Low Key Reception Ideas for 50 guests?

[minniebride]

Ok, here is my dilemma:

My mom has offered to pay for a large chunk of our wedding. We are THRILLED, but of course nothing in life is free & she has been trying faithfully to turn this wedding into her own. Yes, she's a mom, I should have expected it blah blah blah

One of the reasons why she offered to pay was because she wants to invite 30 of my parents' closest friends....um, I don't think DF & I even HAVE 30 friends between the two of us! Anyways, between DF & I's immediate family & their children & SO's, and our closest friends & their SO's & children, we have about 25 guests (including ourselves)-if everyone can make it I mean.

We originally wanted a very small ceremony & a low key lunch reception at a restaurant, but now with over 50 guests we will need to do more. My parents friends will be driving in from Naples & also flying in from New England. I really didn't want a big fancy reception-I didn't want the whole band, dancing, sitting there on display all night, 3 course meal thing. I know most people love it, but DF & I are very quiet people who really don't like big social events like that. Our dream was really to have a ceremony, have a lunch with our friends and family, hit the parks, & enjoy a romantic dinner alone that evening. But I'm not going to fight with my mom on it. My brother eloped, I'm her only daughter, and she's been wanting to do this for me....but I do have my limits.

I was thinking maybe we could just have a 50+ guest dinner in a private room at a WDW restaurant. That way it's still sort of low key. Will any restaurants accomodate that many people? and will it be more expensive than a traditional reception?

Any ideas for a simple/no big spotlight production/yet a nice meal reception for a guest load over a little over 50?

Thanks!

 

[Bride-to-be]

Sounds like the Napa room to me! At the top of the contemp, the napa room is a private room off of the california grill. It holds 50 people max. It has a very modern feel and tremendous views. I don't think it needs much of anything in the way of decorations. Perhaps just a few flowers. There is also a bar setup in the room. I would do dinner there watch the MK fireworks. We have site visits scheduled for this week. We are hoping to do a welcome party there.

Another option might be to do a seated dinner during illuminations at epcot or a dessert party. I have heard of people doing clam bakes on shipwreck beach (super informal idea).

 

[minniebride]

Hmm, those are both great ideas but are they super expensive? I would definitely need to do a seated meal (since so many people are driving a few hours or flying in). Dinner might be too expensive, any ideas on prices of these if we did a brunch? We are interested in a morning wedding ceremony. I would prefer to do the reception right away to "get it over with" (I know that sounds terrible!) so we can hit the parks & relax and "just be."

Anyone know anything about the Swan/Dolphin receptions? I wonder if that would be cheaper than a WDW restaurant & easier for guests, since we are doing a S/D ceremony. We would likely want something indoors for the reception since we are aiming for a Nov or Dec date. We'll be outside for the ceremony but we won't be outside for long.

 

[ElleBren]

You might want to check out Lurkyloo's PJ. She had a morning ceremony with a brunch at The Attic. It sounds similar to what you are looking for.

Although I just saw that you are getting married at the S/D. I think you can rent the space with a 1500 f&d min. Which I'm sure you could hit even with breakfast & 50 people.

 

[Bride-to-be]

The attic is a great idea! MICKEY WAFFLES!!!

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

I had my reception at the Attic and had 34 people and I thought it was getting a bit cramped. The F&B minimum for a brunch/breakfast is

For events ending before 5:00 pm: $2,500, plus 21% service charge, plus 6.5% sales tax.

The napa room is

For events ending before 4:00 pm: $1,000, plus 21% service charge, plus 6.5% sales tax. Cost of wedding cake does not count toward the minimum.

Narcoossees is another thought.
$1,500, plus 21% service charge, plus 6.5% tax.

ETA: I think these minimums might be a bit different now though. These are just what I had last. I would check with Disney to see the updated minimums or maybe someone else will come along and give a more accurate price.

 

[CharacterFan]

I think the Napa room with 50 in it would fell a little cramped as that's the max you can have.

There is also Ariel's at the Beach Club it has to be a buffet, and it's a pretty casual place, as it used to be a resturant it holds up to 75. $1,000, plus 21% service charge, plus 6.5% sales tax

here are some pictures: http://www.mouseweddings.com/wedloca.html

 

[minniebride]

Thank you-these are great ideas!! $1000 might be reasonable. I like the idea of Ariel's at the Beach Club. I love that resort & it's very close to the S/D!

I don't know much about the Attic.

I definitely like the brunch idea AND the Mickey Waffles!! Brunch seems very low key & we might still be able to hit the parks later!

Where can I see pictures of these locations?

 

[CharacterFan]

The Attic: http://www.mouseweddings.com/wedlocba.html
Ariels: http://www.mouseweddings.com/wedloca.html

 

[lurkyloo]

I definitely like the brunch idea AND the Mickey Waffles!! Brunch seems very low key & we might still be able to hit the parks later!

Where can I see pictures of these locations?

You can see pictures of the Attic AND Mickey waffles in my wedding trip report! Here's a shortcut to the page where the reception recap starts (scroll down to the bottom):

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1726902&page=9

 

[minniebride]

You can see pictures of the Attic AND Mickey waffles in my wedding trip report! Here's a shortcut to the page where the reception recap starts (scroll down to the bottom):

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1726902&page=9

Hah-kill two birds with one stone, thanks!!

Well, The Attic looks prettier and cozier, but Ariels looks like it accomodates more people and it has a cheaper minimum price. Now, where can I see prices of food/drink and what they offer?

 

[lurkyloo]

Check out this website for lots of DFTW menus. They aren't all up to date, but the prices haven't changed that much and they will give you an idea of some of the options. Also, note that you don't have to use any menu in its entirety - you can pick and choose items from any menu.

http://www.magicalkingdoms.com/ftw/wdw/menus.html