Do you really think we could have a custom for 10K?

[Skylarr29]

I know the weekday minimum is 10K but do you really think we could do it as cheap , ugh I mean cost efficient as that. Our intimate budget with an Illuminations dessert party came in around $11,500.00 or so. I know there will be a few more costs associated with a custom but fewers costs elsewhere. Do you guys think it is possible to pull off a nice disney wedding for that price????

 

[superdiz]

I think it depends on how large your guest list is. I really don't see how it could come in that low. I would think $15,000 is the lowest "custom" and that would be bare bones.

 

[Laurafoster]

Im assuming that as you were an intimate you wont have a huge guest list so it is possible.

It all depends on locations and what ssort of food you are looking at aswell as what extras you want like a DJ etc!

 

[JonetteA]

I tried to keep it at 10k and there was no way with the amount of guests that I had coming, and trust me I tried EVERY way possible. I had 50 guests or so and we invited 78.

You custom costs besides guests:
- your location plays a part
- if you have characters
- your meal (what you choose, we had brunch)
- if you have a DJ
- If you do Illuminations

Keep in mind that we did nothing really fancy at all. I thought I could swing going up to 14k to have the characters, the DJ, and Illuminations, and of course my MK photos.

At the end of the day, I was definately over 14k. And there was more added on for the total wedding for Randy and Stan, b/c I did not use Disney for any of that.

Unless you could do 20 or so guests, I am not sure how you could do it for 10k. Try and work with your planner, but just realize that the 10k min is extremely basic and low guest count. You are really going to have to give on your dream to have it that way.

Just go in with the knowledge that you are going to pay more, how much more depends on you.

 

[Skylarr29]

we only have 20 guests being invited. We are expecting most of them but you never know. I just figured since we are spending so much anyways why not switch and have a few more perks so to speak. I'm still crunching numbers to see. $14,000.00 doesn;t sound too bad. I don;t mind going over but if it is going to cost a ton more I really don't need to switch because I already have a plan. Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

 

[VistaLeigh'smommy]

no help on my end because I have yet to plan a wedding, but I was wondering how come the intimate you had planned was so much! Am I naive to think we can do it for under 5k?

 

[Kismetdreams]

Now this was 2 years ago, but the prices haven't really changed that much, but we had our whole events, including my dress, the dog kennel, our hotel rooms and our plane tix from CA to FL for $14,500. In the end, we paid Disney $10, 250, with the rest going toward floral, photo and video and various items. We had 50 guests and had Mickey and Minnie, the MK Photo Session, DJ, Open Bar, on a Saturday night.

 

[Skylarr29]

no help on my end because I have yet to plan a wedding, but I was wondering how come the intimate you had planned was so much! Am I naive to think we can do it for under 5k?

No I think you can do it for under 5k. We were going to have a farewell breakfast, cindy's coach, an Illuminations party and Mickey/Minnie etc.Thats what made it soooo expensive. I just have to re-distribute funds and I think I may be able to make it work.

 

[Laurafoster]

Im sure you'll be able to make it work no problem. I managed to and have plenty of little extras. If you need ant more info feel free to PM me! Im happy to share some of BEO with you.

 

[snickerharley]

Is 10,000 the minimum? In the unofficial guide there is a section on the weddings and it says something about an intimate w/ 4 night etc for $3,500? Confused.

 

[JonetteA]

The 10k on weekdays is the min for a custom wedding.

 

[JandJ]

no help on my end because I have yet to plan a wedding, but I was wondering how come the intimate you had planned was so much! Am I naive to think we can do it for under 5k?

YES you can do it for under $5k! That is if you're not counting your gown, DH's clothes, dinner or brunch with your guests afterward, and things like that. Our Intitmate was last year and prices always go up, but we added a custom cake, chocolate favors, extra floral, and extra beverages at the cake cutting and it was under $3k. We did not want the WP (that's extra), did not want characters, and used Disney for photography (no video), and we didn't want the MK photo shoot, so all of that saved too. If you want any of those things it will cost extra. Add in the 4-night minimum room nights, your clothes, park tickets (we are passholders), food, etc. and of course it gets higher. But if you can get a good rate or not stay at a Deluxe Resort, and don't add in too many extras, yes you can have a Disney wedding for under $5k. HTH!!

 

[wdwpluto]

In 2002 we did a custom with 25 guests for right around $10k (that was expenses w/ Disney FTW) Extras were photography (we used Gary Fox), my dress, tux, travel, hotel. We had a weekday morning wedding at the Pavilion and our reception at Citricos. We had 3 characters, no Cindy's coach, beautiful (but minimal) flowers. It was beautiful. I think it all depends on your priorities.

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

In 2002 we did a custom with 25 guests for right around $10k (that was expenses w/ Disney FTW) Extras were photography (we used Gary Fox), my dress, tux, travel, hotel. We had a weekday morning wedding at the Pavilion and our reception at Citricos. We had 3 characters, no Cindy's coach, beautiful (but minimal) flowers. It was beautiful. I think it all depends on your priorities.

I do believe you have to have your priorities set. I would also think that prices have risen substantially in four years. I also plan to do a weekday morning custom vow renewal. I have looked at the wishbook, as mine isn't until 2008 and I can see that it will be difficult to come in under $12,000 considering taxes and gratuities.

 

[Skylarr29]

I do believe you have to have your priorities set. I would also think that prices have risen substantially in four years. I also plan to do a weekday morning custom vow renewal. I have looked at the wishbook, as mine isn't until 2008 and I can see that it will be difficult to come in under $12,000 considering taxes and gratuities.

yea I am at right about 12k myself now. Not too bad but by the time I add up the other expenses lol

 

[sarah_n_brian2006]

The best way to keep prices down is to make cost effective descisions. For instance, if you choose a ballroom for your reception you'll need more decor, so your floral budget goes up. Pick a place that needs very little decor, like a VIP room (Living Seas), or a restuarant (like Ariels or California Grill), these places are already decorated as they have to be for dining hours. Then the only decor you will need is for the tables. I am too trying to have a 10k wedding. I think currently the total is around 12k. I am hoping to bring it down. Also pick a meal that seems to have everything you want included instead of having to place extras menu items out. Because food is a big part of the cost. My fiance and I are not planning a Mickey and Minnie wedding, so the characters available just do not fit in our theme. So we lucked out of that, even though a character would be nice. Also, do your own centerpieces, silk flowers nowadays look just as good as real flowers, and candles are more fragrant than real flowers. I had a PartyLite party to save money on the decor, in which I earned free candles depending on how much was spent. There are lots of ways to save on the wedding without having to go basic and nothing extra. Also, there is a 10% discount on both photo and video if you hire Disney to do both. I have not looked into this yet, but I heard a rumor that Disney can put together customized photo/video packages that might end up costing less. Just remember, that there will be more than 2 guys there for photo/video thats why the cost is more. Good luck!

 

[Skylarr29]

I definatly think we are going to switch to a custom. I think we will have an epcot ceremony and the reception at Bistro. I am pretty sure we can pull it off after seeing some examples of BEO's and what things are taxed and the menus. Our guest list is small so that is very helpful as well. I can't imagine planning a wedding for 100 or more people!!!Thanks everyone.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

just a quick question to add...how much does the MK photo session cost???

 

[Laurafoster]

The MK photo session is $800 - im assuming you mean the one of you in your wedding attire early morning!

 

[JonetteA]

I definatly think we are going to switch to a custom. I think we will have an epcot ceremony and the reception at California Grill. I am pretty sure we can pull it off after seeing some examples of BEO's and what things are taxed and the California grill menus. Our guest list is small so that is very helpful as well. I can't imagine planning a wedding for 100 or more people!!!Thanks everyone.

I had my reception at the California Grill. Up to the reception they were EXTREMELY difficult to deal with. They are not like the rest of the venues for a reception. They are very set in what they will do and what they will not do. They will not have tastings, will not customize a menu for you without extreme kickback (I finally gave up) and they changed my kids menu less than 30 days before our reception. The view from the venue is fabulous, but I don't know if I did a vow renewal if I would choose to do it again.

Maybe other brides had a different experience with them.

Their wait staff was great once we did get there. I know that they are going through a few changes and I am not sure if it is going to make it better or not.

EPCOT has a wonderful catering and event staff. I had a wonderful experience with those guys. There are restraunts in Epcot you could use as well!

Just keep this in mind! For your size, the Whitehall room is wonderful, and they had a great catering staff. My friend Lisa had her VR there and it was BEAUTIFUL! I will see if she will let me post a few pics.