intimate reception dinner- who should pay?

[mishtb]

We're having an intimate wedding with about 12-15 people and are on a tight budget.... After the wedding we wanted to go to Epcot and have dinner at Le Cellier...

First Question is should we pay for everyone for the reception dinner .... or since we are on a tight budget is it okay for them to pay for their own meals?

Second Question: Any good suggestions of restaurants in Epcot (we want it there that way we can watch Illuminations after)...?

Third Question: If we do pay for everyone - does anyone know if you can have the restaurant make/provide a separte menu with limited items that Jarrod and I can choose to have on our dinner menu...?

 

[hmgolden]

I think that you need to pay for your guest's dinner. Have you ever been invited to a wedding where you have had to pay for your dinner? Perhaps if you are only having close family, they won't be offended and would understand, but I think it would be tacky to invite people to the equivalent of your reception and tell them they need to pay.

I dont know about the Epcot restaurants, but other intimate brides have had good luck getting the restaurtants to print menu's without pricing, and limiting the menu selection. The Yachtsman Steakhouse comes to mind as a specific example.

Another thing to think of: if you are planning on having dinner in Epcot, are you planning on paying for your guests admission into the park?

 

[M.K. Poppins]

Another thing to consider might be if your guests have paid to travel to your event. Being an out of town wedding guest is pricey these days, airline tickets, rental car, maybe a new outfit, your wedding gift, etc... I'm sure you aren't forcing anyone to spend money to come to your wedding, but if you can swing it, it would be a nice gesture to pay for your guests' dinner.

 

[VelvetGloves]

While it would be a nice gesture to pay for everyone's dinner, be aware of what you can afford. If it would be too much of a strain on you, do not do it. People should just be happy to be part of your day, and if you explain the circumstances ahead of time, they will understand. If they are upset or angered over you not paying, you may want to reevaluate if you need them there. I'm sure a free meal is the least of their concerns. They just want to be around you.

It is your day, and you must do what will make you happy. Do what you need to do to enjoy your wedding.

Oh yeah...congrats too!

VelvetGloves

 

[twojo21]

you should definetly pay for your guests reception meal. there is alot of expense in coming to wdw for your wedding this is the least you should do to say thank you. maybe ask your parents for some help too.

as for locations you can see illuminations from, le bistro de paris in france, the 2nd floor restaurant at mitsukoshi in japan and the rose&crown pub at the uk. fyi-you wont be able to wear your wedding dress in the themeparks or themepark restaurants as its not a dftw event & that your guests will need park tickets to enter epcot for dinner.

another option is maybe dinner at spoodles or flying fish cafe at the boardwalk, palio at the swan which has a private room & could do pzd menus or yachtsman steakhouse or cape may cafe (clambake buffet which like $20pp & would work well with a budget & still be nice) at the yacht club.

best of luck with your plans.

 

[Merandab4]

I agree that you should pay for your guests reception meal, however if it totally is not with in your budget, skip the meal and maybe do just drinks. Whatever it is that you do to celebrate after your wedding ceremony should be paid for by you and DH or if possible, parents.

What time is you wedding ceremony and what location did you choose? If dinner is too costly, we could help you think of some other alternatives.
If you have some guests that do not have park admission, you may want to consider dinner at a resort restaurant to watch the show, or maybe even a specialty cruise. Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

[Nicci]

If ur just inviting immediate family im sure they wouldnt mind to much they, will just be so happy to share ur special day, other guests may have a lil grumble about this.

I personally would pay for my guests especially as i live in the uk & all the money they have spent to join me on my special day it would be rude not to.

Like meranda suggested a specialty cruise watching illuminations would be ideal, & then maybe have dinner outside of wdw where it will cheaper - u could also where ur wedding dress without having to change if u so desire?

Good luck & happy planning

 

[Ember]

If at all possible I would try to pay for dinner. You're inviting guests and are therefore a host. Making people pay for dinner is kind of like charging admission to your wedding reception... That said, very close family and friends probably know your financial situation and may not mind.

 

[FranP]

Talk to your EM about the possibility of having an Illuminations Dessert Party instead of taking them out to dinner - less money than dinner in most cases and if they don't already have park admission you only have to pay a token fee (not sure how much, under $20pp I think) to get them into Epcot. There are other fees (like for bartender and the CM who supervises, etc.), but this was something my DD did as a rehearsal party for her wedding (and we also did it for her choir when she brought them to WDW for a competition) and it was really beautiful and very impressive. Good luck!!

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

another idea is to just take everyone out on an illuminations or wishes specialty cruise. This is what we plan on doing, since it's still something special for your guests to enjoy.

 

[mishtb]

thanks for your opions...... my parents already told us they wont help out at all.... the only people that are going is our parents and brothers..and 2 friends..... I know his family said they dont mind paying for dinner.... If anything maybe we will pay for our friends dinner... but I really liked your idea of letting everyone know and voting on which restaurant to go to... thanks for the info we'll keep u all posted..

 

[InstImpres]

Not sure if you are AP holders or not but if you are (or are considering it) get a Disney Dining Experience Card. It costs $50 but will give you a 20% discount on sit down dining for up to 10 guests. I think it more than covers the cost.

There are lots of other discounts - resort food courts, all AK resturants, etc.

I know it is laying out money up front but it may help in the long run.

 

[disney13]

Not sure if you are AP holders or not but if you are (or are considering it) get a Disney Dining Experience Card. It costs $50 but will give you a 20% discount on sit down dining for up to 10 guests. I think it more than covers the cost.

There are lots of other discounts - resort food courts, all AK resturants, etc.

I know it is laying out money up front but it may help in the long run.

That's what we're doing for our wedding in a couple of weeks. We've got a Disney Dining Experience card and plan on paying for the meal after our wedding utilising the 20% discount.

But whatever you plan to do, make sure you have fun and don't worry too much about it!

Have a wonderful wedding,
Andy

 

[lovewdwdvc]

Just a thought. How about renting a grand villa at BWV preferred view which overlooks the fireworks and throwing a wonderful catered party there. You will be able to see the fireworks, have a wonderful dinner, drinks, dessert or whatever for a fraction of the cost of Disney.

i know that some people have done this at OKW so I am assuming that you can do it at the other DVC's.