officiant at intimate reception?

[woodstoforrest]

Hi, all.

We're having an intimate wedding and planning on maxing out the guest list at 18 guests, over and above the bride and groom.

What is the protocol for inviting the officiant to the reception at the Grand Floridian balcony, and/or any other meal we might do afterward? I would like to include our officiant, but if it means bumping someone else off our guest list, I'm not sure I'm prepared to do that.

What have other intimate brides with maxed out guest lists done? Does Disney allow you to include the officiant in the reception? If so, why not allow extra guests?

Please help.

Thanks,
Linda

 

[friendofgusgus]

Linda-

If your officiant is one who does a lot of Disney weddings (Rev. Jack Day, Rev. Knox, etc.), he/she will not expect to be invited. They all know how pricey Disney receptions are and how tight the space can be. If it is someone you are bringing in becasue you have a previous relationship with them, it could be tougher.

I am an Intimate bride and was told by my WP that the terrace is very small for 20 people. The existing seating is only for 8 and they will not add extra tables, so most guests will be standing anyway. It may not be the best place for an officiant you don't know that well.

Also, I would make sure and check it out with your WP - they are very, very strict about the guest numbers for Intimate weddings and I have been told they will only bring enough glasses and plates for the number of guests you have told them are coming.

Kind of a downer, but I hope it helps!

Jennifer
Intimate
12/11/06
Wedding Pavillion/Commanders Terrace

Edited for spelling, as my posts usually are!

 

[sarah_n_brian2006]

The cake cutting may be a tough one. However, if you want to have a dinner, invite them there. That is separate. I'm definitely not sure on the cake cutting

 

[JandJ]

Rev. Jack Day was our officiant. He is a wonderful man and did a great job. He was there for the cake cutting and he actually gave our toast as our best man became ill and couldn't attend at the last minute. Rev. Jack gave a beautiful toast, had some sparkling cider (I ordered a bottle for the non-alcohol drinkers), and a piece of cake, and we were glad to have him! We even took a few extra pictures with him after the ceremony. Of course, couting the guests, DH, me, my MOH, and Rev. Jack we only had 12 people!
I would not have included Rev. Jack at dinner, but I would have included an officiant who we knew, who was our family minister, or something like that.

 

[karenperez]

How much did you pay for the Rev? If he was included at the time you were married, how much would one normally cost?

 

[JandJ]

How much did you pay for the Rev? If he was included at the time you were married, how much would one normally cost?

At the time of our Intimate the officiant was included but I think I remember him quoting $150 in his paperwork and on these boards I've seen between $150 - 175.
It's more for a Custom wedding but I'm pretty sure that includes a rehearsal, which Intimates don't get. We had our own "mini" rehearsal without Rev. Jack the night before and a quick run-through with him and our EM right before the ceremony. It's such a simple ceremony though, that a rehearsal is not necessary.