Planning Sessions for Intimate/Escape weddings?

[stitchlet]

DF and I are planning to have an Intimate wedding. I've looked thru the Wishbook, and although it's a lot of fun, it doesn't really give many specifics.

How do Intimate brides get to choose things like their bouquet and flavors of cake? Is there an oppurtunity for a Planning Session? The Wishbook only lists "two 1/2hour phone calls" with a planner - I would really like a chance to see what Floral has to offer and taste at least two types of cake/frosting

Would anyone share their experiences with how they made choices for their "included amenities"?

Thanks so much!

 

[purplegirl247]

No formal planning sessions like custom brides get. I chose everything based on photographs (floral and cake design). We do not get a taste testing. I remember someone on here saying that it's possible to get one, but you have to pay for it.

I'm not sure about the two half hour phone calls. I spoke at length once with Rosie (floral) and once with my coordinator (Juliana); everything else was done via e-mail (I preferred to have everything in writing anyway!). And the phonecall with Juliana was at her request, not mine.

I was ok with not getting a formal planning session, as I didn't request that many changes or additions. I would've liked to try the cake before we decided on it, but we're pretty simple and went with marble with chocolate frosting, which is pretty universal.

Hope that helps!

 

[stitchlet]

Thanks purplegirl247! We're pretty straight-forward too, and I would also like having everything in writing.

Does Disney send you the photos for cake & flowers? I have a pretty good idea of the bouquet I'd like and I want to see if it's just something standard that Floral already does or if I need to describe it to them.

Has anyone done the paid cake tasting? I'd love to hear your experiences if you wouldn't mind sharing!

Thanks again!

 

[purplegirl247]

I can't remember how I saw the cake (come to think of it, I may have just seen it here on the boards; lol!). But I know that Rosie and I went back and forth on the bouquets several times. She sent me the basics of what was included for intimates, then we discussed different options for the types of flowers I wanted, what kind of ribbon I wanted to tie it all together with, and what colors I was thinking. In the end, she sent me a photo of a similar bouquet she'd done for another girl and some ribbon samples (via snail mail) since I couldn't envision what she was trying to describe for the ribbons. She was also really good about telling me how much it would cost to deviate from the included intimate bouquet.

I actually went with a silk bouquet because we're doing the MK photo shoot two days after our wedding and (a) it was cheaper to get the silk upgrade ($75, I think) than it was to have the bouquet refreshed ($125 maybe?) and (b) I was pretty excited about being able to keep the bouquet without having to preserve it.

I'll try to hunt down that other thread about the cost for the cake tasting. Let me know if you have any other questions! Our wedding is in like four days but thanks to having a fabulous Disney wedding coordinator, I don't have anything left to do!

 

[catwub]

stitchlet,
I am afraid I can't help with the cake, we did yellow and buttercream...I LOVE buttercream Pretty basic cake gal, just give me the sugar. If you go to Disney's wedding website, you can open your Intimate...I think it is called Escape now, wishbook which will give you a pretty good idea of the standard choices. While I did not worry about the cake, I did about the bouquet. I had something very specific in mind. I ended up going with the Tussy Mussy they show, but all white roses and stephanotis added with crystals and five hidden Mickey crystals. I know there is an upcharge, but not sure how much yet...I'll keep you posted.


Catwub

 

[lurkyloo]

If I remember correctly, one of the DISers was told they could pay $75 for a cake tasting. I remember this because, when I did the math, I figured they could order three whole cakes from the various WDW bakeries for the same cost!

Really, if you were going to WDW beforehand, you could just figure out which hotel bakery is closest to your reception location (and will therefore be making your cake) and then go to this thread to get the number to order a cake that feeds 8 people for $25:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1173219

 

[purplegirl247]

lurkyloo, I had the cost of $75 in my head too, so that must be it. I've been trying to search for the thread that mentions it, but the new search feature is sort...ah...challenging *she says diplomatically*.

Your idea of ordering a cake is a great one; if OP wants to taste two different flavor/frosting combinations, she could even order two!

 

[stitchlet]

Thank you so much for all of the info - you're really putting my mind at ease! I'm glad that Floral could send you a sample of the ribbon; it can be so hard to tell what color something really is by just looking on-line.

I was just looking thru your Planning Journal - I love your dress & hair! You make a very beautiful bride!

Great idea on the "Groom" cap for DF; we're not so crazy about the top hat either and DF has tried it before and can't keep it on his head

Congratulations on being so organized and calm 4 days before - you're an inspriration!

Best wishes to you and your DF for a wonderful day

 

[purplegirl247]

Can't remember if I said so in my planning journal, but the groom's hat was only $12.95 at David's Bridal.

As for how calm I am, family starts arriving tomorrow night. We'll see how calm I am then. lol! Thanks for the well wishes and compliments.

 

[stitchlet]

Thank you both catwub & lurkyloo! We'll be at the WP so I guess GF would probably be doing our cake - guess we'll just have to force ourselves to try some We're thinking yellow w/ buttercream or almond w/ ameretto (sp).

Catwub, I'd love to hear about your bouquet - I was thinking of doing some Hidden Mickey's as sort of a treat to myself! BTW: I did go ahead and order a set from Smarty Pants - it should arrive in ~3 weeks - I'll let you know how it turned-out!

 

[stitchlet]

Wow lurkyloo - thank you so much for that cake thread! It's perfect and exactly what I need. DF & I are going to be at WDW in a few weeks (for my 40th b-day ) and I think I'll surprise him with an informal cake tasting!

Thank you everyone for all of the info & ideas - it's all very much apprecaited!

 

[lurkyloo]

Yay! So glad I could help... Let us know what you decide after you have your "tasting"!

 

[Swmhc]

I tried to do this earlier from work and of all things...I kept getting interrupted with work !!!! I hate when that happens. Now I am home with both my laptops (my pc and my big furry boy (kitty)). He keeps sitting on the keys and grabbing my hand for attention, so pardon typos as I have more help than I need right now !

Most of this information will be answered when you receive your planning kit, after you send in your contract and deposit. But here is what I know so far....

With regards to cakes...intimates are more limited on cake and filling flavors for a couple reasons, first being the obvious...cost. If you have a specific design in mind, email a picture to your WC and he/she can have the bakery price it for you. Beware of the upgrade cost. Should you choose to go with custom, make sure they credit you for the "included" cake (around $200). Also keep in mind the smooth fondant icing is more pricey. A second consideration for intimiate cakes is that some of the fruit filllings are not recommended due to outside receptions and heat issues.

That all being said...if you dream it, Disney can do it !

Now, on to floral...Again, if you can dream it, Disney (Rosie) can do it. I can't say enough about how impressed I was with her. Email her a picture and she will make it. Hidden Mickey's are available at $3 each and come in crystal or pearl.

And, like purplegirl247, I am going with silks for $75 extra. Cheaper than the refresh and preservation !

Hope this is of some benefit ! Good luck

 

[stitchlet]

Thank you so much, Swmhc! That info helps a lot! I was afraid that all I had to go by was the email from Pam and the Wishbook. Sounds like a lot more stuff will be coming my way once we get to the 8 month mark.

I completely understand about having two laptops - I've got 15 pounds of kitty grabbing for my attention right now!

Thanks again & good luck with all of your planning!

 

[Swmhc]

Well, you don't get a LOT of stuff with the escape package, but it is a starting point. I was discouraged that there wasn't more in the planning kit, however, the DIS has been an invaluable tool in my planning. I would have been totally lost had it not been for the brides here. So anything I can do to help answer some questions, let me know. What goes around comes around. I figure it's my turn to start helping others out !

 

[stitchlet]

The DIS is an amazing place . . . I wouldn't even know what questions to ask if it wasn't for everyone here!

I appreciate any info you care to share!

Thanks again!