Gina & Carl's Wedding - 6/22/12 - Swan/Ohana ~ TR Day 4 Wedding Ceremony 8/9

[2dogmom]

Gina sweetie - You are right in thinking that you will have to keep to the usual 180 day window for your ADR (even though it is for a special event). I contacted the manager of my chosen restaurant (in my case, Citrico's) well before this time, and they had all our details etc and so when the ADR window opened up, the manager made the reservation at her restaurant on my behalf. That way I pretty much knew that I would get what I wanted!! Viviana ( the Citrico's manager) then e-mailed me to tell me it was all sorted out!! Easy!! I don't know if all the restaurant managers do this, or whether I was just lucky in Viviana.
We also had several restaurants tell us that they couldn't guarantee that we all would be seated together!! In fact, I think Citrico's was the only one I contacted which was happy to guarantee the seating for us. I needed to be sure that all our party was sat together. t meant a lot to us!!
It may be worth contacting the manager of your chosen restaurant directly to see if they can help with your queries and with the ADR.

Yes, it is important to me too. I will have to see how to find a manager at Ohana's. Since you had luck at Citrico's, I may need to look into that restaurant as well. Yes, I am scattered all over the place

 

[2dogmom]

I was able to track down the number for Ohana to leave a message with a manager. Carmen called me back and was so nice. She said that she can put together tables of 10, for up to 30 people in the center section so we would definitely be together, just not necessarily one long table, but that's ok, 3 tables together are probably better than 1 long table anyway. I know it isn't private, but it is what I have had my heart set on My 180 days out is Dec 25. She took my information and CC for the hold and will make the ADR for me and give me a call back a couple of days after Christmas. Right now I am going to hold a 7:50 time, but she said we can check in earlier as we arrive. I think as we get closer I may try to really figure out the times.

Phew, I'm glad to have that checked off of my list.

 

[MrsDuck]

Gina, that's great!! So glad to hear it! That'll be such a fun reception!

 

[2dogmom]

And if we can time it so we are done and can see Wishes, that would be a bigger bonus!

 

[virtuous girl]

Whoohoo!! u got Ohanas 4 ur reception nice choice

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Gina sweetie - Excellent news that you got O'Hana's sorted!!!

 

[2dogmom]

I decided to try my hand at making mickey votives I saw someone else make here (was it Faith or someone else? I stole so many ideas they all run together, sorry!). I only have the larger mickey punch right now but plan on trying a different variation when my smaller punch arrives (ordered on ebay, waiting for it). These were simple and quick to make. I am trying to decide if I would use them for decorating the tables at the luau (home reception) or as wedding favors for the luau guests. Anyway, here they are.

Those are actually two different shades of blue. One was adhesive backed sparkly paper and the other I used those sticky dots. I’m going to let them sit for a while and see which one adheres better.

I definitely want to tie disney into the luau so it is a "Disney beach luau" in my backyard

 

[2dogmom]

I woke up in the middle of the night with this idea and had to do it first thing. lol I realize the picture is upside down but it almost looks the same upside down.

Carl thinks we should add our wedding day on it with a clear sticky, I'm not sure I want to do that.

I think the creative juices are ready to flow. Too bad I have to head out to a soccer game. The things we do for kids

 

[virtuous girl]

Check u out! keep up the good work... u will save tons of money by doing things urself... u should know that im all about the savings

 

[Jilian]

I love the Mickey votives, but then again I'm partial to them because I have the same ones. The shell votives are pretty amazing too, especially the starfish ones. So cute! Isn't DIY fun?!

 

[mebbradley]

I really like the second version with the shells!

 

[MrsDuck]

You didn't get the inspiration from me but I might steal it from you!

I love both but especially the 2nd set! Good job!! I love DIYing!!

 

[2dogmom]

I love the Mickey votives, but then again I'm partial to them because I have the same ones. The shell votives are pretty amazing too, especially the starfish ones. So cute! Isn't DIY fun?!

Sorry Jillian, I knew I found it somewhere here. I find pictures I like and put them in my other wedding blog but don't list where I get them from. Thanks again for the fabulous idea.

I really like the second version with the shells!

Thanks. I need to work on this one still. The blue ribbon is heavier and shinier than the white and the sticky dots aren't holding everything together no matter how many I try. I need to either try a new ribbon or maybe get out the glue gun (which I hate because I always end up burning myself).

You didn't get the inspiration from me but I might steal it from you!

I love both but especially the 2nd set! Good job!! I love DIYing!!

Faith, steal away. I'm sure Jillian won't mind

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

I am excited to read your PJ especially if I move over to be a S/D bride things look great so far!

Teresa

 

[2dogmom]

I heard back from Karen yesterday regarding the cake. She had mentioned that the Swan has great pastry chefs and if I gave her an idea of what I wanted, she would get a price. I gave her the info last week and she emailed back yesterday saying that she won't even tell me the price because she knows it is way too much. She said she would contact It's Tasty Too, but I said I have already been in contact with them so I can continue.

Also, I finally booked my room for the trip. I was waiting on my new travel agent card to get a discount. I ended up booking Beach Club club level. Since I can't add on dining (boo!), I figured the food available at the club level would balance out the price of food a bit. I have never stayed there, but I think the pool in June will be a great thing and the proximity to the Swan for the wedding will be great too.

In other news, I started working on the design of my luau invites. I'm trying to integrate mickey/disney and a luau. I am keeping the invites informal, including all pertinent information then asking for a call or email reply. No reply cards or anything. I just need to hope people actually reply. I haven't decided if I will print them at home or go somewhere for the printing. I guess either would work. In the meantime, Carl has been assigned the task of getting all of his family's addresses. I have most of mine, which makes life a lot easier.

Yeah, progress!!! As long as I have a place to stay and basic wedding plans, I'm good.

 

[MrsDuck]

Uh oh... I can't believe the S/D cakes are that much!! Is it cheaper to just pay the $5/pp cake cutting fee?

Congrats on booking your room! Beach Club is awesome!

I can't wait to see your invites!

 

[2dogmom]

Uh oh... I can't believe the S/D cakes are that much!! Is it cheaper to just pay the $5/pp cake cutting fee?

I think it will be much cheaper. Here is what It's Tasty Too gave me for a price for their beach looking cake on their site.

The coral stand is a rentable piece. ($50 of which $45 is refunded at return) the smallest I can make that cake is 44 servings for a total of $214 (total price of $169 upon return of stand). Or I can eliminate the bottom tier and have a 2 tier cake on top of the stand that would be $130 (total price of $85 upon return of stand)

If I have 20-30 guests, add on $100-$150 and I am still under $300. I think Karen took that into account when she saw the price from the Swan.

 

[2dogmom]

Here is my working budget. I will update it as I go along.

Base Swan site fee - $1,595
includes:
ceremony site
coordinator
seating for your guests
a guaranteed indoor rain backup
a water station
use of a hospitality suite to get ready on the day of the wedding (if available)

bamboo structure for beach with fabric - $350
Flowers for arch - $350
Delivery and setup of flowers - $175

Officiant, Rev. Tim - $150
photographer, Randy Chapman, 3 hours with CD only, $450, $479.24 with tax
I am adding more time on so this will be more
musician - Harp, Christine MacPhail - http://www.orlandoharpist.com - $300

floral for me - $45 (Made by Michael's custom floral)
3 mickey flower balls for girls + 4 extra flower balls - $45
1 bout - $5
dress for me - $485 + $145 for alterations
sandals for me - $20
dresses for the 3 girls - $45 for all 3 girls
shoes for girls - $45 for all 3 girls
rings - $410 for both
hair and makeup - Beaute Speciale for me - $135 + tip, my niece will do the girls

Invitations (Disney and Luau) - $51 + stamps
marriage license - $95
sand ceremony - $20
more sand and little bottles - $16
wands - $23 for 20 wands
cake - Its Tasty Too - $145 with $45 refundable deposit for shell stand = $77
cake cutting - $85 @ $5 per person and assuming 17 people
cake topper - $15
20 mickey fans - $43
7 goodie bags - $93 (includes homemade fabric covered photo albums, mini frames, misters, bath fizz, glow sticks, box candy, mini notebook)

Total for wedding to here: $5,322.24

Still to add:
Carl's clothes
Ohana dinner, $45 for adults, $22 for kids, not sure on numbers of guests yet...

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Uh oh... I can't believe the S/D cakes are that much!! Is it cheaper to just pay the $5/pp cake cutting fee?

Congrats on booking your room! Beach Club is awesome!

I can't wait to see your invites!

I think it will be much cheaper. Here is what It's Tasty Too gave me for a price for their beach looking cake on their site.

The coral stand is a rentable piece. ($50 of which $45 is refunded at return) the smallest I can make that cake is 44 servings for a total of $214 (total price of $169 upon return of stand). Or I can eliminate the bottom tier and have a 2 tier cake on top of the stand that would be $130 (total price of $85 upon return of stand)

If I have 20-30 guests, add on $100-$150 and I am still under $300. I think Karen took that into account when she saw the price from the Swan.

Here is my working budget. I will update it as I go along.

Here is my working budget for the wedding.

Base Swan site fee - $1,595
includes:
ceremony site
coordinator
seating for your guests
a guaranteed indoor rain backup
a water station
use of a hospitality suite to get ready on the day of the wedding (if available)

bamboo structure for beach with fabric - $350
Flowers for arch - $350
Delivery and setup of flowers - $175

Officiant, Rev. Tim - $150
photographer, Randy Chapman, 3 hours with CD only, $450

sand ceremony - $20
more sand - $10
cake - $300 (guess)
Total up to here: $3,400


TBD - Still need (no budget defined, but I'm always looking for a good deal ):
dress for me
dresses for the 3 girls
rings
hair - I'm hoping to ask my niece who graduated from cosmotology school
Champagne???
floral - bride, groom, girls???
musician or iPod???
DIY - fans, gifts???
marriage license???
cake topper???
shoes???


Ohana dinner, $45 for adults, $22 for kids, not sure on numbers of guests yet...

This is exactly why I did it the way I did!!! Even with the cutting and handling fee, Heather still worked out way cheaper!! I was delighted with my cake and don't think the pastry chefs at the Swan could have done a better job!! Karen clearly agrees that Heather is amazing!!!
Your budget is looking good, Gina sweetie. Remember that Heather can do fondant cake toppers if you wish her to. She did a great job on mine!!

 

[KristiLyn]

Just catching up on your pj! Everything is coming together nicely! Love the votives!
When I was planning a S/D wedding, we were going with It's Tasty Too. They were so easy to work with and the price was very reasonable!
Can't wait to read more!