Budget

[Codie]

I had a weekday event with exactly 100 guests plus dh and I. The total cost (including Randy Chapman and Disney videography) was about $20k. My wedding included ceremony at the WP, reception at Atlantic Dance Hall. I did a lot of cuts. I would have preferred to have less people and more perks, but it was also very cool to have everyone there. I did my own centerpieces (no floral) that cost me about $600. At ADH you have many more tables because they only seat 4 at each. I had small bridesmaid bouquets (called floral wands). I had individual desserts instead of cake. Feel free to PM if you have questions.

 

[Janet2k]

... I'm not about to let Disney know ahead of time my "allowable" spending...

SillyBear, I don't understand why you won't allow Disney to know what your real budget is. How can they possibly give you a realistic proposal if they don't know what budget to work within?

As to the proposals that I received from the various groups within Disney for my custom vow renewal, it was up to me to "yes" or "no" each line item in those proposals. Disney did not pressure me into doing anything that I did not want to do. As a matter of fact, they were a dream to work with. When I received my Floral Proposal, which was the one proposal that I was most concerned about because I had six venues (yes, six venues) to decorate, their proposal blew me away in its simplicity. It was exactly what was needed. There was not one item in that proposal which was over-kill or extraneous. I don't know how my Floral Event Manager did it, but she had truly given me the perfect proposal, bless her little heart.

So, don't hide anything from Disney. They are professionals and need the correct information to work with. Let them know exactly what you want and exactly what your budget is. Only then can they create the perfect wedding for you.

 

[DisneyBride2B]

I agree with Janet, I don't understand why you would "hide" your real budget from your EM. They are there to help you get your dream wedding with YOUR allowed budget. My DF and I just started talking with the wedding team and are really pleased with the honesty and integrity of how well they try and work around what WE want not what they want us to spend. I recommend making a list of things that are a "must have" and things that you can be a little more flexible on, starting looking for pictures of flowers, cakes styles and get as much info from other board members in order to see what your needs/wants are. Then you are able to communicate that to Disney and not feel cheated or ripped off. No lies, it will be stressful, but have fun with it and let your heart lead the way to your FTW!!!

 

[SillyBear]

I see what you are saying about not hiding my true budget... maybe I should explain. I have a lower budget that I will really want to meet but I also have a higher number that I can spare (my FH and I are paying for the wedding ourselves)

The lower number is the one I'm going to give to DL and see what they can come up with. However, if essential items need more $, I can tape into my extras.

Does this make any sense?

 

[DisneyBride2B]

I don't know how much of a difference there is between your actual versus your "extra" budget, but don't forget to include tax to the minimums, the California wedding license, officiant, hotel room, airline tickets...things that you MUST have in order to be wed in DL...you can always "skim" on the extras once you have divulged what you truly want...why not try doing a wishlist with literally every option you would pick if there were no limit to what you could spend...see what the difference is and then start to negotiate things that you can live w/o. Or start with a % budget and try to figure out how much of your actual budget you can allow per items, dress (w/alterations, shoes,vail), you get the idea...it does help to really gain perspective on how much you will/can spend per area.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

I agree.

There are so many, "little things," that start to add up. You can't forget to include them in your budget.

You have to remember the dress, alterations, undergarment, shoes, garters, veil, jewelry, tiara (if applicable), stocking for what you're wearing alone.

Rooms, park tickets (although you may receive these), airline flights, etc. for travel arragements. Don't forget to buy a proper flying bag for your dress, or buy a seat for it so it flies with you. I have watched Airline a few too many times and have seen the dresses get run over by the little luggage go-karts thingys....

Favors, welcome baskets (if you're doing them), rehearsal dinner outfit, etc. all start adding up, too.

You have to be hoenst with them from the get go. If your budget should be within that first range, tell that that's your range. Take lots of photos and notes to them so that they know what your expectations are. They will work with you to give you your dream within your budget.

xoxo

 

[cryssi]

OMG, LOL...I never even took into consideration the attire, officiant, photographers, favors...I mean, that didn't factor into my "disney" budget, that was SO extra! LOL dang, that was a lot of extra dough!

 

[SillyBear]

I think my budget (the low #) can definitely cover a wedding at DL with everything that is "needed". The extra is basically my bank account and whether or not I choose to spluge on additional wedding items or get myself a new car.

Depending on what I can get with my actual budget, then I will decide whether or not to spend any additional $$ to make the wedding "nicer". Since we are also looking into buying another house, "extras" are negotiable. If I can live without them, I probably will.

 

[Shellybells82]

Your DJ package is going to be expensive. Disney has managed that. They will run about $1,300 for a fairly standard package. And no, don't think about bringing someone else in. You'll have to pay $700 to have Disney set up the dance floor and allow them in anyway.

YAO-ZA!! $700 to set up the floor? Didn't know they charged for that... We were married last Dec. @ DL and saved mucho $$ hiring a non-Disney DJ. They don't tack on a charge like that though, luckily. That's double what we paid the DJ.

 

[M.K. Poppins]

I've decided to start playing the lotto...