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[tigergrad]

My daughter has a dream of getting married at WDW. I've always thought it was way more than I could afford. We are going in December for a short 3 night trip as our Christmas present to the family. I have been looking at the Espace package prices. I think I might be able to swing this but I know there has to be additional costs other that the price on the website. Can anyone tell me what else I would have to pay for? I don't want to say anything to her if I can't afford it. Don't want to get her hopes up. Thanks.

 

[WonderlandGal]

Personally I am also doing an Escape Package on a very very slim budget. I had to forfeit my home wedding i was planning because it was unattainable financially. When i saw the Escape Package i knew it was the best thing to do. I took advantage of a 20% discount if i held the ceremony at 8am or 10am on a weekday other than a Friday and at one of the locations Disney has you choose. I chose the Boardwalk Resort, Sea Breeeze Point. So the total for us is $3800. As opposed to the original $4500. (i know some prices for the Escape vary on location. Not by much but it does increase) No hidden fees or anything. At your own discretion you can add more bottles of champagne for the toast depending on guest count. Perhaps a couple more bouquets or boutineers. I am sticking with the Disney Photography for the given few hours only because my sister in law and aunt are photographers..(i lucked out there). So I wont have to hire more. We chose to do lunch at a resort or downtown disney...havent decided yet, post ceremony. Somewhere affordable. Big time. BUT....i do believe that there is a four night stay requirement. But i believe thats for the bride and groom. Someone correct if im wrong...

But all in all, in my opinion (if it means anything)....it can be affordable. If the"basics" are what you are looking for...then maybe it can work for you and your daughter. And Disney "basics" are not like the regular basics...they are above and beyond.

 

[girli565]

If you don't plan on adding anything additional other than what's offered with the package then there are no hidden costs. The extras come when you add or change things.

You must also book your stay at a WDW resort. I want to say 4 nights is required but I'm not sure.

 

[PartofDisney'sWorld]

Have you looked into the Memories Package? It is super affordable, and if there's only going to be a few of you there, this could be an option! If not, I agree with abover poster, you'd probably have to stick to the basics to not go above the advertised price for Escape. I believe the extra costs come in when you start upgrading, like floral, or hire an extra photographer. Also I'm not sure if the Escape prices include taxes and service charges (I'm sure someone will come along and clarify). And don't forget about the outside things, like her dress, hair and makeup, and invitations.

 

[sambycat]

sounds possible and fun!

i would highly recommend making the small investment in buying the passporter's guide to weddings and honeymoons. there will be tons of specifics and worksheets - this is a must have and can be instantly downloaded or ordered in hard copy! carrie, the author, aka lurkyloo around here, also does a free podcast and there have been several escape wedding shows posted already you can listen right on your computer - find that here.

weddings at WDW are more affordable then people realize, but there are lots of ins and outs - the books and checking out planning info here wil help you. if your budget is under 5K, the first thing i think you would need to think about is how big is this ceremony going to be. there are gust size limits on the escape events - is it 20 now? 25? kind of small-ish (includes the bride and groom) - but may be inline with what you are thinking of.

good luck!

 

[lurkyloo]

There's a 4-night stay requirement and a 20-person limit for Escape weddings. The Memories Collection has a 2-night stay requirement and a 6-person limit. (Both numbers include the bride and groom.)

 

[tinkerbell 766]

It may be worth considering a Swan/Dolphin wedding (still right there in the heart of the magic!!). This can work out to be far less expensive and offers more flexability in many areas than a package through DFTW. If you want any specific details, please feel free to PM me or ask some questions of the great bunch of brides over on the Swan and Dolphin FAQ thread. Good luck whatever you decide!!

 

[super_k0116]

The wedding packages don't include wedding attire, hair/make-up, officiant, marriage license, invitations, hotel rooms, travel expenses or wedding rings. You would have to add that to any budget you are considering on top of the minimums Disney requires you to pay.

 

[RealLittleMermaid]

Is that 20% all the time or for a limited time?
Also, I looked into a Swan and Dolphin wedding and while the wedding itself would be cheaper, they have a $3000 to $4000 (I don't remember) food and beverage minimum for a reception when I asked. I want to do light appetizers so that was out for me.
From what I can tell, the 4 nights are the only thing extra that isn't listed on the website but you would probably be getting a hotel for that long anyway.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Is that 20% all the time or for a limited time?
Also, I looked into a Swan and Dolphin wedding and while the wedding itself would be cheaper, they have a $3000 to $4000 (I don't remember) food and beverage minimum for a reception when I asked. I want to do light appetizers so that was out for me.
From what I can tell, the 4 nights are the only thing extra that isn't listed on the website but you would probably be getting a hotel for that long anyway.

Ther is nothing stopping you having the ceremony at the S/D andthe appetizer reception at the Disney restaurant of your choice - although they will all have F/B minimums. Have you considered a DP but having appetizers instead of desserts. I am pretty sure that this has been done before!!!