Memories Collection - Advice

[MrsStobart2b]

Hi

So DF and I, after a LOT of soul searching, are thinking of going with a memories collection wedding rather than an Escape.

We thought it would work as there was only going to be the two of us dd1 (7) dd2 (2) and my parents bringing the total no. to 5 (dd2 doesn't get counted). Now however df has 2 family members saying 'we are coming after all' , so that puts us at 7 It seems silly to me to pay extra $$$$ just for one person.

Do you think disney will be accomodating and allow us that 1 extra? I've even considered not telling them we have 7... but this goes against my values, and I'd be afraid of re-percussions.

What do you think?

 

[Nikisha421]

I don't think they will allow you the extra person...because I know in the Escape contract there is wording about not having any more ppl or they will deem it a breach of contract

 

[lurkyloo]

Yeah, they can't bend the rules on this one or else they'll have a ton of Memories events that take as much work as an Escape event, the same way Escape events were turning into mini-Wishes events before they went back to the firm 20-person limit. They state very clearly that Memories is for 6 people total and that if you have more guests, you should consider an Escape Collection event.

Perhaps those extra family members can skip the ceremony (it's REALLY short anyway) and just meet you for your post-nuptial meal?

 

[dakcp2001]

Yeah, they can't bend the rules on this one or else they'll have a ton of Memories events that take as much work as an Escape event, the same way Escape events were turning into mini-Wishes events before they went back to the firm 20-person limit. They state very clearly that Memories is for 6 people total and that if you have more guests, you should consider an Escape Collection event.

Perhaps those extra family members can skip the ceremony (it's REALLY short anyway) and just meet you for your post-nuptial meal?

Sorry to hijack, but are they no longer allowing the extra 5 for Escape with the extra fee? When did this change?


OP- They are super strict about guest count

 

[neener3]

Sorry to hijack, but are they no longer allowing the extra 5 for Escape with the extra fee? When did this change?


OP- They are super strict about guest count

The additional 5 people changed recently - they no longer allow it. If you've already signed your LOA, you can email your planner about it. We're allowed to do it because we had already signed our LOA.

 

[schallerb]

I kind of had this problem with my wedding when deciding between wishes and escape, we had a few more than 20 guests, and since they are so strict with guest count, we decided to go for escape since spending so much more money for a few extra people wasn't worth it to us. If you really want the memories package you have to be firm with your guests and say, sorry we have a limit of guests, that's what I did, I basically told people who could come and who couldn't, it might sound mean but you gotta do what you gotta do! It makes no sense to spend thousands of dollars extra for one person. I agree with lurkyloo, go have dinner after and you can include anyone else who would like to join!!!

 

[tlynk]

I'm in the same situation- the escape/memories package is completely within my budget for a vow renewal, but I know for a fact there will be at least 8 people. I wish there was a package that would maybe charge a little extra per person up to maybe 10-15 people. It looks like we probably won't be renewing our vows at WDW.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Sorry to hijack, but are they no longer allowing the extra 5 for Escape with the extra fee? When did this change?


OP- They are super strict about guest count

I'm in the same situation- the escape/memories package is completely within my budget for a vow renewal, but I know for a fact there will be at least 8 people. I wish there was a package that would maybe charge a little extra per person up to maybe 10-15 people. It looks like we probably won't be renewing our vows at WDW.

I urge anyone in this position look in to a S&D wedding/VR. You would probably end up spending a lot less (my basic package is less than the 'Memories' collection would be) and you can have as many guests as you want. Even when adding the floral, cake, officiant, transport and harpist of my choice, it is panning out at less than it would have cost me to run with the 'Escape' package. I have not counted photography in with the cost as I would have been paying for Randy whether I went with the 'Escape' or not.
I don't feel I am 'missing out' on anything by having my VR at the Swan. It is still right there in WDW, I can have the characters attend if I want to, (I am not having them as I can't justify the cost ) and Randy will be shooting pictures at the Swan, Boardwalk and GF (plus a 'first look' at BLT).
The two things I can't do, which I could have done by going with DFTW, are, a MK photo shoot (I could still have an Epcot shoot if I wished) - but an MK shoot is not allowed with the 'Memories' package either, and Cindy's carriage - not a problem for me, as I didn't want to have it anyway.
Of course, I don't get the AP's which are included with the 'Escape' package, but I don't think they are part of the 'Memories' package anyway (but I may be wrong!!)
Just remember that going through DFTW is not your only option for having your event at WDW. There are ways round things.
Feel free to check out my PJ for details of my plans (link in my siggie)
Good luck to you all with you planning!!

 

[tlynk]

I urge anyone in this position look in to a S&D wedding/VR. You would probably end up spending a lot less (my basic package is less than the 'Memories' collection would be) and you can have as many guests as you want. Even when adding the floral, cake, officiant, transport and harpist of my choice, it is panning out at less than it would have cost me to run with the 'Escape' package. I have not counted photography in with the cost as I would have been paying for Randy whether I went with the 'Escape' or not.
I don't feel I am 'missing out' on anything by having my VR at the Swan. It is still right there in WDW, I can have the characters attend if I want to, (I am not having them as I can't justify the cost ) and Randy will be shooting pictures at the Swan, Boardwalk and GF (plus a 'first look' at BLT).
The two things I can't do, which I could have done by going with DFTW, are, a MK photo shoot (I could still have an Epcot shoot if I wished) - but an MK shoot is not allowed with the 'Memories' package either, and Cindy's carriage - not a problem for me, as I didn't want to have it anyway.
Of course, I don't get the AP's which are included with the 'Escape' package, but I don't think they are part of the 'Memories' package anyway (but I may be wrong!!)
Just remember that going through DFTW is not your only option for having your event at WDW. There are ways round things.
Feel free to check out my PJ for details of my plans (link in my siggie)
Good luck to you all with you planning!!

You are absolutely right. I received more information regarding a VR at Swan/Dolphin this morning for the same price as the Escape/memories pkg. I can have a vow renewal that is better tailored to meet my needs.

The pkg I requested does not include a limo driver or a live person playing music, but instead it includes a cake, champagne, recorded music and 3 extra bouquets. The best part is I can include my extra friends and family to be a part of it. Disney's package is still enticing (love the live music idea), but I don't want to leave any guests out. Thank you very much for your advice. Now all I have to do is try to convince DH.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Glad I could help!!! I think some brides sometimes forget the S&D option!!
I actually started with the very basic venue only package (venue, seating, water station, co-ordinator, rain back-up etc) and built in what I wanted around that.
If you want live music, ask your planner about it. I have got a harpist (which would have cost a fortune through DFTW) to play before, during and after the ceremony (at cake and champagne) for $375.00. She is very talented and sent me a CD of her music. She is highly recommended by Rev Tim (my officiant) and he has seen a few weddings/VRs in WDW. If you want more info, feel free to PM me. My four hour limousine charter is $348.00 including gratuity.
Good luck with your plans (and with persuading DH)

 

[brer rabbit 28]

I didn't know you could have characters attend at S&D. Oh I'm questioning our decision again

 

[MrsStobart2b]

Hi thanks for all your replies. We've decided to go with the Escape after all, DF is compensating me for the compromise though lol Also his mum added today that ''x and y are coming too'', so that def. takes us over the maximum no. of people.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I didn't know you could have characters attend at S&D. Oh I'm questioning our decision again

Aww Claire sweetie, do not question your decision as your wedding is not only going to be beautiful, but also a little different, and in a really unique location. It's true that you can have the characters at a S&D wedding/VR and if I am honest, I would love to have had the Main Mice at my VR, but I reallly can't justify the expense (£900.00 ), and DH nearly had a blue fit when I told him how much they were!!! He, rightly, pointed out that this would cover two flights for another trip to Florida!! Still, it would have been nice - sigh....

 

[brer rabbit 28]

Aww Claire sweetie, do not question your decision as your wedding is not only going to be beautiful, but also a little different, and in a really unique location. It's true that you can have the characters at a S&D wedding/VR and if I am honest, I would love to have had the Main Mice at my VR, but I reallly can't justify the expense (£900.00 ), and DH nearly had a blue fit when I told him how much they were!!! He, rightly, pointed out that this would cover two flights for another trip to Florida!! Still, it would have been nice - sigh....

You are so right......maybe for our VR a few years down the road!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I have just been informed (via Carries's post on another thread) that MK photo sessions ARE allowed for brides booking the 'Memories' package. So I guess this is one advantage that DFTW has over a S&D wedding. Luckily, for me, I was never interested in this, but I can see how this would be a big advantage to some brides. A photo session at the other parks is still an available option for S&D brides.