Custom Wedding Reception Area for 18 People

[TexasCourt]

I am thinking of switching to a custom wedding. However, I think we will still only have 18-20 people. Does anyone know what reception location would be the most appropriate for that amount of people. I don't want the location to feel huge as compared to the amount of people there, you know what I mean?

 

[calla28]

I think you can use the Whitehall room in the grand floridian or even the Sonoma room in the Contemporary. You could also use the AA Parlour.

 

[pooh98378]

I think the Whitehall would be fabulous! You could also do the Living Seas. I think it has a max of maybe 80 so it is a little bit larger, but I still think it would be ok.

 

[TexasCourt]

Thanks for all of your replies, guys. Here is another question: if I do have a custom reception at one of the smaller venues, would it be weird to not have a DJ or whatever there?

 

[pooh98378]

No, I don't think it would be weird at all, especially at the Whitehall room. If you want, you could have like a pianist or other musician play background music -- I think they are about half the price of a dj.

 

[Laurafoster]

We had the Marvin Gardens room in the Boardwalk so we were close to epcot and the YC gazebo. We had 24 guests so 26 in total. Its a large room but can be devided up, we had sections A+B. I was worried it was going to look huge for the small group but once they had added some twinkling lights and votive candles the room looked great and was ideal for our group!

We did have a DJ as it was something both DH and i wanted, however i dont think it would have been strange without, we had a flutist at our pre reception and she was wonderful so any of those would be great!

 

[princess110607]

We are gettting married in November and we are using the Whitehall room at the GF for our reception. Out toal guest count is about 20....and we are not having a DJ (haven't decided what music choice yet....guitarist, harpist, etc). Hope that helps

 

[TexasCourt]

Thanks so much for all of your replies...

A few more questions:
Is the Whitehall indoors or outdoors? On the pictures I have seen of it, it appears to be both? Also, for those of you using it, what kind of menu/food do you get here, and can it be done for the $125 per person?

Finally, would Ariel's be too big for 18-20 people?

 

[PrincessBride07]

Sorry can't answer your Ariel's question, but I just wanted to add another suggestion. I am having a small custom too, and we are having a dinner at UK lower terrace along with illuminations viewing. They say you have to have a minimum of 20, but it is my experience that they allow less than that.

 

[TexasCourt]

Sorry can't answer your Ariel's question, but I just wanted to add another suggestion. I am having a small custom too, and we are having a dinner at UK lower terrace along with illuminations viewing. They say you have to have a minimum of 20, but it is my experience that they allow less than that.

This is not in the wish book, is it? If you don't mind my asking, what are the minimums for this?

 

[PrincessBride07]

That is interesting that it is not in the wishbook. The minimums are the same as most other places F&B $75 pp for events before 2 and $100pp for events after 2. Also, if you choose to stay for illuminations, there is a $12.50 pp fee for the viewing (unless they have park passes).

 

[disprincessatheart]

Just a note on the receptions in EPCOT (Lower UK, French Island, etc). You have to hire a bus or limo or some sort of transportation to get in and out of the park as they'll only let you come in through the back. The reasoning i think is to keep you from drawing too much attention walking thru the park in your dress.

ANyway, the bus for my group of 40 was going to be around $700 for the day, so keep that in mind. There is also a site fee for any of these - a couple hundred dollars that covers setting up tables and chairs. Lastly, you can only do a buffet menu. The choices are very nice, but if you're set on a plated dinner, you'll have to think about that limitation.

Hope that helps.

 

[pixie08]

The whitehall room and the st james room at the Boardwalk are both indoor outdoor. the are rooms that have french doors that open to a patio. You can use both areas and both rooms are lovely.

yes IMO ariels' would be too big for that size party. It is fairly large and multi level. The smallest group I would put in there imo is 35-40.

 

[Swmhc]

The Attic at the Boardwalk is really cute as well. We looked into that, but we decided to go with an Intimate ceremony.