Disney Weddings Questions and Randy Chapman?

[Jessbell34]

I have been lurking around the boards for some time now and have learned so much about planning my Disney wedding. Now I finally got the courage to post my own thread.

I am planning my Disney Escape/Intimate wedding for June 17, 2008. I have confirmed my wedding date, signed the contract, paid my deposit, met my wedding coordinator over the phone (Jennifer O.), and confirmed my officiant (Rev. Time Herring). I have received my wedding planning kit through email and have looked over it a dozen times. Now I am to the point were I need to think about photography. After reviewing the boards and seeing all the praise about Randy Chapman (and all the negative about Disney photography), I have looked and his website and have fallen in love with his work. One question I have is... Since I am having an Escape wedding and can only have 18 guest (which I have definately filled), will Disney make me use one of my guest spots for Randy, since he is an outside vendor? Or will I be forced to use Disney Photography because I have no more guest room?

Also, when will my Disney Coordinator ask for my guest list and does Disney send invitations to my guests with vacation info? Or will I have to purchase invitations and send them out myself?

 

[Maggimus]

I have been lurking around the boards for some time now and have learned so much about planning my Disney wedding. Now I finally got the courage to post my own thread.

I am planning my Disney Escape/Intimate wedding for June 17, 2008. I have confirmed my wedding date, signed the contract, paid my deposit, met my wedding coordinator over the phone (Jennifer O.), and confirmed my officiant (Rev. Time Herring). I have received my wedding planning kit through email and have looked over it a dozen times. Now I am to the point were I need to think about photography. After reviewing the boards and seeing all the praise about Randy Chapman (and all the negative about Disney photography), I have looked and his website and have fallen in love with his work. One question I have is... Since I am having an Escape wedding and can only have 18 guest (which I have definately filled), will Disney make me use one of my guest spots for Randy, since he is an outside vendor? Or will I be forced to use Disney Photography because I have no more guest room?

Also, when will my Disney Coordinator ask for my guest list and does Disney send invitations to my guests with vacation info? Or will I have to purchase invitations and send them out myself?

Randy does not count as a guest-- hes an outside vendor so there is no need to hold a spot for him on the guest list.

 

[Christina3891]

Congrats on planning a Disney Fairtale Wedding! I have just started planning my Disney Fairytale Wedding and am having the same questions!

 

[Swmhc]

[Also, when will my Disney Coordinator ask for my guest list and does Disney send invitations to my guests with vacation info? Or will I have to purchase invitations and send them out myself?[/quote]

I think Disney sends save the dates for custom weddings. For Escape weddings, you will need to supply your guest list when you return your planning kit, but they don't send them anything. You will be responsible for sending invites if you want them. They do use the list to verify reservation info for your guests and so they know how many to set up chairs, tables and serving information (plates, glasses, etc). I think the list is a bigger deal for customs who have larger room blocks to fill, etc... HTH

 

[Jessbell34]

Thanks Swmhc... I was afraid of that. I really wanted my guests to receive some sort of Disney planning kit... I guess I will just have to refer them to disneyworld.com or I could order them all a Disney Planning DVD. I am also wanting to create an informative Wedding Newsletter to send to them thoughout the planning process. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Jessbell34]

Just to update everyone on my original post... I have officially booked Randy Chapman. I was so excited to hear from him and find out he was available for my date and time. He is so amazing and I have already talk with him over the phone twice in the past week just confirm our ideas and plans. Wow, he takes care of his customers so well right from the start. Thank you again Maggimus for all of you insights and recommendations. If it wasn't for you I would have never found Randy!

 

[Swmhc]

Just hang out around here and everyone will be more than happy to help with newsletter tips, welcome folders, whatever you need. I think you will EASILY find everything you need to tell yours guests on here somewhere. I found so much more than I ever dreamed I would need to find on here. Of course, that can be dangerous sometimes too ! But seriously, we are all here to help out...it's what we do. We get help when we need it a pay it forward, if you will. Good luck with your planning !

 

[Swmhc]

Oh my goodness...I just noticed you are from Springfield ! My parents live in Willard. They moved there after I went to college, so it's not really "home", but that where the folks have been for 20 years now. Okay...that make me feel really OLD now. Anyway, welcome aboard !

 

[Dakwister]

Congratulations on on planning all the essentials--you are more efficient than me. By the way, where are you having your reception?

 

[princessdisneybelle]

Thanks Swmhc... I was afraid of that. I really wanted my guests to receive some sort of Disney planning kit... I guess I will just have to refer them to disneyworld.com or I could order them all a Disney Planning DVD. I am also wanting to create an informative Wedding Newsletter to send to them thoughout the planning process. Anyone have any ideas?

Hi congrats on getting Randy. If you do a search on this forum you will find a few threads on newsletters, were some of us shared ours. That might give you some ideas.

 

[Jessbell34]

Thanks everyone for the wonderful tips!

Swmhc... that is really ironic about you parents being from Willard.... I am a first-year elementary teacher and did my student teaching last fall in Willard. They have an amazing school system. I was hoping to snag a job there... but I was offered an amazing position in another district before Willard could snag me. That is very ironic... Thanks again for the wedding advice!