DP for non-DFTW

[lirija]

I feel like I am getting conflicting information on this. If I choose to have a wedding that is not through DFTW, can I still book an Illuminations DP and wear my dress (knowing I am paying a viewing fee for everyone plus the minimum expenditure, etc)?

I know it has to be booked via the DTFW, but is that only for DFTW brides? I really want to be able to wear my dress.

Here's the deal: I really need to keep costs down. This is my second marriage and I have kids, a busy career, etc. I can't justify spending a lot at this phase of my life because it would take away from college funds and other things like that, so...SoG is starting to look really appealing. For what they charge, I can have a full reception. Initially, I was going to have an Escape wedding and pay for a private dinner at Cali Grill. For the number of guests we were planning, this would have run just under 10K (I think). I can invite way more people and have an actual reception (dance floor and all) for just under 5K. Its not the same, I know, but its hard for me to justify my first plan after seeing the cost difference. I thought I could make up for some of the Disney magic with a DP at Illuminations, but if won't feel the same if I can't wear my dress.

Oh the options!

I know it will be awesome no matter what I end up with - after all - I finally found my prince charming. Yes - he is a Wookie

 

[Erzengel]

I feel like I am getting conflicting information on this. If I choose to have a wedding that is not through DFTW, can I still book an Illuminations DP and wear my dress (knowing I am paying a viewing fee for everyone plus the minimum expenditure, etc)?

I know it has to be booked via the DTFW, but is that only for DFTW brides? I really want to be able to wear my dress.

Here's the deal: I really need to keep costs down. This is my second marriage and I have kids, a busy career, etc. I can't justify spending a lot at this phase of my life because it would take away from college funds and other things like that, so...SoG is starting to look really appealing. For what they charge, I can have a full reception. Initially, I was going to have an Escape wedding and pay for a private dinner at Cali Grill. For the number of guests we were planning, this would have run just under 10K (I think). I can invite way more people and have an actual reception (dance floor and all) for just under 5K. Its not the same, I know, but its hard for me to justify my first plan after seeing the cost difference. I thought I could make up for some of the Disney magic with a DP at Illuminations, but if won't feel the same if I can't wear my dress.

Oh the options!

I know it will be awesome no matter what I end up with - after all - I finally found my prince charming. Yes - he is a Wookie

We had our dessert party at Eau De France. This was for a DFTW, I don't know if it is all comparable to a non DFTW.

The food and beverage minimum for a reception/dessert party is $1,150.00 for a minimum of 50 guests.

Based on the the choices for a dessert party menu, it is $26-$32 for food and $12.95 for the viewing fee.

The food and beverage minimum for a breakfast/lunch/dinner is $3,750.00 for a minimum of 50 and maximum of 80 guests.

This is all buffet only.

The venue fee is $250.00 and depending if you have your own photography/videographer unless it's through Disney you'll need media guides for each one person which is $90.00 each.

Not including taxes and service charges (tips) which they include.

If you have under 50 people, you might want to try the United Kingdom. I think their minimum is lower, unfortunately I don't know that number but at least the stuff I gave you is 2014 numbers and would give you a good estimate.

 

[sambycat]

I feel like you can have the party but not the dress IN a park without being dftw? Someone will chime in with authority I'm sure!

 

[Erzengel]

This woman literally wrote the book on Disney Weddings as well as other events.

Plan a Small Private Event at Walt Disney World

http://disneytravelbabble.com/how-to/private-party/epcot-dessert-party/

 

[lirija]

This is all great info, but I have Carrie's book...I just still can't tell for sure if a non-DFTW bride can have an Illuminations DP and wear her dress. I think I may have read the answer somewhere but didn't save the link if I did.

I would love to know if someone actually did this, because I know calling sometimes results in conflicting information even from the DFTW staff themselves, based on reading many PJs and TRs...

 

[tinkerbell 766]

As I understand it, a non DFTW bride can have a DP in Epcot but cannot wear her dress. Sorry!!!

 

[lurkyloo]

Yeah, you would not be able to book a dessert party through DFTW if you didn't have a DFTW, and only DFTW brides can wear gowns inside the parks. You could plan your dessert party through Disney Catered Events, but they won't let you wear your gown inside the park.

You could wear it to a private Wishes dessert party, though, because it's not inside a park.

 

[lirija]

OK - I guess I have to sit and think about how important this is to me. Maybe I could change into another nice white dress, just not one that is so "nuptial-looking."

Thanks all!

 

[PoshMeld]

I am in the same boat as you! I would like a fireworks viewing but wearingg my dress. Let me know where you are at with this. PM me!