Disney wedding on a budget?

[MissMichelle]

I know, almost seems crazy! I have just always wanted to get married in a fairytale setting and where better then WDW? I told Dfi (we have been engaged 2 years already) that I want to plan for 2009. When I sprung the location on him, he stepped back and asked if it was practical. So....as my title suggests, is it possible to have a Disney wedding on a budget?

We want an intimate wedding--MAX 20 people (more like 15,16) very simple. So anyone please, if you have done this (looking like $6,000-$8,000 with staying and all) please tell me it's DOable! Thanks in advance and sorry if this has already been asked before. It's just that stopping by this forum doesn't help....You all look amazing and I want to have my dream wedding also!

 

[Maggimus]

You will probobly cut it pretty close seeing that you are 1300 miles from WDW... but it is quite possible. You can probobly count on about $4,000 to intimate/escape wedding (just to be safe if you go pretty basic).... and then that leaves the rest for your say. Im assuming you would fly-- so figure in airfare, hotel, and tickets... and see what you come up with. Looks like you'll make it to me! Happy planning!

 

[Cinderella22]

I think that you could do it. As long as you don't go crazy with things--it is do able. Everyone deserves their dream wedding so I say--go for it!
Maggie

 

[MissMichelle]

Thanks you 2! It really helps to hear words of encouragement! I saw that the escape wedding is $4,000 so if I stay for the 4 day minimum onsite and get a good deal on airfare (I saw the package includes 2 AP's! WOOHOO!) the only people I would buy tickets for are the kids. So maybe it is possible. I am just wondering since my guests would have to stay onsite or close to it, and also their meals so I would have to think REALLLY long and hard about who is going to go also. I want it small but know some of my family just might not be able to justify the $$---but with 2 years to plan they SHOULD be fine lol

 

[myprincessgirlisa]

Congrats & welcome to the boards!!

I want to add that "when " you go will factor in big time
off season rooms, air, etc are cheapest
peak...forget it

If you are willing to put in the time & energy to shop around & find the deals I would have to say it can be easily done.

As for the actual wedding...that price is set regardless fo season & as far as vendors they are pretty reasonable with packages. Now you can always shop other vendors for flowers etc too...they just arent backed by disneys standards.

Dont give up on your dream...it can be done!!

We would love for you to stick around & keep us filled in!!

 

[Maggimus]

Thanks you 2! It really helps to hear words of encouragement! I saw that the escape wedding is $4,000 so if I stay for the 4 day minimum onsite and get a good deal on airfare (I saw the package includes 2 AP's! WOOHOO!) the only people I would buy tickets for are the kids. So maybe it is possible. I am just wondering since my guests would have to stay onsite or close to it, and also their meals so I would have to think REALLLY long and hard about who is going to go also. I want it small but know some of my family just might not be able to justify the $$---but with 2 years to plan they SHOULD be fine lol

I hate to be the one to spill the beans but the AP's are only for custom/wishes weddings. Intimate/Escape brides dont get those.

 

[luv4mylittleones]

I hate to be the one to spill the beans but the AP's are only for custom/wishes weddings. Intimate/Escape brides dont get those.

Actually, starting in 2008, they do...

 

[MissMichelle]

I hate to be the one to spill the beans but the AP's are only for custom/wishes weddings. Intimate/Escape brides dont get those.

Guess they changed their package huh? This is from Disney's website:

The Disney Escape Wedding Package includes these Magical Amenities:
Elegantly simple ceremonies on Monday through Fridays at 10:00 am, 12:00, 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm (except for Disney's Wedding Pavilion, which is only available Monday through Thursday)
A fresh floral bouquet for the bride and a fresh flower boutonniere for the groom.
An elegant two tiered wedding cake with keepsake cake topper and one bottle of Fairy Tale Cuvee for your champagne toast. (Approximately 6 glasses per bottle.)
A Violinist for your ceremony and reception.
A four (4) consecutive hour limousine charter for transportation on your wedding day for you and your guests.
A professional Disney Photographer to capture your ceremony and reception.
Up to two (2) hours of photography coverage which includes an album of twenty (20) images chosen by you. Along with the album Disney will also provide you with a contact sheet of all the images taken during your event.
Two half-hour telephone planning consultations with a Disney Wedding Coordinator prior to your wedding
A personalized wedding website.
Two (2) Walt Disney World® Annual Passes for the bride and groom
Online planning kit
Additionally, you may choose to add special features to enhance your wedding celebration.

* Disney's Escape Weddings packages require a minimum of a four night stay at an owned and operated Walt Disney World Resort. For additional guests, up to 18 maximum additional elements are at an additional cost (note: some ceremony locations have a maximum occupancy of 10 guests.)

All prices and other terms are subject to change without notice. Ask about our rates, Resorts and dates available throughout the year. Ceremony locations are subject to availability. Advance reservations required and subject to availability.

 

[MissMichelle]

Congrats & welcome to the boards!!

I want to add that "when " you go will factor in big time
off season rooms, air, etc are cheapest
peak...forget it

If you are willing to put in the time & energy to shop around & find the deals I would have to say it can be easily done.

As for the actual wedding...that price is set regardless fo season & as far as vendors they are pretty reasonable with packages. Now you can always shop other vendors for flowers etc too...they just arent backed by disneys standards.

Dont give up on your dream...it can be done!!

We would love for you to stick around & keep us filled in!!

Thanks bunches for the warm welcome! I would love to stick around...We are thinking an August or September wedding. So since that seems to be value season that helps! LOL I am getting so nervous thinking about planning this. It is very overwhelming. I am reading through all the threads here and LOVE the magic and everything that goes into planning a Disney wedding. I hope that will be me.

 

[Maggimus]

Guess they changed their package huh? This is from Disney's website:

The Disney Escape Wedding Package includes these Magical Amenities:
Elegantly simple ceremonies on Monday through Fridays at 10:00 am, 12:00, 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm (except for Disney's Wedding Pavilion, which is only available Monday through Thursday)
A fresh floral bouquet for the bride and a fresh flower boutonniere for the groom.
An elegant two tiered wedding cake with keepsake cake topper and one bottle of Fairy Tale Cuvee for your champagne toast. (Approximately 6 glasses per bottle.)
A Violinist for your ceremony and reception.
A four (4) consecutive hour limousine charter for transportation on your wedding day for you and your guests.
A professional Disney Photographer to capture your ceremony and reception.
Up to two (2) hours of photography coverage which includes an album of twenty (20) images chosen by you. Along with the album Disney will also provide you with a contact sheet of all the images taken during your event.
Two half-hour telephone planning consultations with a Disney Wedding Coordinator prior to your wedding
A personalized wedding website.
Two (2) Walt Disney World® Annual Passes for the bride and groom
Online planning kit
Additionally, you may choose to add special features to enhance your wedding celebration.

* Disney's Escape Weddings packages require a minimum of a four night stay at an owned and operated Walt Disney World Resort. For additional guests, up to 18 maximum additional elements are at an additional cost (note: some ceremony locations have a maximum occupancy of 10 guests.)

All prices and other terms are subject to change without notice. Ask about our rates, Resorts and dates available throughout the year. Ceremony locations are subject to availability. Advance reservations required and subject to availability.

Actually, starting in 2008, they do...

wow-- i stand corrected. I hadnt heard of this change being made. I know that my wedding last year and those this year hadnt received them..... but its good to hear that brides will get them in the future.

 

[MissMichelle]

wow-- i stand corrected. I hadnt heard of this change being made. I know that my wedding last year and those this year hadnt received them..... but its good to hear that brides will get them in the future.

I had read before that it didn't also, but when I saw it on their site today I got exctied, since as you know--it's all about $$ and budget with me at this point! LOL...It also gives me an excuse to get back there for my 1 year anniversary the following year before the AP's expire...See, saving $$ already

 

[figmentfan814]

Another nice thing that might happen if you have a late August or early September wedding is that Disney usually runs specials to receive the Dining Plan for free. They have done it the last couple of years and it can save you a lot on your trip. For instance, we're going down this September for our menu tasting and some site visits and by buying a one day pass we get free food for our entire stay. Disney has done this the last few years and there is no guarantee that they will continue to do this in the future, but you can always hope. Plus, that time of year is considered 0ff-Peak.

 

[myprincessgirlisa]

Thanks bunches for the warm welcome! I would love to stick around...We are thinking an August or September wedding. So since that seems to be value season that helps! LOL I am getting so nervous thinking about planning this. It is very overwhelming. I am reading through all the threads here and LOVE the magic and everything that goes into planning a Disney wedding. I hope that will be me.

Im so glad your sticking around

aug/sept is definitely value season..just keep in mind the heat

Dont get overwhelmed, we are here to help!!

Start a journal/notebook

cant wait to hear all the details

 

[Maggimus]

Also disney runs those specials (not guaranteed in the future but are always welcome) where you can stay at a value resort, get free dining, and tickets to the parks for CHEAPO!! I think in 2005 for DH and I we stayed 5 nights and 6 days and spent just at $1,000 for both of us. I know the prices are very similar because AAA sent us a letter about it happening this year in 2007. That might help you out a little as well.

 

[MissMichelle]

Also disney runs those specials (not guaranteed in the future but are always welcome) where you can stay at a value resort, get free dining, and tickets to the parks for CHEAPO!! I think in 2005 for DH and I we stayed 5 nights and 6 days and spent just at $1,000 for both of us. I know the prices are very similar because AAA sent us a letter about it happening this year in 2007. That might help you out a little as well.

You are all such a HUGE help! I am so glad I came to the wedding board!

I am in the midst of reading your TR right now. I absolutely LOVE your dress. I just read about your makeup and I will have to side with your feeling as I also wear a thicker amount of eyeliner so I understand where u are coming from. I can't wait to read on, but for now I am going to go have Dessert with the kids.

 

[Maggimus]

You are all such a HUGE help! I am so glad I came to the wedding board!

I am in the midst of reading your TR right now. I absolutely LOVE your dress. I just read about your makeup and I will have to side with your feeling as I also wear a thicker amount of eyeliner so I understand where u are coming from. I can't wait to read on, but for now I am going to go have Dessert with the kids.

So glad you are enjoying it. We are truly glad to have you here!!