Newbie questions for DFTW gurus

[BabyBelle1]

I'm planning a wedding for next year, crunching numbers for DFTW vs. a wedding in our hometown... I need to stick to the minimums for a Wishes wedding with about 30 guests, so I need some advice:

My #1 reception request is a DJ... What is the most budget-friendly reception option that will allow this? I'm very interested in one of the private rooms at CG... do they allow a DJ/dance floor?? (I would like the Sonoma room in the evening for a "free" Wishes viewing)

Also, I really want an outdoor ceremony venue that can accommodate my guests somewhere in the MK area... I really wish the Polynesian were available as this is our very favorite resort!! I'm not interested in the WP, unless the picture point outdoor area was a possibility.

And: What will DFTW allow you to bring from outside? (Centerpieces, favors, etc.) Besides photographers, what outside vendors are permitted??

Any other suggestions for sticking to minimums are greatly appreciated!!

Thank youuuuu!!!

 

[elphie101]

Hi there! Have you by any chance looked at the Passporter's Disney Weddings & Honeymoons book? (http://www.passporter.com/weddings.asp if you haven't yet). The author Carrie (lurkyloo on these boards) basically wrote it to answer any Disney wedding questions you may have, and updates the e-book frequently! Trust me, I think it would be very difficult to plan a DFTW (or any Disney wedding) without it!

 

[BabyBelle1]

Oh yes, I've read enough threads to know about the book... I just don't want to purchase it until I'be decided on a Disney wedding.

I asked these few questions hoping to get answers that will help me make the decision whether to have the Disney wedding or to get married in our hometown.

Does anyone know the answers??

 

[bigr3ddog]

I'm planning a wedding for next year, crunching numbers for DFTW vs. a wedding in our hometown... I need to stick to the minimums for a Wishes wedding with about 30 guests, so I need some advice: My #1 reception request is a DJ... What is the most budget-friendly reception option that will allow this? I'm very interested in one of the private rooms at CG... do they allow a DJ/dance floor?? (I would like the Sonoma room in the evening for a "free" Wishes viewing) Also, I really want an outdoor ceremony venue that can accommodate my guests somewhere in the MK area... I really wish the Polynesian were available as this is our very favorite resort!! I'm not interested in the WP, unless the picture point outdoor area was a possibility. And: What will DFTW allow you to bring from outside? (Centerpieces, favors, etc.) Besides photographers, what outside vendors are permitted?? Any other suggestions for sticking to minimums are greatly appreciated!! Thank youuuuu!!!

Most budget friendly reception spots depends on what you want to do. Ballrooms cost nothing to rent, but they require the most decoration so your floral and decor costs go up. Ballrooms allow outside vendors. Themed areas such as Atlantic dance hall or Ariel's don't allow outside floral, but because they are already themed, they need minimal decor. You can supply limited items like centerpieces and favors, but you'll have to check with planner on those limits. Atlantic dance hall has a small venue rental fee, $500. The bulk of the cost will be your food and beverage minimum, which you shouldn't have a problem with for 30 guests. Ariel's has no rental fee, just food and beverage minimum. There are other venues this way too, but I've just listed these two as examples. California grill will cost you much more. Napa supposedly will allow a dance floor, so I'm guessing dj would be ok there too.

You'll have to ask dftw about outdoor ceremony spots around magic kingdom loop. Someone used the marina by grand Floridian, but it's not officially listed as an option, so ask. Otherwise, the other outdoor venues around Epcot and Epcot resorts: sea breeze point; yacht club gazebo, and world showcase.

We have found that floral and decor and food cost the most. Our strategy was to minimize decor and use a pre themed reception venue. We will be close to the minimum, even with the restriction of using Disney floral.

 

[OrlandoDJChuck]

They do have receptions with DJs at the California Grill, Napa and Sonoma rooms. The area is tight in the two private rooms, but it does work with the right amount of guests.

Hope this helps!

 

[BabyBelle1]

Thank you, Bigr3ddog and OrlandoDJChuck!!! Perfectly answered my questions!!