Intimate Wedding Q's

[Goofy101]

Hello everyone,

We're beginning to plan and book our intimate wedding at Sunset Pointe for next May and had a few questions for those who've been through it.

1) Suggestions forbooking the room and arrival. Should we get to WDW 1-2 days beforehand for anything? Looks like there's no rehearsal for an Intimate wedding, and that you pretty much just show up the day of the wedding.

We'll just need to get a marriage license so that could be done the day before the wedding when we arrive, straight from the airport. I'll probably get my Tux here in houston and just bring it as well. So is there anything else we would need an extra day for?

2) It'll be just myself and my fiance' and and 1 or 2 guests for a 1PM ceremony. suggestions for after wedding activities before dinner? I was think maybe of going out for a late lunch at the MK, someplace we could go to in our wedding attire "all dressed up". Fiancee' won't have a big fancy dress or anything so hopping on the boat to the MK might be fun, heh.

3) If it's not too much trouble, what's a quick run through of the day's happenings on the wedding day? from what I've read the ceremony part only list about 20mins. A quick "we gather here today...do you? do you? the rings... kiss her" ceremony, which is just what we want.

That's all I can think of for now.

Thanks in advance everyone. We're really excited to finally see this happen.

Shaun

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

Hello everyone,

We're beginning to plan and book our intimate wedding at Sunset Pointe for next May and had a few questions for those who've been through it.

1) Suggestions forbooking the room and arrival. Should we get to WDW 1-2 days beforehand for anything? Looks like there's no rehearsal for an Intimate wedding, and that you pretty much just show up the day of the wedding.

We'll just need to get a marriage license so that could be done the day before the wedding when we arrive, straight from the airport. I'll probably get my Tux here in houston and just bring it as well. So is there anything else we would need an extra day for?

2) It'll be just myself and my fiance' and and 1 or 2 guests for a 1PM ceremony. suggestions for after wedding activities before dinner? I was think maybe of going out for a late lunch at the MK, someplace we could go to in our wedding attire "all dressed up". Fiancee' won't have a big fancy dress or anything so hopping on the boat to the MK might be fun, heh.

3) If it's not too much trouble, what's a quick run through of the day's happenings on the wedding day? from what I've read the ceremony part only list about 20mins. A quick "we gather here today...do you? do you? the rings... kiss her" ceremony, which is just what we want.

That's all I can think of for now.

Thanks in advance everyone. We're really excited to finally see this happen.

Shaun

I haven't had my wedding yet, but I can answer a few of your questions.

1. I would definitely show up at least one day before your wedding. With travel sometimes being unpredictable, it's better to be safe then sorry. Also there is an option to get your wedding liscence through the mail... www.aweddingforyou.com has info on this.

2. You can't wear wedding attire into any of the parks. You can always have a nice meal at one of the resorts or Downtown Disney.

3. Can't really answer this one! But I'm sure your day will be wonderful.

Happy planning!

 

[Janet2k]

Shaun, congrats on the upcoming wedding. How exciting!

I wasn’t an “intimate” but did start out that way (I switched to the custom category when I decided to hold my dinner party inside the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park). That said, everything else about my FTW vow renewal was just like everyone else’s.

I arrived a week and a half before my vow renewal. I arrived alone. My husband, children, and guests began arriving at the end of my first week. Why did I arrive so early? Primarily because I was burned out from work and needed to unwind before my vow renewal. I also had a few last-minute details to attend to. My suggestion to you is to arrive as far in advance as you can. You’d be amazed at the little details that pop up at the last minute (missing socks, missing toothbrushes, missing deodorant, missing makeup, missing nylons, missing garter, etc.). You’d also be amazed at the time that the little details can consume (plenty of brides & grooms have gotten lost on the way to picking up their marriage licenses). That is why I suggest taking more time if you can. It is always better to be safe than sorry. An extra day or two as a buffer zone should work out well. And if nothing crops up, you get to enjoy your time in the theme parks or at your resort – who would complain about a little extra R & R?

What to do after your ceremony? A nice, relaxing lunch. Be warned that if you’re too dressed up, you won’t be allowed in any of the theme parks (no wedding/formal attire is allowed via Disney company policy). You can, however, wear your attire to any of the resort restaurants. I don’t think any of them will turn you away, especially if you look handsome and your bride looks gorgeous.

Your ceremony will be fairly short. I had a custom ceremony and mine was short (15 – 20 minutes tops). And that is exactly what my husband and I wanted since we’re pretty simple folks. It worked out beautifully.

I don’t know if you will be having photos before your ceremony. I did and they lasted for quite awhile (but I had a custom photography package). After your ceremony, there will be photos at your ceremony’s location. My guess is those would last less than 30 minutes. After your photos will be your cake cutting ceremony. More photos will be taken during this. I don’t know if you will have music at your ceremony. If you do, it will probably last through your cake cutting ceremony. If it does, you can do a dance or two with your new bride (it will make for lovely photos). Once your cake cutting ceremony and dancing is done, you’ll be free to leave and the rest of the day is up to you.

Consider renting the Grand 1 yacht for a special cruise around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. You could do this after your ceremony or later on that evening during the Wishes fireworks show. It’s up to you (and based upon the yacht’s availability).

I hope this helped. Hopefully, a few “intimates” will chime in with their timelines and let you know if I forgot anything. Again, congratulations on your upcoming marriage. Have fun planning!

 

[Janet2k]

I just took a look at the FTW website regarding Intimate weddings (click here):

- - - - - - -

The Disney Intimate Wedding Package includes these Magical Amenities:

Magical Ammenities:
* A magical setting of your choosing selected from five enchanting environments.
* A fresh floral bouquet for the bride and a fresh flower boutonniere for the groom.
* An elegant two tiered wedding cake with keepsake cake topper and one bottle of Fairy Tale Cuvee for your champagne toast.
* A Violinist for your ceremony and reception.
* A four (4) consecutive hour limousine charter for transportation on your wedding day for you and your guests.
* A professional Disney Photographer to capture your ceremony and reception.
* Twelve (12) photographs in a white, embossed portfolio album.
* Includes an Intimate Wedding Coordinator to help plan and execute your wedding.
* An Officiant to perform your ceremony.
* A personalized wedding website.
* A Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Wedding Certificate.
* Two 5-day Magic Your Way Base tickets (includes admission to one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks for each day of your ticket.)
* Unlimited use of Walt Disney World® Resort transportation system (includes monorail, ferryboat and motor coach) from check-in until the day you check out.
* Please note: Advance reservations are required. Amenities subject to availability.
* Additionally, you may choose to add special features to enhance your wedding celebration.

** Disney's Intimate Weddings packages require a minimum of a four night stay at an owned and operated Walt Disney World Resort. The Cake & Champagne Toast accommodates 4 guests as part of the package. For additional guests, up to 18 maximum additional elements are at an additional cost (note: some ceremony locations have a maximum occupancy of 10 guests.)

All prices and other terms are subject to change without notice. Ask about our rates, Resorts and dates available throughout the year. Ceremony and reception locations subject to availability. Advance reservation required and subject to availability.
- - - - - - -

The package comes standard with a violinist. How lovely. (Of course, you could upgrade that at an additional cost to something else if you'd rather.) You will definitely be able to dance at least one or two dances at your cake cutting reception. It will make for some lovely photos, and I've seen some absolutely beautiful photos that were taken at Sunset Pointe, ~sigh.~

 

[Janet2k]

On the following webpage, click on the thumbnail photos on the right-hand side of the large photo in order to see more images of Sunset Pointe: click here. Just thought I'd throw that out there to keep your excitement going.

 

[hiwaygal]

Hi Shaun...congratulations on your upcoming Disney wedding!

We just had our intimate wedding in September...it was truly magical! We originally chose Sunset Pointe for our ceremony, but because of some planned renovations at the Poly during that time, we moved to Sea Breeze Point. Personally, I think ALL the ceremony locations are beautiful!

We arrived at WDW the day before our wedding. You are correct, there is no rehearsal. Your coordinator (EM) will kind of talk you through the process at some point before the ceremony (either via phone the night before, or just before your ceremony when he/she meets you in the lobby of your hotel), and they will kind of guide you where to stand and all that just before the ceremony.

Most photographers will take a few pictures of you and your bride before the ceremony (usually in the lobby/around the grounds of the hotel). We used Disney photography and I thought they did a wonderful job!

Here's an idea of how the "timeline" went for our 11 am ceremony:

10:30 am - meet EM (ours was Jennifer O'Leary) in the lobby. The photographer and violinist were there with Jennifer. Our officiant, Rev. Kevin Knox, arrived a few minutes later.

11:00 am - walk over to Sea Breeze Point for ceremony. Jennifer told me to stop at a certain point, and took my groom over to his "spot" by the officiant. And the violinist began playing the songs we picked. Then Jennifer came back over to me and told me I could walk "up the aisle". We had to pause for a moment when I got to "center stage" because we called my mom on my cell phone so she could hear the ceremony.

11:30 am - DONE!!! I heard the champagne bottle get popped and the next thing I knew someone was handing me a glass of champagne! WOO-HOO!! It was good! The violinist was still playing a few songs and the photographer was snapping pics. We did the first slice of the cake, then Jennifer cut out some of it so we could feed it to each other. More pictures. The officiant had to go (he had another ceremony), and we didn't dance a "first dance" ('cause DH doesn't dance! LOL!) so the violinist left. We stood around talking to Jennifer and Ty (our photographer) for a few minutes, took a few more pictures and then we left.

Jennifer helped us carry the leftover champagne (and an extra bottle we had bought) and the cake back to our room. And that was it. We changed clothes, and decided to hit MGM. By this time it was just about noon. Later that night we went to California Grill for our wedding dinner. We didn't like the food, but it was still cool to watch Wishes from our table!

Now, we didn't have to worry about the license thing because we did a quick civil ceremony at home before we left for Disney (it was cheaper). But as was previously mentioned, that's not too bad to do in Florida.

One thing I want to note, the info Janet2k posted is just a little out of date...as you know from the other thread, the intimate packages for 2006 have changed. They no longer include park tickets or accommodations...but that's not a big deal. And I think they no longer include the officiant.

One of the things I did (and I'm so GLAD I did) was use some of the information Rev. Kevin gave to us to write my own vows. We were able to put a couple of special touches into the ceremony, AND I now have them stored on my computer so I will ALWAYS remember what he said that day. If I had to rely on memory alone, I would have forgotten it all by now. Just something to think about...

Also, keep checking about the photo stuff that Disney offers, I think there are some changes still in store for that and you just have to keep checking.

And, we did not use the limo service the day of our ceremony. I'm pretty sure you can use the limo whenever you want during your stay. We used it two days after our ceremony to take us to Downtown Disney. But you have to use the 4 hours all at once.

I hope this information helps some...if you have any other questions, the folks here on the DIS can help SOOO much. But, always confirm things through your EM, just to be sure.

Have fun planning! It's such a wonderful, exciting time!!

 

[Janet2k]

One thing I want to note, the info Janet2k posted is just a little out of date...as you know from the other thread, the intimate packages for 2006 have changed. They no longer include park tickets or accommodations...but that's not a big deal. And I think they no longer include the officiant. But, always confirm things through your EM, just to be sure.

Thanks for the info, Hiwaygal. I pulled that information directly from Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings website (I gave the link above), and that's why I left their disclaimer in it: "All prices and other terms are subject to change without notice." It's a shame that with it being so late in the year, Disney hasn't updated their website with next year's information. Hopefully, they will do so soon.

By the way, Hiwaygal, your ceremony sounded lovely. Congratulations!

 

[hiwaygal]

Thanks for the info, Hiwaygal. I pulled that information directly from Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings website (I gave the link above), and that's why I left their disclaimer in it: "All prices and other terms are subject to change without notice." It's a shame that with it being so late in the year, Disney hasn't updated their website with next year's information. Hopefully, they will do so soon.

By the way, Hiwaygal, your ceremony sounded lovely. Congratulations!

Hi Janet2k!

It is frustrating that they don't have current information on the website, isn't it?!?! And the www.yourfairytale.com website is REALLY out of date , but they both are STILL good resources for ideas and "the basics".

I wasn't trying to contradict you (and I'm glad you didn't take it that way)...it's so hard to keep up with the changes sometimes...

And thanks for the good wishes...our ceremony was lighthearted and fun...and it was just what we wanted!

 

[Goofy101]

Thanks for the info so far everyone.

6 months to go and I'm planning like it's next week! I guess you really have to though for these weddings.

I didn't know about the formal attire bit for the parks, so that's really good to know for planning after the ceremony.

 

[Janet2k]

It is frustrating that they don't have current information on the website, isn't it?!?! ..it's so hard to keep up with the changes sometimes...

And thanks for the good wishes...our ceremony was lighthearted and fun...and it was just what we wanted!

Hiwaygal, I was pleased that you passed along the latest info. And, yes, it is very frustrating that Disney's website is behind. However, the more frustrating thing is that even when it appears to be up-to-date, it sometimes isn't. I remember a few years ago when Disney made a big push to get info out regarding the garden location at (~I think~) the Disney Institute. A lot of wedding couples began to fall in love with the publicity photos that had been released (the publicity photos were stunning). When couples began inquiring about the location, it was "Oops! It's no longer available." A few hearts were broken, along with my own because I had been toying with that location for a vow renewal.

As to your wedding, I would love to see photos of it. Please post a link to them if you feel like sharing. And I have a question for you since I know my husband and I will be doing an "intimate" vow renewal at some point in the future. How long did it take from the start of your ceremony until the end, meaning your after-ceremony photos and cake-cutting photos had been completed and you were free to leave the wedding venue? That would be good information for me to have for future planning purposes.

 

[Janet2k]

6 months to go and I'm planning like it's next week! I guess you really have to though for these weddings.

I didn't know about the formal attire bit for the parks, so that's really good to know for planning after the ceremony.

Goofy101, congrats on your upcoming wedding. I hope it is wonderful. Have fun planning it. The time goes so quickly (much too quickly).

As to the rule for no wedding attire in the theme parks, one of the reasons that I have always seen mentioned is that Disney does not want any of their theme park guests to confuse the wedding couple with any of their characters (a.k.a., princess characters). I know that I have seen little children walk up to a bride inside a resort and ask her if she is a "princess." It can be very confusing to a child.

However, I think the more likely reason for the "no wedding attire" rule is that Disney does not want their theme guests to be distracted from the normal theme park operations. That is, people are in the parks for rides and don't expect to see wedding couples wandering around. Disney is very conscious of "show" when it comes to their guests. And those are the guests who pay the day-to-day bills, not the wedding couples.

At least that's my feeling on the subject after having held a few private events in Walt Disney World. When I've inquired about certain locations for private events, the response has been that Disney has to be conscious of "show" for all of their guests. That has nixed a few locations off my list, and I can certainly understand Disney's reasoning as to why. Once you understand how they think, it is very easy to understand why they do what they do (and why they are so very good at it).

I hope that helps and doesn't confuse things further.

 

[Goofy101]

Goofy101, congrats on your upcoming wedding. I hope it is wonderful. Have fun planning it. The time goes so quickly (much too quickly).

As to the rule for no wedding attire in the theme parks, one of the reasons that I have always seen mentioned is that Disney does not want any of their theme park guests to confuse the wedding couple with any of their characters (a.k.a., princess characters). I know that I have seen little children walk up to a bride inside a resort and ask her if she is a "princess." It can be very confusing to a child.

However, I think the more likely reason for the "no wedding attire" rule is that Disney does not want their theme guests to be distracted from the normal theme park operations. That is, people are in the parks for rides and don't expect to see wedding couples wandering around. Disney is very conscious of "show" when it comes to their guests. And those are the guests who pay the day-to-day bills, not the wedding couples.

At least that's my feeling on the subject after having held a few private events in Walt Disney World. When I've inquired about certain locations for private events, the response has been that Disney has to be conscious of "show" for all of their guests. That has nixed a few locations off my list, and I can certainly understand Disney's reasoning as to why. Once you understand how they think, it is very easy to understand why they do what they do (and why they are so very good at it).

I hope that helps and doesn't confuse things further.

Makes sense.

I'm thinking instead of a full lunch, we may have tea at the Grand Floridian. My Fiancee' and I did that the one time we stayed at the GF back in '03. I'm sure she'd *love* the idea to have Tea all dressed up, especially if her sister is there too! This way we'll have room for dinner too!

 

[WDWbride2007]

Although you can't wear your dress to walk around the parks, custom brides can wear them to the Illuminations show in Epcot if they have a private dessert party. Intimates can also have a dessert party, but it is booked through the Epcot catering dept. I have heard that some intimate brides have been allowed to wear their dress in the past. It seems to be a touchy subject though. I am looking into an intimate wedding, and I want to wear my dress to the dessert party. I am going to try to talk to Epcot. I would not have a problem paying for an event guide or chartering a private bus for the occassion. This is how the custom brides do it...so why can't I? Well, good luck with your plans!

 

[Janet2k]

I'm thinking instead of a full lunch, we may have tea at the Grand Floridian.

Tea at the Grand Floridian is an excellent choice. The room is beautiful. Have you thought about where you're going to have dinner that evening?

 

[Janet2k]

Although you can't wear your dress to walk around the parks, custom brides can wear them to the Illuminations show in Epcot if they have a private dessert party... I am looking into an intimate wedding, and I want to wear my dress to the dessert party. I am going to try to talk to Epcot.

Excellent points, WDWbride2007. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you can wear your wedding attire. But if you can't, do consider renting the Grand 1 yacht for a Wishes fireworks cruise. When I was vacationing in WDW this Summer, I saw the boat go by filled with a wedding party and their guests. Everyone was dressed to the nine's and they were having the times of their lives. If your party size is not too large, it looks like a wonderful alternative for a dessert party (you can have your cruise catered, you can wear your wedding attire, and you can view the fireworks).

 

[Goofy101]

Tea at the Grand Floridian is an excellent choice. The room is beautiful. Have you thought about where you're going to have dinner that evening?

Cinderella's castle of course

 

[twojo21]

congratulations goofy101 & best of luck with your plans! your girls lucky to have you helping so much.

1. i would arrive it least a day early to get your marriage license & incase of travel inconviniences like delayed flights, ntm just to relax. were arriving 5 days early for family fun, relaxtion, prewedding events like our rehearsal, bridesmaid luncheon, etc.

2. rent a boat & take a spin around the lagoon to pass some time or change & go to the parks. fyi wedding attire is not allowed inside the wdw themeparks, unless you have a custom wedding & book a private event with dftw. so you would have to change for the parks &/or dinner at the parks. you can wear wedding attire to the resort restaurants though. california grill has a great view of mk & the castle & even pipes the music in for the fireworks.

wdwbride2007 - intimate brides are not allowed to wear there wedding attire to dessert parties no exceptions unfortunately. theyll ask you to go change.

3. not sure of the exact run down as im a custom bride but there are some preceremony pictures seperatly or together, the ceremony which is whatever you decide with your officiant, additional pictures, cake & champagne toast, additional pictures. intimate weddings are normally about 2 hours from start to finish.

 

[hiwaygal]

Hiwaygal, I was pleased that you passed along the latest info. And, yes, it is very frustrating that Disney's website is behind. However, the more frustrating thing is that even when it appears to be up-to-date, it sometimes isn't. I remember a few years ago when Disney made a big push to get info out regarding the garden location at (~I think~) the Disney Institute. A lot of wedding couples began to fall in love with the publicity photos that had been released (the publicity photos were stunning). When couples began inquiring about the location, it was "Oops! It's no longer available." A few hearts were broken, along with my own because I had been toying with that location for a vow renewal.

As to your wedding, I would love to see photos of it. Please post a link to them if you feel like sharing. And I have a question for you since I know my husband and I will be doing an "intimate" vow renewal at some point in the future. How long did it take from the start of your ceremony until the end, meaning your after-ceremony photos and cake-cutting photos had been completed and you were free to leave the wedding venue? That would be good information for me to have for future planning purposes.

Janet2k,

Our wedding, from the time we left our room, 'til we got back was about an hour and a half. That includes pics before and after, the ceremony, and cake cutting reception, and the walking from our room at the Boardwalk to Sea Breeze Point (not a very long walk at all). I think for intimates, Disney really tries to keep things moving at the different venues because they schedule them 2 hours apart and everything (more or less) takes place at that location.

And for our wedding photos, I had posted them before, but I'm more than happy to post them again!

Here's the link: http://www.collages.net/disneyweddings
User name is: Moore / Griffett Wedding
Password is: 1971

There are some others (including Goofy marrying us at Toon Town Fair the day after our wedding) here: http://photobucket.com/albums/b241/lunaselene66/

For the venues, I think sometimes it's hard enough to find pictures of the ones they use now! I can't imagine seeing a "new" one and falling in love with it, only to discover it can't be used anymore. I have heard rumblings (and I'm sure you have too) that Disney is working on other new venues/locations for weddings. I, for one, am excited about seeing those locations...just because!

I hope your vow renewal will be even more magical than your wedding!!

 

[Goofy101]

Here's a question I forgot. For weddings at Sunset Point, where is the reception located? Is it outdoors near the ceremony takes place, or indoors in the poly someplace?

 

[hiwaygal]

Here's a question I forgot. For weddings at Sunset Point, where is the reception located? Is it outdoors near the ceremony takes place, or indoors in the poly someplace?

For an Intimate wedding, there really isn't a reception...there is a cake cutting and champagne "reception" but it's really very simple.

Where it is depends on the weather. Normally the entire ceremony and "cake and champagne" reception is held right there at Sunset Pointe. However, if there is rain forecasted, Disney may move the whole thing (including the ceremony) to a location that isn't effected by the weather...and that location could vary. I've heard some folks have been moved to the Pavilion (in an emergency), some have gone to the King Kamehameha suite at the Poly...it just depends on what is available and what your EM/Coordinator can do.