Help! We're under our minimum and don't really know what to add!

[WDWBride04/19/2010]

So we're sitting about $2,315.25 short. This number does not include the estimated beverage consumption for the cocktail hour or what our guests will contribute to the cash bar, but obviously that stuff won't add up to $2,315.25, so we need to figure out what to add.

So far we're thinking of adding the Flutter wands back in, as well as adding ivory chair covers w/crimson sashes to our guests chairs (originally we had the opposite only on ours because of money), and for hors d'oeuvres Petite Patty Pan Stuffed with Coconut Curry Duck, Vegetable-Red Pepper Hummus in Phyllo, Wild Mushroom Tart, and Gruyere Cheese Puffs. We're also inquiring about a boat to see the fireworks. Any other ideas? What other characters could we have besides Mickey, Minnie, and Stitch? I dunno if I'm interested in characters anyway...I think that'd be more for the kids than us, but I figured I'd ask!

 

[girli565]

Why not add a BOC to your reception? I'm sure you're guests would appreciate that and it's a small touch that would add to your minimum but probably not by much. They'll probably only average 3-4 drinks per adult guest.

And you could still add something else on top of that like the wands you wanted!

 

[Beckypooh1972]

I am not planning a wedding but have been married 11 years so I thought I'd give this a shot...
Character wise, the fab five - Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto can't be beat and are recognizable to everyone. You don't want princesses because you don't want anybody there to outshine you, the bride.

Can you spend extra money on flowers? I know speaking from personal experience the flowers were a great memory from my own wedding. Food is absolutely important too. If I had it to do over, I'd have a better reception. Decor is important but I'm not sure your guests will really remember it. Good luck and congratulations! The cruise is a great idea by the way. Not sure how it would fit in your budget but if you are down there during one of the parties, the Halloween or Christmas parties would be fun for you and your guests to attend together...

 

[S <3 M]

I would add to flowers and decor as well. The firework cruise would not count towards your minimum. Are you having a dessert party?

 

[Pooh's Corner]

Cinderella's Coach would put you over really fast.... Or what about a photoshot??

 

[PrincessShea]

I'm gonna agree with girli565 and say you should use the money to pay for drinks.

 

[Skylarr29]

I would add in the BOC bar. I think that is an easy way to help meet the minimum and less of a burden for guests.

Are you having a dessert party? That amount should cover it.

I would add in chair covers too. Maybe a special course to your meal like sorbet in an ice sculpture?

HTH.

 

[kcampbell]

I DEFINITELY agree with the other girls and pay for the bar! If you're that far under the minimum there is no reason for your guests to pay and it'll be something they'll truly appreciate.

My belief is that the food and decor makes or breaks a wedding. Glad to see you are adding to your cocktail hour. I personally didn't think the ice sculptures for the sorbet was worth $18/pp (no offense Melissa), but I still loved the sorbet. Ours was in a martini glass and was $8 or $10/pp and then you could also add a dessert or screen printing on the plates for the cake. Something else we priced, but cut so I could offer cordials were friandise plates for all the tables. If you're not having a dessert party it might be nice and will add up quickly. (Typically they consist of choc and tuxedo strawberries, petit-fours, truffles, cream puffs, etc)

Are you having floral at your ceremony? That is another easy place to add. Upgrade the ceremony chairs to the wooden or chivari. Add sashes to your ceremony chairs. Have your florist beef up your centerpieces or your bouquet. Add bouquet jewelry.

Ok I'm going to stop before I write a dissertation....

HTH! Good luck!!

 

[disneygal922]

I agree with the other ladies about the bar! Also, just as a reminder, if you add more food to the pre-reception then that is going to add more tax and gratuity. So you might want to add non food items just to save on that! I agree, think about doing a DP. Our DP is totaling $1,852.27. So you can add that and the bar and pretty much be done! how many guests are you having again?

 

[WDWBride04/19/2010]

The only thing w/the D.P. is that guests need park tickets. Plus our reception is ending @ 8 and I feel like we're having a lot of desserts as it is, and then people would have to head in fairly quickly for more that just might not get eaten. We're at 39guests.

 

[Princess SarahK]

I agree with the other girls, the alcohol would be a great way to make it a more memorable experience for your guests and an easy way to bump up your price.

 

[emilymad]

The only thing w/the D.P. is that guests need park tickets. Plus our reception is ending @ 8 and I feel like we're having a lot of desserts as it is, and then people would have to head in fairly quickly for more that just might not get eaten. We're at 39guests.

Your guests don't need park tickets. You just pay the $12.95 viewing fee. You also don't necessarily need to have desserts either. They will do non sweets as well. I think you just have to meet the F&B minimum and not a per person minimum so you could probably get by without a lot of food.

 

[BecBennett]

I'm agreeing with the BOC bar, but think if you've got everything you want, then look into upgrading certain elements. Like the chair covers you mentioned, or linens or silverware, add more to your centrepieces or that sort of thing.

You're in a great position to be in, good luck!

 

[DansBride2009]

I didn't read the other posts but as far as characters we had Mickey, Donald and Pluto. They were amazing. I have also seen pictures of Daisy and I know some princesses and prince charming have been in pics too. Really I think it' s almost whatever you want to have. You are going to have so much fun on your day regardless! Our crowd really enjoyed the characterse so it is def something to look into. We also had the Major Domo as master of ceremonies, which our family loved as well.