I don't think I like wedding planning

[princess pooh]

I'm just in the initial info gathering stages but I'm already feeling overwhelmed and confused. I've never been the kind of girl who dreamed about her wedding but now I have no idea about what I want or what I should choose. I was looking at the S/D menus today and I felt like I was drowning in information.

I love my SO and I really want to marry him but I don't know if I'll be any good at wedding planning. Did anyone else feel this way in the begining? Does it get easier?

 

[totalia]

It's a little overwhelming at first but it gets easier. Concentrate on only one thing at a time and keep a timeline and list of things that need to be done. That should help.

 

[scrump]

Hi Princess Pooh,

I'm not a Disney bride, but I love reading these boards because they're so happy and so great. I'm also in the final stretch of planning my own (non-Disney) wedding, and would like to offer as much of the non-Disney perspective as I can.

Wedding planning is overwhelming, especially if you've never been a wedding person, as you seem to not be. Neither am I, so we're going a very non-traditional route. Since I'm not a Disney bride, my advice may be very uninformed, but I get the sense that the planning is actually (a little) easier through Disney. If you wanted a relatively traditional affair, you'd have to research, interview, compare and hire vendors all on your own, without the help of a planner. Through Disney, not only do you get a lot of help, but chances are the quality is going to be FANTASTIC, and you can't beat the location. It seems like long distance planning is the norm with Disney, and I think it takes a lot of faith to be able to dictate a vision and hope that it appears on your wedding day; an expectation that Disney seems to live up to, judging by the happy brides on this board.

Taking one thing at a time is wise advice, and stick to a timeline. But remember why you chose a Disney wedding in the first place. Maybe your FH will split the planning? My boy actually enjoyed planning our affair with me, and it took a lot of stress off me, especially considering that I was never a wedding gal.

It'll get better, and you're definitely in good hands.

 

[ahutton]

I was also not a "dream of my wedding" kind of girl, and was terrified of the thought of trying to plan a wedding at home that would have been for not just family, but for friends and business associates too. That was why I was so interested in Disney - that narrowed the scope a ton for us, and let us concentrate on what was important to us, the marriage.

The other advice that was given is correct, take each step one at a time. If you are doing a wedding through Swan/Dolphin or Disney let your Event Manager walk you through the steps. While it is true they can make anything happen, they can also guide your decisions to something that will suit you and your DF.

When looking at the long list of choices for something like a menu, think about what sounds like a favorite meal. We picked a steak and shrimp combo plate, and then told them to put "appropriate sides" with it and left that to the chef. It was wonderful.

For the things you, your DF or your parents have a specific idea about, then tell them so. For things you don't have a specific idea about, ask for their suggestions and then decide what sounds best.

Most importantly, the wedding will be wonderful, no matter what goes right or wrong.

 

[jessiangel]

Hi. I'm also doing a VR at the S/D. I'm not sure who your EM is (mine's Michele), but from what I hear they are all fantastic with Just Marry (I assume that's who you are going thru). I was also overwhelmed with the menus. There was so much to chose from and it seemed so very expensive to me. I then talked to Vanessa who heads catering at the Swan. She is fantastic. Try getting in touch with her thru your EM or on your own and she can help you work out your menu. In the end we are going with the hors de vours reception without the open bar. We are doing it on consumption since most of our guests do not drink alcohol, so it would be a bit of a waste for us. They are also really good with altering the menus if you would like. And since we are only having about 20 people, they are letting us use one of their business rooms which goes out to the terrace and looks beautiful (since the ballroom seats 200 and I don't want us to feel lost at dinner.) Try not to feel overwhelmed (I know its easier said than done). Your EM will help you through alot of your worries. And if you have Michele, she is incredible! I've done tons of researching so far and have gotten alot of good advice from other Swan brides, so if you have any questions, just ask!

 

[princess pooh]

Oh my gosh, thank you all so much! I felt so much better after reading your replies. You guys are wonderful!!!!!

I don't know what got into me to vent like that . I better relax or I'm going to end up being one miserable bride. I decided to put everything on hold untill next month, after my disney vacation. We'll take that time to figure out what we want and what would work well for our families. I think it would also be a good idea to keep visiting this board so I can get inspired by the happy, organized brides that post here.

Thanks again

 

[weissjaz]

jessiangel you are doing exactly what I want to do. I just began to gather information and have one e-mail from Michele. Can you give me an idea of what you are spending for the hors de vours reception? I really want more than just cake.

 

[ellieb]

OMG, I LOVE PLANNING WEDDING!!!! You could hire me and I will do it all for you!!! I WISH LOL!!!

Just relax and enjoy the planning, and trust that Disney will make it Magical no matter what.

Good Luck and welcome to the boards

 

[vettechick99]

Welcome to the club. I'm already hating it so much, I've changed the venue 5 times just to keep myself entertained. We are now planning a beach wedding. Ask me in a month if it's still there!

 

[princess pooh]

Allison, maybe we can talk Ellieb into becoming a professional wedding planner in order to help us out

 

[totalia]

Your welcome to vent anytime. It's very hard to plan a wedding. But I have enjoyed it so much I've actually debated doing it for a living.

Don't worry, things will turn out fine in the end.

My advise is try not to let it stress you. Don't let people push you around for any reason (or guilt trip you into things you don't want). And have fun with it.

I'm not a Disney bride (wish I was) because its far too much money. But I am willing to help you if you have any questions. I've done three weddings (my first wedding, my mom's and my sisters) and am currently planning my second wedding. I also work ina hotel where we have weddings all the time. I've seen pretty much everything you can imagine and I will try to help the best that I can.

 

[princess pooh]

Totalia, thank you for the kind words and offer to help . That was so nice of you and it really meant a lot to me.

 

[jessiangel]

Hi weissjaz. Glad to hear we have the same tastes lol! The hors de vours are usually $80 per person, I think, but without paying for the open bar, I think it cuts the price a little more than half. Sorry, I'm not sure, I have all my figures on my e-mail at work. But I will check it tomorrow and let you know. The on consumption only makes me a little nervous because you don't know the total cost (for budgeting purposes) until after the reception, when they add it all up. But if you go to the S/D website, they have a price list for alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages and you can kind of get an idea on the amount. Hope that helps.

 

[totalia]

Your welcome.