New To The Planning

[DisneyBride2B]

My fiance and I just started discussing the option of a Disney World wedding yesterday. I am excited and yet a little bewildered by all of the information that is out there. I have a lot of questions if anyone could help us figure some of this out, it would be SO appreciated! The thing we want to avoid most is an out of control wedding, that's why we want a destination wedding for all to have a "mini" vacation and a lot of fun and activities to do.

How early do we need to set the date?

How do you keep the list in the "intimate" category without ticking off all of your family? (Has anyone had to deal with a Mom who wishes the wedding stays local for all to see?)

Can you add options on to an intimate wedding package, or would that automatically put you in the custom group? What exactly is the difference between the cost of these?

Do children under 4 count as guests in the wedding party?

How essential is it to go down to the property to see the ceremony sights beforehand? (Not that I would mind the trip!) Any suggestions on which seems the most appealing?

I am sorry to be a newbie and dump so many questions out there, but we are just so excited that we want to start the planning as soon as possible!

Thanks Everyone!

 

[kellykins]

How eassentail is it to go down?? I don't think its essential, but it helps. If you search this message board you will find a lot of links to pictures that will help you make your desisions on location.

 

[hiwaygal]

Welcome newbie!!! And Congratulations on your upcoming marriage...

I probably can't answer ALL of your questions, but I'll give it my best shot.

How early do we need to set the date?

The answer to this depends on a lot of things. If you are having a custom wedding, you probably want to go ahead and set the date a year out. Contact Disney and tell them the date you want. Be a little flexible. If you are having an intimate wedding, most of the time, you can wait a little longer (I scheduled mine about 5 months in advance) BUT that is dependent on the time of year you want to get married. If it's a really busy time for Disney and weddings, you might want to get it scheduled as early as possible. First things first, pick a date, then go from there.

How do you keep the list in the "intimate" category without ticking off all of your family? (Has anyone had to deal with a Mom who wishes the wedding stays local for all to see?)

I don't think I can help you much there...I didn't have this problem...but others can help you (and read through some of the other threads as well). Remember that the "intimate" wedding allows for 20 people now but that INCLUDES you and your groom. And the cake/champagne really only serves 4 people.

Can you add options on to an intimate wedding package, or would that automatically put you in the custom group? What exactly is the difference between the cost of these?

Yes, you can add things, but you cannot take away. For example, the intimate package includes the 4 hour limosine service. You can UPGRADE that to the carriage or a nicer car, but you can't eliminate the basic 4 hour limosine. Also, you can have an outside photographer for your wedding, but you still have the Disney photography package (you can "modify" it to a honeymoon photo shoot or something along those lines). Coordinate with you Event Manager/Coordinator when you are assigned to one. And ask here too!

EDITED TO ADD: I *think* the prices for 2006 are different, but they are around $3500 for an intimate and the MINIMUM for a custom is $10,000 (for Monday thru Thursday only, it's higher for Friday/Saturdays)

How essential is it to go down to the property to see the ceremony sights beforehand? (Not that I would mind the trip!) Any suggestions on which seems the most appealing?

It is not essential, in fact many brides (including myself) did ALL of the planning from home. I had NEVER been to WDW until we went for our wedding. Check out other bride's wedding pictures and that might help with picking a location. Search this thread for the names of the different locations and I'm sure you'll get more ideas and information. Personally, I am kind of partial to Sea Breeze Point (that's where we were married)...but ALL of the locations are beautiful and magical...you won't be disappointed in any of them!

Hope that helps some! Keep asking questions here...you will learn a lot!!

 

[DisneyBride2B]

Thank you so much for helping me start the process! This forum is absolutely fantastic and so are all the members, I am so lucky to have found this place!~woo hoo let the excitement and magic begin!

 

[Luvndisney]

Welcome! I am fairly new to the bpoarsd as well so I suggest taking a few days to look in each of the posts. I know it seems like a lot to do but it is fun and you will be amazed by the amount of information you can gather. Also, go to disney's fairytale wedding website.

Good Luck

 

[twojo21]

1. you can set/arrange your wedding 1 year/12 months in advance, however disney can plan an intimate wedding with 30 days notice although i would recommend getting things finalized sooner.

2. like with any wedding there is most likely guest list issues, keep it to those close family & friends, you can have 18 guests at a intimate disney wedding. some couples host a small at home reception when they return for everyone who couldnt attend/be invited.

3. yes there are certain upgrades you can arrange with floral & photo, but a reception dinner must be booked on your own or you have to become a custom wedding for additional venues like dessert parties, etc. custom weddings have a $10,000 minimum m-th.

4. i believe all guests are counted irregardless of age with the new intimate wedding packages. i would call dftw to verify.

5. it is not essential to go down to disney to pick your ceremony location, there is tons of pictures online & info/reports from other disney brides on the locations.

best of luck with your plans & welcome to the dis!