Crown_Princess and Angrypenguin DFTW 03/30/2009-7/24 Update, MGM studios!

[Crown_princess]

Just found your PJ. Hey tell df I was waiting to see more photos of your trip. He dropped off the face of the earth. (I did that with my first TR, kind of took too long and never did finish it). Congrats on getting the date you wanted. Everything sounds great so far! I LOVE the scrolls, so different and so pretty!

I told DF this and he laughed. He said he figures it's too late to finish it now. We had a great trip though! We will unite the whole gang at our wedding...and their significant others will be in tow.

 

[Angrypenguin]

Wow, I can't believe I actually had a fan of my trip report! Unfortunately I didn't finish it because, um, well to be frank I got lazy and ended up playing too much XBox. But maybe I'll post some pictures anyway, just for fun....

I'm seriously considering that Illuminations dessert party. Anyone have any recommendations on locations? Much appreciated

 

[Angrypenguin]

So...we finally got our letter of agreement today! I swear, I sometimes get more excited about this than Julie does

Skimming through it, I noticed a few things. First is that the contract mentions that the Grand Floridian lobby may be undergoing construction/renovation. Anyone know anything about this?

Secondly, there seems to be a 100 dollar labor charge if our beverage sales are less than 500. Um...why? Or does this apply open bar events?

To those who have experience planning a Disney wedding, how did you convince people to stay on property? I was thinking of mentioning all the conveniences (Magical express, no rental car, EMH, etc.) that justify the slightly higher cost to stay on property, but I'd love to hear everyone else's ideas.

Thanks everyone! If anyone else has tips on what to check for when reviewing the contract, feel free to let us know!

 

[Angrypenguin]

One more question regarding room blocks...

How did people tend to reserve their rooms? I put most of our room blocks in the value resort since I figured people would want to be more economical, but did anyone ever have a situation where more people ended up staying at deluxes than they anticipated?

Thanks everyone!

 

[ElleBren]

One more question regarding room blocks...

How did people tend to reserve their rooms? I put most of our room blocks in the value resort since I figured people would want to be more economical, but did anyone ever have a situation where more people ended up staying at deluxes than they anticipated?

Thanks everyone!

Actually for some reason my family has surprised me and have taken out the moderate resort. I've actually had to add rooms there. I really thought that people would be at the value resort, but for some reason they all pounced on the moderate. Good luck making the room block, that was the worst part for me.

 

[alissa2008]

My purple crocs came Thanks for the tip!!

I love the cufflinks - they're perfect!

 

[Donald'sGirl]

Great start on you PJ! Mine reception is in the Napa Room at California Grill as well!! I love the view from there!

Your BM dresses are beautiful and scrolls are awesome! My pick for the shoes is the second pair but they are more my style that is why I like them. Where did you find them? They may work for my dress!

Off to read the other 4 pages of your PJ! I will check back later.

 

[Donald'sGirl]

Ok I just caught up on the rest of your PJ! Great job so far! You are having an identical wedding to me and my DF. We are getting married Dec 09 at WP with the reception at Napa Room! So you have a lot of the same questions as I do!

Here is what I know as to your questions:
1. Shoes - I like the 2nd pair (mentioned that in earlier post)
2. Jewerly - I like the first one or if you really love your MiL's and it works with the dress then the second set.
3. Decorating Napa Room - I am just doing centerpieces and letting the view be the decoration. We are getting married at 5pm so we will have the Wishes fireworks to look forward to during our reception. We are also having a DJ through Disney so he comes with lighting and a dance floor as I understand it so that will also help. We are doing the standard table linens as well.
4. Gift bags - We are doing welcome bags and will be at our guests hotel for them to get when they check in. Check out this thread for welcome bag ideas. The brides on here are very creative! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1854342
5. Recomendations - I am using Randy for photos and Carolyn Allens for tuxs and steaming. I haven't decided on hair/makeup but it will either be Patricia (LeJune PCA) or Ana (Beaute Speciale).
6. Haven't done a newsletter yet but hoping to.
7. Bar charge -
8. Room Block - none of my guests want to stay at a value so I am doing 2 moderate resorts. FYI - Disney allows you to pick up to 4 resorts for you to block rooms.

Hope that helps! I am still learning as I go along but these brides are fantastic with tips and ideas and with...well everything!!

Laura

 

[Crown_princess]

Thanks! Do you happen to know how much these cost??

I'm definitely doing these as place cards/favors! Try getting something that serves as a place card and favor for $3 bucks. That is awesome!

 

[camara381]

Hi there, I just found your PJ don't know how I missed it. I love that your DF comes on here too thats great. I love all of your ideas!!! The scroll invitaions are gorgeous, I like the second pair of shoes better, I also like the ariel jewelry set, were you able to try it on with the dress?

Those crocs are so cool I had no idea that they made diff styles, I may have to go get a pair. Looks like you came home with a ton of goddies from the event - I don't see why you won't wear the ring tiara in public it could be a fashion statement.

I would def. go with a desert party, I think that it will be a wonderful addition and the guest will really enjoy it. We opted to have our cocktail hour during illuminations.

O also we are going with Randy Chapman for photography, hes wonderful and very flexible., and I am using Ana from beautie speciale. we will be doing a trial run with her and the engaement pics with randy both in August.

Can't wait to read more.

 

[lurkyloo]

Great PJ! To answer your room block question, it really depends on how far your guests are coming (or how long they are staying) and how tight money is for them. I've heard of weddings where the guests only booked Deluxe resorts, but at mine people were coming from CA and had to stay a while, so everyone went with Values and Moderates.

First is that the contract mentions that the Grand Floridian lobby may be undergoing construction/renovation. Anyone know anything about this?

Apparently these are not continuous renovations, but they don't know exactly which dates the various parts of the lobby will be under construction, so they just tell you that in case it's happening while you're there.

Secondly, there seems to be a 100 dollar labor charge if our beverage sales are less than 500. Um...why? Or does this apply open bar events?

Because they can. It applies to both hosted and package bars - so I guess if you had a cash bar it wouldn't apply. However, Disney prices being what they are, I think you'll have no trouble spending more than $500. We had to pay $900 for just soda for 36 people!

To those who have experience planning a Disney wedding, how did you convince people to stay on property? I was thinking of mentioning all the conveniences (Magical express, no rental car, EMH, etc.) that justify the slightly higher cost to stay on property, but I'd love to hear everyone else's ideas.

Mentioning the convenience is a great idea. You might also let people know that (if you are providing transportation) those staying offsite will have to drive to an onsite resort to meet your bus/town cars/etc. and that it can take quite a bit of time to get to the ceremony from off-site resorts if you're driving.

Oh yeah, and I had Nathan & Jensey Root for photography (www.rootography.com) and Patricia LeJeune for makeup and hair (www.lejeune-pca.com)!

 

[Crown_princess]

[ I love all of your ideas!!! The scroll invitaions are gorgeous, I like the second pair of shoes better, I also like the ariel jewelry set, were you able to try it on with the dress?

Those crocs are so cool I had no idea that they made diff styles, I may have to go get a pair.

I would def. go with a desert party, I think that it will be a wonderful addition and the guest will really enjoy it. We opted to have our cocktail hour during illuminations.

O also we are going with Randy Chapman for photography, hes wonderful and very flexible., and I am using Ana from beautie speciale. we will be doing a trial run with her and the engaement pics with randy both in August.

Can't wait to read more.[/QUOTE]


Thanks for the compliment.
Don't buy the crocs. They gave me blisters. That particular style is too tight.

Randy rocks.

Lurkyloo I'm booking Patricia! I'm really glad I made this decision. I have my date reserved.

My mom almost never does anything professional with her hair. I think I will take the opportunity to treat her to a nice do.

We're sending in our contract today! I'm excited that it will be official. I buy as a profession...this would take some explaining, so just roll with me... and I inquired into altering the contract. We were very successful and got everything we wanted.
Bill Barchik is our WC and is very nice. I'm glad we got someone so flexible.

I decided to wear flats at the wedding. I haven't bought "the pair" yet, but I don't think I could spend over 12 hours in heels. We want to start the pics at 9am probably and probably won't be done with the dessert party until 9pm. So that 5.5 inch height difference will just have to be part of my charm at when we say "I do."

Kev and I don't like the same cakes. But I am pretty certain that I will go with a particular cake and style that I found here on the boards - along with the additions she used.

I'm home from work feeling ill and can't sit aimlessly - just not my personality. So I reanalyzed our budget. I have a great wedding book from Wedding Solutions that also serves as a keepsake and accordion file folder. I filled in the Budget Analysis section and am comparing our original budget (estimated using WishBook and other expenses) to our actual - this isn't done yet since we don't have a BEO. There are allot of things we didn't take into account because we originally planned on an intimate/escape wedding, and DMIL and DFIL wanted more guests, which I really don't mind.

I love wedding planning!

DMOH and I are going to look at her dress tomorrow. And I'm trying to get an appt. to try on my dress, which I haven't tried on since March, when I bought it. I need that little reassurance that it really was the perfect dress.

I plan on booking Carolyn Allen's for steaming. And I am one of those people who goes nuts when they clean, so I think I will end up having EVERYTHING steamed. We could end up with a team of steamers!

I have decided that CG Napa room will be amazing with just centerpieces. I'm going to try to keep it to the elegant, intimate look. And keep the guests eyes on the food, view, and ME!! Hehehe..... I mean, um....me and DF, of course.

 

[twiu]

One more question regarding room blocks...

How did people tend to reserve their rooms? I put most of our room blocks in the value resort since I figured people would want to be more economical, but did anyone ever have a situation where more people ended up staying at deluxes than they anticipated?

Thanks everyone!

For some reason, out of my 180 person guest list, most people booked my deluxe hotel (boardwalk). My reception is at ADH so I guess it's because of the convenience but I was shocked! I only have 4 rooms booked at the All Star and about 7 at the Moderate. I have over 17 at the Boardwalk. Weird. I guess people spend more money than I thought they would I've heard this happen to a few other brides though. But also, don't worry about the room block so much. I thought it was super complicated and it really isn't.

 

[Crown_princess]

For some reason, out of my 180 person guest list, most people booked my deluxe hotel (boardwalk). My reception is at ADH so I guess it's because of the convenience but I was shocked! I only have 4 rooms booked at the All Star and about 7 at the Moderate. I have over 17 at the Boardwalk. Weird. I guess people spend more money than I thought they would I've heard this happen to a few other brides though. But also, don't worry about the room block so much. I thought it was super complicated and it really isn't.

Thank you, that is such great reassurance! I'm sure DF will be glad you responded to his question.

We really do worry about it. But I think that will stop when people start pestering us about where to stay. Hehe.

Super cute pic in your profile!

 

[Crown_princess]

Here's what we're looking at as potential wedding cakes.

I love the first because it sticks to the light green and pink color scheme. Feel free to vote!

Thank you to Pixie08



Whimsy - We'd have to change the colors of this to light green and pink. I am not particularly fond of the color here but really like the extra dimension.

Individual Mickey Cake in Light Green and Pink

We like the individual cakes but want a picture of us cutting a cake. How could we do both without spending allot?

I wouldn't mind having a Mad Hatter cake, but Kev doesn't think they are very wedding-ish. LOL!

 

[camara381]

I am not much help, but alas I really like the first cake!!!!

 

[shezfrombermuda]

One more question regarding room blocks...

How did people tend to reserve their rooms? I put most of our room blocks in the value resort since I figured people would want to be more economical, but did anyone ever have a situation where more people ended up staying at deluxes than they anticipated?

Thanks everyone!

For my room block, I tried to guess where everybody would stay. I have guessed wrong! Some people that I thought would stay at the moderate are staying at the value and the other ones are staying at the deluxe! So far most are in the deluxe and no one is in the moderate.

I love the first cake! I had another cake chosen until I saw Pixie08's picture. Now I am going with that one!

 

[DecemberBride]

I love the first cake!!!!!!!

 

[Manda_Lizabeth]

I like all the cakes but my fav. is the second cake, so fun!! the ind. cakes are very cool but yes, I would figure the price adds up. Can you do some sort of a cupcake for everyone and then a small cake to cut for you and your new hubby? just and idea.

 

[Crown_princess]

I'm so excited to post my dress, but since I have to be able to remove the pics later, so DF won't see, PPLEASE PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE THE PICS. Thank you!


Okay....

Now for pics worth several thousand words.

Drumroll....


Dress is from Demetrios, Sposabella Collection in Ivory
Viel is two tiers in ivory with scattered crystals
Jewelry is two sets, from earlier post
First set shown is Cinderella by Kristie Kelley for Disney
Second set is my jewelry (already own), except for tiara which is Sleeping Beauty by Kristie Kelley for Disney

I still can't decide if I should buy the first set or get the tiara. I like the look of the Cinderella: it's more womanly...more queen than princess. It compliments the dress and looks regal. The second set is charming, elegant, but I'm not sure that it's dramatic enough. Please help!!!

and bridesmaid's dress
Alfred Angelo. Bottom in Tea Rose Pink, Top in Glass Green, ribbon in Tea Rose

Those are the wedding colors: glass green and tea rose pink
Note: The carpet on the floor of the WP is the same colors.