Happybratpack's Rambling Wedding PJ ~GF Marina/Fultons/Italy Feb 2 Flowergirl Dress!

[happybratpack]

lol, I apologize to Pam every time I send her an email too!

Okay, so on the SBP vs. Wedding Pavilion Debate. I always thought I was a SBP girl, loved all the pics of it, loved the TR's I read where the wedding was there. The WP I wasn't really that into, just wasn't my thing. I wasn't really impressed with the pics I saw of it. But with SBP, what if it rained? I didn't want my ceremony in a ballroom.

When we were there in June we decided to look at some of the locations. We walked past SBP. It was pretty but very open at the same time and DF didn't really like it as a ceremony location. Then we went to the WP. OMG, it is seriously so beautiful I actually started tearing up and knew I had to get married there.

I think it is worth the extra $1k for a few reasons: 1) A/C. It will crazy hot in August, and you'll really be thankful for the A/C. 2) it includes an organist, which you would have to supply your own music at SBP. 3) It's indoors, so you don't have to worry about the weather. 4) Don't need to spend any money on decor if you don't want to. 5) the view at the WP of Cinderella Castle vs. view of S/D at SBP. 6) more private

I think in planning any wedding there are going to be those days when you want to hit your head against a wall. We had a huge problem working out the timeline and it took a few days to figure it out. Speaking of which, I know people have had breaks between the ceremony and a DP and as long as there is enough time for people to go to their rooms and change or take a nap or whatever, most of their guests actually enjoyed it.

Thanks for the kind words...I appreciate it. I agree with your points on the WP for sure.

Personally I like the idea of the mid-day break too, it would give everyone time to enjoy themselves and rest, I agree. With it being August (ugh) the heat will really wear some of the guests out that aren't used to it at all.

 

[happybratpack]

OK, change of plans.

After deliberating over the weekend plus a couple days, working budget numbers, etc we decided that if we paid the $ to have the ceremony through WDW we wouldn't have the money to do the "extra" stuff we wanted.

Soo I started researching more on here and looked into the Swan & Dolphin for the ceremony. I talked to "Just Marry" that the S/D referred me to and am still waiting for a call back. In the meantime I found another wedding planner that works with the S/D and just love her.

http://www.michelebutlerevents.com/ in case anyone is interested.

Anyway...she priced out the ceremony w/ officiant and minimal flowers and I'm really happy with the budget. We'll be having it at the Crescent Terrace at the Swan as long as the availability is there.

http://www.tazfoto.com/webhtml/swan_crescent.htm

So then I call back DFTW to tell them that we changed our mind about having the wedding through them and was told then my dessert party and lunch reception would have to meet the $12,000 Wishes minimum since it's a wedding celebration. Well, the exact quote...

"If the event is a "wedding reception" and you are going be celebrating a union it is considered a reception only and follows the same minimums."

I asked if we couldn't have the catered events like anyone else off the street can if they meet the venue minimum (ex: $1,500 food & beverage at Narcoossees) and they won't let me since it's a known wedding reception.

I tried calling WDW Catered Events to get help if it's a "family gathering" and not a "wedding" but I'm already in the system as a wedding so they won't help me. So I've put a call into Michele to see what ideas she has. To say I'm a bit frustrated is putting it mildly.

 

[Boardwalk_bride]

That's crazy that they want you to still pay the min! Especially considering Escape brides can hold receptions/dp's without minimums! I think there are some brides on here who had a church wedding, than a WDW reception, I wonder if they were told the same thing?

 

[happybratpack]

That's crazy that they want you to still pay the min! Especially considering Escape brides can hold receptions/dp's without minimums! I think there are some brides on here who had a church wedding, than a WDW reception, I wonder if they were told the same thing?

I know, I'm completely bummed about the entire situation. I asked for a manager at catered events to call me but haven't heard back yet.

 

[MainStMandy]

I know, I'm completely bummed about the entire situation. I asked for a manager at catered events to call me but haven't heard back yet.

We contemplated this at one point...I would suggest contacting the restaurants at the swan and dolphin. I know a few of them have large spaces for a "reception". The only thing you might not be able to get would be a dessert party.

 

[Chilly]

That is madness!

 

[Chilly]

You could hire the grand1 to watch the fireworks from and get private dining to provide desserts

 

[happybratpack]

That is madness!

ITA. I was on the Disney Catered Events site and saw you could book dessert parties directly through them so I'm going to try that. I mean, if anyone else can why shouldn't I be able to just because I happen to be getting married that day? This really irks me.

You could hire the grand1 to watch the fireworks from and get private dining to provide desserts

I wish I could, but the party size is too big. I'm thinking about that as a surprise to Larry later that week though.

 

[DisneyCookie24]

OK, change of plans.

After deliberating over the weekend plus a couple days, working budget numbers, etc we decided that if we paid the $ to have the ceremony through WDW we wouldn't have the money to do the "extra" stuff we wanted.

Soo I started researching more on here and looked into the Swan & Dolphin for the ceremony. I talked to "Just Marry" that the S/D referred me to and am still waiting for a call back. In the meantime I found another wedding planner that works with the S/D and just love her.

http://www.michelebutlerevents.com/ in case anyone is interested.

Anyway...she priced out the ceremony w/ officiant and minimal flowers and I'm really happy with the budget. We'll be having it at the Crescent Terrace at the Swan as long as the availability is there.

http://www.tazfoto.com/webhtml/swan_crescent.htm

So then I call back DFTW to tell them that we changed our mind about having the wedding through them and was told then my dessert party and lunch reception would have to meet the $12,000 Wishes minimum since it's a wedding celebration. Well, the exact quote...

"If the event is a "wedding reception" and you are going be celebrating a union it is considered a reception only and follows the same minimums."

I asked if we couldn't have the catered events like anyone else off the street can if they meet the venue minimum (ex: $1,500 food & beverage at Narcoossees) and they won't let me since it's a known wedding reception.

I tried calling WDW Catered Events to get help if it's a "family gathering" and not a "wedding" but I'm already in the system as a wedding so they won't help me. So I've put a call into Michele to see what ideas she has. To say I'm a bit frustrated is putting it mildly.

Thanks for the referral for michele butler. I am very excited that there is an option other than Just Marry. I just emailed her for some info. Also, thanks for posting that link to those pictures. I love when I get to see new pics of the site that I haven't already seen. I have been looking for new ones because I keep coming across the same ones over and over.

Cookie

 

[CharacterFan]

One thing to consider. If you can get catering to book it for you. You will not be able to wear your wedding dress to any of these events. The Swanfin has several restaurants that I think would be able to help and several aren't open for lunch.

 

[Ann117]

I just found your PJ. I hope you figure out all your plans soon.

 

[KristinBelle]

Do you have a very close friend or relative that could book the dessert party for you under their name?

 

[kafitty]

that seems totally bizarre, that they would rather lose your business completely than just let you have a regular party... Unless there are THAT many people clamoring for that space on that evening...umm yeah unlikely.

i love the look of the Swolphin* terrace though! i like the tall trees. very private.

*thanks to another poster, i think Swanfin might take the place of Swolphin in my Disney vernacular, hahah.

 

[happybratpack]

I'm off work today and even driving MYSELF crazy with planning stuff.

Michele wrote back..Crescent Terrace is available for both dates I picked and she also mentioned the beach was too. I liked the idea of the beach but then thought of the sand issue and not sure I want to deal with that.

Sooooooo......it's looking like Crescent Terrace on Sunday, August 1st. At least that is what it looks like today....tune in tomorrow for another possible change of plans.

Assuming that's a done deal the hope was to do it at 9:30 or 10 am since it's AUGUST and will be boiling hot. If the wedding Gods are smiling down on me then WDW is going to call me and tell me, "why, yes we would LOVE to have your luncheon at Narcoossees or the Napa Room!" instead of what the grumpy lady at group sales told me earlier today.

If they don't actually call with that exclamation *cough cough* I'm working on scenarios at Fultons (if someone will get back to me) and Blue Zoo.

Cake is pending above plans...and I wonder if I'm the only one who craves wedding cake during this entire procedure?!

If worse comes to worse I'll book a dessert party in one of the other names and be done with it. I don't care what I have to do, mark my words we'll be having a dessert party.

The other issue hanging out there is some kind of "welcome" gathering the night prior. Any ideas? I looked at some of the options on the Disney Catering site but am awaiting prices which I'm sure will make me fall over.

I ordered sample "save the dates" and invitations off of Etsy, I'm hoping we love them once they arrive otherwise will be back on the hunt for those.

I've had like 7 cups of coffee today so I'm all over the place, sorry.

 

[Chilly]

Good luck getting it all sorted.

 

[happybratpack]

Wooohooooo, progress!

Talked to WDW today - AWESOME rep is helping me and it's taken a huge weight off. She's emailing me links to all the group event info including the Sunset Safari and Dessert parties.

Since we're doing the Swan we can't have the wedding reception through WDW so we're going to do that elsewhere...possibly Blue Zoo or Fulton's, still working on that. I'm ok with that, more so now that I know I can do the two other events with Disney direct.

So now the tentative schedule...

Saturday, July 31st - Welcome Event somewhere on WDW property

Sunday, August 1st am - Ceremony at Swan
Reception/Cake at either Blue Zoo or Fulton's or ?
Dessert Party or Other Event on WDW property

I'm so relieved to have a good contact.

In addition she's setting up our room blocks at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Riverside and Pop Century.

Oh and the invitation samples came in from Etsy - LOVE THEM! I'll scan and post.

 

[KristinBelle]

Sounds great, glad to hear things are working out for you!

 

[Chilly]

That's good you are getting somewhere now.

 

[happybratpack]

Well, Fulton's sent me all of their information and I really think that's the way we're going to go for the reception. Here's the photo they sent of the area we would be in, plus we would have the outside deck as well which I really like.

We can get quite a bit more for the $ food wise as well so I think that would work out well.

I can have a cake delivered an hour prior so I'm trying to decide what we'll do for that. I had my heart set on a mad hatter cake from Disney w/ a Mickey icon theme. Since I don't know if I can still do this through WDW I'm trying to explore other routes. Any local bakery referrals would be most appreciated.

Next I need to decide on colors and work on the wording for the Save the Dates. I'm almost 100% sure I'm going to use the lady from Etsy I ordered the invitation samples from.

Shiho from Disney sent me all of our options for the welcome party and dessert party so we need to decide on that as well. I think we're going to do the Epcot DP the night of the wedding but not sure what the welcome gathering is going to be yet.

So many decisions!

 

[pezaddict231]

that room is really nice, it looks like it will be a great location! I don't know of any bakeries to recommend but you could check out the knot boards and see who most of those girls are using. I don't post on there because they are generally not so nice to Disney brides, but it is helpful when looking for local resources.