your current names?
Change to one or the other?
Swap names?
Double-barrel?

I sorry if that's a stupid question but i genuinely dont know and am curious :goodvibes

[epcot1982uk]

if you dont mind me asking a question (and if you do please just say) what happens with regards to changing your names?

Do you keep your current names?
Change to one or the other?
Swap names?
Double-barrel?

I sorry if that's a stupid question but i genuinely dont know and am curious :goodvibes

You dont want to get us started on that!!! :rotfl2: We have had endless discussions with no answer - lets just call it a difference of opinions!


the only other thing I know about the UK area for weddings is that if you do use the gazebo area, they sometimes don't let you stand in the actual gazebo b/c the British Invasion's equipment is in there. So instead they lower these ugly brown curtains in the sides of the gazebo, and that's your wedding backdrop - ick!


Thanks for the tip, I have seen that curtain and it looks like it fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down! Ugh! :rotfl: I will have to make sure that we can sort something out about that.

[Nicola2010]

You dont want to get us started on that!!! :rotfl2: We have had endless discussions with no answer - lets just call it a difference of opinions!



Thanks for the tip, I have seen that curtain and it looks like it fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down! Ugh! :rotfl: I will have to make sure that we can sort something out about that.

Fair enough :thumbsup2 good luck with deciding, im sure you will make the right choice in the end :goodvibes

[megveg]

im jumping on! i have always wanted to catch a wedding PJ from the eginning and yours sounds wonderful!

:)

[MadamMim]

You guys crack me up! DH is going to pout when he finds out there's a Smoochtastic Division and he's not the secretary! :rotfl:


Tell him not to worry. You two are the co-presidents of the Smoochtastic Division. :cutie:

[inkedupmomma]

Thanks for the great Ideas Madam Mim! You certainly have thought about this a lot! Hope you have fun reading the planning I do!

Just got off the telephone to DFTW and they have taken all my details and a coordinator is going to call me back in the next few days! The guy on the other end of the phone tried to send me off to watch the DVD and look at the wish book. He soon took notice when he saw how much I had already pre-planned thanks to everyone at DISboards!

PS. Lurkyloo, can i join the fan club too!



yay I called today too!!! I forget..but what date are you looking at? and Lurky is my jam.. i feel i should be president of her fan club.. or somethin :) She's totally invited to my dftw!! now i just gotta find afamily member to uninvite..bwhahaha:rotfl2:
are you doing an escape or a wishes??

congrats again!!!

[epcot1982uk]

yay I called today too!!! I forget..but what date are you looking at? and Lurky is my jam.. i feel i should be president of her fan club.. or somethin :) She's totally invited to my dftw!! now i just gotta find afamily member to uninvite..bwhahaha:rotfl2:
are you doing an escape or a wishes??

congrats again!!!

Ha Ha! Inviting Lurkyloo over family - like it!

I'm having a wishes wedding, havent decided exactly what date yet! Have you decided your date yet? I have family and work to consider, so it needs some thought!

[epcot1982uk]

im jumping on! i have always wanted to catch a wedding PJ from the eginning and yours sounds wonderful!

:)

Welcome aboard! I think I may start an official PJ soon, with background info and pics! Just thinking it may be a bit too soon to start it!

[megveg]

Welcome aboard! I think I may start an official PJ soon, with background info and pics! Just thinking it may be a bit too soon to start it!

Its never too sooon! :goodvibes

[Goldeelox9]

Welcome! I can wait to hear all of your plans!

[inkedupmomma]

Ha Ha! Inviting Lurkyloo over family - like it!

I'm having a wishes wedding, havent decided exactly what date yet! Have you decided your date yet? I have family and work to consider, so it needs some thought!

I love me some lurky.. seriously... i'll keep it g-rated though!

as for a date.. we origanlly wanted oct 18.. but with the new photographer changes, we are going to do sept 21,09.. at least thats the date for now... i may opt to go for something a tad later in the month.... any thought when you may want it?? gimme something here :dance3:

[JonetteA]

My ceremony was at the UK Pavilion let me know what questions you have. I will be happy to answer them.

[IndyBride]

if you dont mind me asking a question (and if you do please just say) what happens with regards to changing your names?

Do you keep your current names?
Change to one or the other?
Swap names?
Double-barrel?

I sorry if that's a stupid question but i genuinely dont know and am curious :goodvibes

I know I'm not the person you asked but I think it's situational. Is that the right word??? I know my friends kept their names although I don't know how they made that decision. But, we live in AZ and gay marriages aren't legal here. I don't know if that makes a difference.

[sungela]

Welcome to the planning process! It's nice to have another non-hetero couple on here; we're having our "DFTCC" (Disney Fairy Tale Commitment Ceremony) in June. :rotfl2:

I imagine you'll have a more difficult time with name changing than we did. Both of our parents made the assumption long ago that we'd give up our birth names when we got married, and I had already informed my parents that I didn't need any patriarchal surname when I could create my own. Thus, DF and I made up our own last name. When my little brother finds his partner, though, I think my family would strongly object to any name-changing because he's the only boy and he's supposed to "carry on the family name." Too bad he's a one-man gay pride parade. :lmao:

pirate: over. I'm really excited to see all your plans!

[DisneyBrideToni]

I ordered about 6 DVDs....still haven't got one & I've been married for 12 weeks :lmao: I think word is they phased out the DVD because it had old info in it.

epcot1982uk, congrats on your engagement & upcoming wedding :)

I actually received the DVD and it looks like it was done in the 80's. If you go on you tube and look up Disney weddings I think they have the video on there in 2 parts.

Not worth watching though.

[epcot1982uk]

Welcome to the planning process! It's nice to have another non-hetero couple on here; we're having our "DFTCC" (Disney Fairy Tale Commitment Ceremony) in June. :rotfl2:

pirate: over. I'm really excited to see all your plans!

Disney Fairy Tale Commitment Ceremony - it just doesnt roll off the toungue as well as DFTW! :rotfl2:

I know I'm not the person you asked but I think it's situational. Is that the right word??? I know my friends kept their names although I don't know how they made that decision. But, we live in AZ and gay marriages aren't legal here. I don't know if that makes a difference.

I think we are just going to stick with our own, but who knows we may change our minds again!

Its never too sooon! :goodvibes

Well I may start it this holiday weekend, got some photographs together already. I always enjoy the PJ's with lots of pics!!!


as for a date.. we origanlly wanted oct 18.. but with the new photographer changes, we are going to do sept 21,09.. at least thats the date for now... i may opt to go for something a tad later in the month.... any thought when you may want it?? gimme something here :dance3:

We are looking at the middle of Sept, not quite as late in the month as you! I always prefer September. Its a bit cooler than summer during the daytime, but evenings are still warm - so not at all bad for a DP!!!

[Swmhc]

And September has been when they have been offering the free DDP the last couple years !! That would save you guys a bunch of $$$ !

[inkedupmomma]

Disney Fairy Tale Commitment Ceremony - it just doesnt roll off the toungue as well as DFTW! :rotfl2:



I think we are just going to stick with our own, but who knows we may change our minds again!



Well I may start it this holiday weekend, got some photographs together already. I always enjoy the PJ's with lots of pics!!!



We are looking at the middle of Sept, not quite as late in the month as you! I always prefer September. Its a bit cooler than summer during the daytime, but evenings are still warm - so not at all bad for a DP!!!

i'm actual;ly thinking of doing earlier in sept now... so that i can do a cruise then come back and still be able to do free dining.. good lord, i hope they still offer free dining or else i'mma feel tupid!!:dance3:

[tigger813]

if you dont mind me asking a question (and if you do please just say) what happens with regards to changing your names?

Do you keep your current names?
Change to one or the other?
Swap names?
Double-barrel?

I sorry if that's a stupid question but i genuinely dont know and am curious :goodvibes


We have friends that did a commitment ceremony and then got married when same sex couples were allowed to wed in Massachusetts. They found a family name that they both liked and both changed their last names to that name. They now have two beautiful sons and all have the same last name.

Best of luck to all of you!

Not a DisBride but already thinking about a DFTW for one of our DDs in 2021 at the earliest;). I just love weddings so I read these boards more than any other boards. I'm such a sap:)