Have to start all over...

[honey2741]

I just returned from Walt Disney World. My DH and I visited Sea Breeze Point. We were all set to have the wedding at SBP and it would be an Escape. He wasn't impressed with SBP. It just didn't register "Disney" to him. Plus he didn't like all the seagulls and poop everywhere. The view is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful backdrop. Hence, we have decided to go with a Wishes wedding. Problem solved, right? Well, no.

I already paid the deposit to the photographer. I am waiting for Disney to officially confirm the date so I can let the photographer know. As we know outside photographers are no longer allowed in the parks. This is making me VERY nervous about having a Wishes wedding at a theme park location. Did I mention I'm nervous . We would want to have it in one of the worlds in Epcot. Plus our plans were to go to with an outside videographer. Disney's prices for photography and videography are outrageous.

I was thinking I could still use my photographer to take pictures after the ceremony, but the most important memories of our day would be missed. Too many stories about DPS. I assume outside videographers aren't allowed either?

So I'm not sure what to do. If we stick with SBP whether its an Escape or Wishes, DH wouldn't be happy and I feel SBP is a great location, but when you see it closer compared to the pictures, it feels very small.

I'm thinking about having DPS do the ceremony only. Do they allow you to create a package for so many hours? I would use an outside photographer and videographer for all of the other events. Or would that be too costly?

I could keep rambling, but would love to hear your input and suggestions. Maybe I'm not seeing things clearly.

DH and I had a civil ceremony at the local courthouse years ago. So this DFTW is our dream wedding and we want it to be special and still stay budget conscious.

 

[OceanGdss]

I can't really give any advice on the DPS, as I used an outside photographer and videographer. I can say a few things re: SBP though. On our wedding day there were no seagulls or bird poo around. They really cleaned up the walkways/etc. It was absolutely gorgeous there. And VERY 'Disney'. Also, if we had not had our photographer & videographer there during the ceremony we would never remember most of the little details. You are SO wrapped up in the moment that you don't see or realize everything thats going on around you, so I definately dont recommend having your photog for after the ceremony only. Just my thoughts, and I hope it helps you make your decision.

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

Could you do your ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion? The Yacht Club Gazebo?

 

[honey2741]

I can say a few things re: SBP though. On our wedding day there were no seagulls or bird poo around. They really cleaned up the walkways/etc. It was absolutely gorgeous there. And VERY 'Disney'. Just my thoughts, and I hope it helps you make your decision.

What about SBP makes it "very Disney" to you? So they did clean the place up...great to hear! You have truly helped to calm my nerves. I'll let everyone know on what we decide. Thanks!

Could you do your ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion? The Yacht Club Gazebo?

Thanks for your suggestions. We were considering the WP but we don't have enough people in our bridal party or guests coming to fill it up. It would seem so huge and empty with only a few pews filled up

 

[Skylarr29]

Thanks for your suggestions. We were considering the WP but we don't have enough people in our bridal party or guests coming to fill it up. It would seem so huge and empty with only a few pews filled up

I am glad you are getting calmer about SBP. I think it is worth it to use outside video and photo. I just wanted to chime in and say that we only had about 28 guests and I don't think the pavilion was too huge. If you really like it than maybe you should consider it. I liked it because of the fact that I didn't have to worry about the weather, 100 degrees ~ doesn't matter, 40 degrees ~ doesn't matter, rain ~ matters a tiny bit because you still have to get there but you know your ceremony location won't change. GL with your decision!

 

[OceanGdss]

What about SBP makes it "very Disney" to you?

Its hard to say exactly, but it was very romanitc, and I felt like I was in a fairytale setting. It was just gorgeous. DH and I are big fans of Epcot & DHS (he will only refer to it as MGM lol), so being in that location really made us feel like we were at WDW, in the center of our favorite location. As the bride, walking up the boardwalk to the ceremony I felt like a princess...I got a lot of 'congrats' and little girls saying 'are you a princess??'...it made the day so special. In the middle of the ceremony a friendship boat went by, I saw it and was SO nervous they would blow their big horn...but instead the captain rang the little bell...it actually turned into a sweet little moment..all of our guests actually LOVED that the boat went by during the ceremony...it was a reminder that we were in the middle of WDW...the happiest place on earth!!

 

[rumrunnergirl]

We are using DPS for our Escape wedding at SBP. I am adding two hours to the included two hours. The cost is $175/hour. We are adding 1 1/2 hours before the 10 a.m. wedding and 1/2 hour after the wedding, so we can get pictures of us getting ready, etc.

 

[Rora]

OP- I'm in your position too. After reading so many girls's PJ/TR I was convinced that SBP was the way to go.. then we went to see it and DF (and my mother..) wasn't very impressed. He "liked it" but didn't "love it". Now we are considering the WP but with only 18 people I'm so worried it'll look empty.

Not quite sure what we are doing yet but this thread has helped a bit.

OP- just wanted to let you know I'm right there with you!! Keep us updated with what you choose!

 

[honey2741]

Its hard to say exactly, but it was very romanitc, and I felt like I was in a fairytale setting. It was just gorgeous. As the bride, walking up the boardwalk to the ceremony I felt like a princess...I got a lot of 'congrats' and little girls saying 'are you a princess??'...it made the day so special. In the middle of the ceremony a friendship boat went by, I saw it and was SO nervous they would blow their big horn...but instead the captain rang the little bell...it actually turned into a sweet little moment..all of our guests actually LOVED that the boat went by during the ceremony...it was a reminder that we were in the middle of WDW...the happiest place on earth!!

Thanks for sharing, I loved reading it. It is truly inspirational and quite convincing! I must compliment you on your photos. I read your trip report that you have written thus far, and my oh my....Randy Chapman's picture is a perfect match for a commercial for SBP. Absolutely loved it! Congrats!!

We are using DPS for our Escape wedding at SBP. I am adding two hours to the included two hours. The cost is $175/hour. We are adding 1 1/2 hours before the 10 a.m. wedding and 1/2 hour after the wedding, so we can get pictures of us getting ready, etc.

Wow, I didn't know this was an option. I learned something new. This is a viable option, however for me I am very nervous about DPS. I can't wait to see your pics!

OP- I'm in your position too. After reading so many girls's PJ/TR I was convinced that SBP was the way to go.. then we went to see it and DF (and my mother..) wasn't very impressed. He "liked it" but didn't "love it". Now we are considering the WP but with only 18 people I'm so worried it'll look empty.

I was thinking the same thing. Perhaps the photographers angles could limit that feeling in pictures. Wishing upon a star!

I am glad you are getting calmer about SBP. I think it is worth it to use outside video and photo. I just wanted to chime in and say that we only had about 28 guests and I don't think the pavilion was too huge. If you really like it than maybe you should consider it. I liked it because of the fact that I didn't have to worry about the weather, 100 degrees ~ doesn't matter, 40 degrees ~ doesn't matter, rain ~ matters a tiny bit because you still have to get there but you know your ceremony location won't change. GL with your decision!

Thanks for your positivity. I'm thinking I should start a Planning Journal, but was going to hold off until I have solid plans. It does help to write it out and receive feedback from everyone. I'm considering the Wedding Pavilion. The only reason we didn't initially go with it is because I figured I could save the extra $1000 and use it for something else in the wedding. I'm calling Disney on Monday to pay the deposit...is that how it works? You tell them the date and pay the deposit right then and there? I've been communicating with an Escape Coordinator and we are now going to do a Wishes...does that create a problem? I'm rambling again...sorry.

I have this weekend to make a decision. If it wasn't for Disney's new rule about outside vendors and brides experiences with DPS, this decision would be easy. My DH and I have decided photography and videography are very important to us. Having access to ALL the pictures makes it a bonus. Plus outside vendors prices are quite reasonable. The Yacht Club Gazebo isn't an option.

So SBP and WP are the only locations outside the park? I absolutely dislike the carpet in WP. I'm trying to imagine an asian inspired wedding in WP. I would need to cover the aisle with an aisle runner in WP.

I'll let everyone know what we decide

 

[Rora]

So SBP and WP are the only locations outside the park? I absolutely dislike the carpet in WP. I'm trying to imagine an asian inspired wedding in WP. I would need to cover the aisle with an aisle runner in WP.

I'll let everyone know what we decide

There's also Sunset Pointe and Sunrise Terrace. Have you considered those?

Also, I know what you mean about the carpet in WP.

EDIT: oops, the locations I noted are for Escape only. Sorry!

 

[Skylarr29]

Thanks for your positivity. I'm thinking I should start a Planning Journal, but was going to hold off until I have solid plans. It does help to write it out and receive feedback from everyone. I'm considering the Wedding Pavilion. The only reason we didn't initially go with it is because I figured I could save the extra $1000 and use it for something else in the wedding. I'm calling Disney on Monday to pay the deposit...is that how it works? You tell them the date and pay the deposit right then and there? I've been communicating with an Escape Coordinator and we are now going to do a Wishes...does that create a problem? I'm rambling again...sorry.

I have this weekend to make a decision. If it wasn't for Disney's new rule about outside vendors and brides experiences with DPS, this decision would be easy. My DH and I have decided photography and videography are very important to us. Having access to ALL the pictures makes it a bonus. Plus outside vendors prices are quite reasonable. The Yacht Club Gazebo isn't an option.

So SBP and WP are the only locations outside the park? I absolutely dislike the carpet in WP. I'm trying to imagine an asian inspired wedding in WP. I would need to cover the aisle with an aisle runner in WP.

I'll let everyone know what we decide

I agree that 1k is a lot of money you could do something else with. If you are inside a park and use Disney photography the difference between an outside photographer will more than likely be more than 1k.

I really disliked the carpet in the wedding pavilion and stressed this to my florist. This is how we covered the carpet

HTH, whatever you decide will be beautiful!

 

[honey2741]

I really disliked the carpet in the wedding pavilion and stressed this to my florist. This is how we covered the carpet

Thanks for sharing your picture! The visual truly helped. I've been stressing about our decision and didn't want to have it looming over us. In the end we have decided to go with SBP. IT'S THE ONLY CHOICE...since Disney's change of rules with outside vendors. The only change now instead of it being an Escape we are doing a Wishes. Having a custom wedding I think we should be able to control costs and truly have what we want. We will really "Disney out" the reception. Now we have to decide on where to have the reception.

I want to thank EVERYONE for your support.

 

[lurkyloo]

There are other non-theme park ceremony venues besides SBP, Yacht Club Gazebo, Sunrise Terrace and the Wedding Pavilion. For example, there are several pretty outdoor locations at the BoardWalk Inn. Once you start working with your Wishes Event Planner, you might ask about some alternatives if you're still not crazy about SBP...

 

[honey2741]

There are other non-theme park ceremony venues besides SBP, Yacht Club Gazebo, Sunrise Terrace and the Wedding Pavilion. For example, there are several pretty outdoor locations at the BoardWalk Inn.

Really? Lurkyloo what outdoor locations are at the BoardWalk Inn? Are you able to suggest other non-theme park ceremony venues besides the norm? Thanks!

 

[orangetiggs]

we had the pavillion with 18 in total and 7 of them were the bridal party so we only filled the first 2 rows and it didnt matter to us it was fantastic

 

[lurkyloo]

Well, there's the Croquet Lawn....

And there's an area by the quiet pool...

You might also go to the Disney Meetings site and click on "Virtual Site Inspection" on the main page. It shows all the convention space at all the resorts, including outdoor areas. For instance, maybe you could have a wedding at Sago Cay or the Summerhouse at the Grand. They're kinda public... maybe DFTW would say no dice... but at least you could get some ideas of places to ask about!