Please help me reduce floral/decor bill

[Gareth& Hayley]

Just had my Floral/Decor estimate from Disney and I've nearly had heart failure... $5,769.84!! Need to have a serious re-think about what we have chosen, coz that IS a bit nutty. The aisle runner I was told initially was $850 is actually $2,700! If anyone has any ideas/substitutions I'd be very grateful. I'm not sure what I can and cannot provide myself without purchasing from Disney (I am having a Wishes wedding)

Bride's Bouquet
Round, French bouquet of light green hydrangea and cream roses = $250
9 iridescent crystals @ $1.10 = $9.90
6 Mickey head crystals @ $3 = $18
Magic Kingdom Photo Shoot the morning of the wedding. Please deliver at 7:30am on September 6th = $75

Buttonholes
For Groom: Cream rose with ruscus $12.50 plus $3 for a Mickey crystal
4 x Bridal Party Cream rose with ruscus @ $12.50 = $50

Corsages
3 x Bridal Party Cream spray roses with filler, greens @ $26 = $78


Ceremony
Sprinkle cream, light pink and light green rose petals on the altar table = $35
22" Cylinder vases - rental. Place on both sides of the aisle at the first/middle/last rows.
x 6 @ $10 = $60
16" Cylinder vases - rental. Place on both sides of the aisle at the third and ninth rows.
x 4 @ $10 = $40
Fill each cylinder with water and top with an ivory floating candle x10 @ $3.25 = $32.50
Ivory fabric aisle runner with text in gold "And they lived happily ever after" with gold scrollwork border = $2,700

Staged Exit
Individual bubble tubes tied with light green and light pink ribbons x 18 @ $2.25 =$40.50

Pre-Reception
6" Bubble bowl - rental x 6 @ $5 = $30
Fill halfway with water and top with a light pink floating rose bloom x 6 @ $5 = $30
Sprinkle gold castle confetti on each table - priced per bag x 2 @ $6 = $12
Dinner
60" Round Tables x 4 @ $13.50 + $200 delivery fee = $254
Ivory cotton chair covers with an apple organza sash tied in a bow x 20 @ $8.50 = $170
Blush satin napkin, pocket folded x 20 @ $2 = $40
8x8 Chunky cylinder vase x 5 @ $10 = $50
Wrap a gold firefly ribbon ending in a small bow around the middle of the vase x 5 @ $10 = $50
Top each vase with an arrangement of light green hydrangea and cream roses. Place one vase per table x 5 @ $150 = $750
Sprinkle light pink rose petals on each table x 5 @ $20 = $100
Place 4 shot glass votive candles on each table x 20 @ $2.50 = $50

Cake Table
Disney's Fairytale Wedding Cake Knife and Server Set = $55

Favours
White chocolate small Mickey and Minnie bridal couple. Wrap in clear cello and tie with a light pink ribbon x 10 @ $4 = $40
White chocolate flat castle. Wrap in clear cello and tie with a light pink ribbon. Place one at each place x 10 @ $4.25 = $42.50

Dessert Party
9" Cylinder vase - rental x 6 @ $5 = $30
Fill half of the vases with light green colored gel and half of the vases with light pink colored gel. Submerge LED lights in the gel and gold Mickey confetti. Place one per table alternating gel color. x 6 @ $12 = $72

Fl Sales tax (6.5%) = $339.94

GRAND TOTAL = $5,769.84

I have already ruled out the aisle runner, so I'm down by $2700 straightaway but still have a fair way to go.

 

[chris31997]

Cut down your rentals. Do you really need to have the cylinders at your DP? I have read were several brides did not miss them said it took too much room on the table. Is there anyway to cut them back at the prereception/ceremony and reception? I know it won't save that much but it would start to add up. Also are your flowers in season?

For your staged exit: you can do that yourself. Get a bunch of little bubble thingys online and tie on ribbon.

Good luck

 

[pixie921]

Oh my stars! Those numbers are unreal! Especially that aisle runner! You can have a beautiful one custom made (try http://www.aisleswithstyle.com/default.asp for example) for a TON less (way under $1K) and then simply ship it down there. The florist will charge $25 to lay it down for you.

Can I ask why you're having to pay a delivery fee on your tables? I've never seen that before either. I know they charge it on certain kinds of chairs and on their glass chargers, but the table thing is new to me.

 

[sambycat]

well, first off, how much more are you trying to cut? i like your centerpieces and know those can be quite expensive, so they sound like alot of bang for your buck.

right off the bat, since you already cut the runner, i say the wedding party flowers sound good. i would nix buying the cake server, unless that is something really important to you, but perhaps you can find one to bring or someone wants to give you that as a gift?

it doesn't seem to me like other than the runner, you have tons of extra stuff, but you could have one favor only, do the bubbles yourself and bring or mail down, and the other things to consider are cutting anything at all at the WP if you need to trim alot - the place doesn't need extra, although that is nice of course.

also, i would use house linens maybe not much if anything more for the pre-reception hour (i think the WP and the actual dinner are more bang for the buck) and maybe the suggestions about the DP someone made.

also, i missed why are you getting charged for tables again? are they an unusual size? we are using the venues tables and house linens, so that is no cost, the sashes and chair covers we rent.

 

[Firefly09]

They're charging you for delivery of your bouquet for the MK shoot?? Is that something new? I haven't seen that in other budgets before.

 

[sambycat]

They're charging you for delivery of your bouquet for the MK shoot?? Is that something new? I haven't seen that in other budgets before.

that looks like the charge for the floral refresh

 

[Mindyjoy]

Maybe I'm really naive, but $250 for the bridal bouquet, really? That seems so high to me!

 

[sissy_ib]

that looks like the charge for the floral refresh

Am I reading it wrong? It says

Magic Kingdom Photo Shoot the morning of the wedding. Please deliver at 7:30am on September 6th = $75

So why would they need a floral refresh?

 

[kmaclou]

Am I reading it wrong? It says
So why would they need a floral refresh?

You're right. If she's doing her shoot the same morning as her wedding, there shouldn't be a need for a refresh. The day after? Then yes, Disney charges $75 to refresh her bouquet.

OP, I would definitely ask about that.

 

[Gareth& Hayley]

Thanks for the tips guys. Yeah I was wondering about that bouquet delivery charge, it seems a bit naughty! tho two sets of favours were because we had 20 guests, so was going to have 10 of each, but now I think we might just cut all the favours, as in September its probably likely to melt anyway, plus they can get their chocolate fix at the DP anyway. I must admit the table delivery charge really did shock me! Was NOT expecting that. We are having 4 x 60" round tables and a sweetheart table - is that a weird size or something? Plus 2 tallboy tables outside and 4 cocktail tables?

 

[Chilly]

Can you try to re-use/move some of your WP flowers/Reception decor instead of getting new ones for each event?

Do you really need the aisle flowers in the WP?

You can provide your own rose petals and favours.

 

[jtanddolly]

Bride's Bouquet
Round, French bouquet of light green hydrangea and cream roses = $250
9 iridescent crystals @ $1.10 = $9.90
6 Mickey head crystals @ $3 = $18
Magic Kingdom Photo Shoot the morning of the wedding. Please deliver at 7:30am on September 6th = $75

Buttonholes
For Groom: Cream rose with ruscus $12.50 plus $3 for a Mickey crystal
4 x Bridal Party Cream rose with ruscus @ $12.50 = $50

Corsages
3 x Bridal Party Cream spray roses with filler, greens @ $26 = $78


Ceremony
Sprinkle cream, light pink and light green rose petals on the altar table = $3522" Cylinder vases - rental. Place on both sides of the aisle at the first/middle/last rows.
x 6 @ $10 = $60
16" Cylinder vases - rental. Place on both sides of the aisle at the third and ninth rows.
x 4 @ $10 = $40
Fill each cylinder with water and top with an ivory floating candle x10 @ $3.25 = $32.50
Ivory fabric aisle runner with text in gold "And they lived happily ever after" with gold scrollwork border = $2,700

Lots of Disney brides purchase their isle runners online for a lot less! Princess SarahK even purchased a blank isle runner then had a local t-shirt shop put her monogram on it. Here is her thread...there is a picture and you could ask her about the costs:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2572946

Is your wedding at the WP? If so the chapel is already so beautiful that you won't miss the cylinder vases on the isles. Also, the flower petals on the alter table will not be noticed by most people and won't be missed if you cut them.

Staged Exit
Individual bubble tubes tied with light green and light pink ribbons x 18 @ $2.25 =$40.50

You can purchase these yourself and tie ribbon for TONS less. You can find packs (4-6) of individual bubbles in white containers at Dollar Stores for $1.00 with their wedding things.

Pre-Reception
6" Bubble bowl - rental x 6 @ $5 = $30
Fill halfway with water and top with a light pink floating rose bloom x 6 @ $5 = $30
Sprinkle gold castle confetti on each table - priced per bag x 2 @ $6 = $12
Dinner
60" Round Tables x 4 @ $13.50 + $200 delivery fee = $254
Ivory cotton chair covers with an apple organza sash tied in a bow x 20 @ $8.50 = $170
Blush satin napkin, pocket folded x 20 @ $2 = $40
8x8 Chunky cylinder vase x 5 @ $10 = $50
Wrap a gold firefly ribbon ending in a small bow around the middle of the vase x 5 @ $10 = $50
Top each vase with an arrangement of light green hydrangea and cream roses. Place one vase per table x 5 @ $150 = $750
Sprinkle light pink rose petals on each table x 5 @ $20 = $100
Place 4 shot glass votive candles on each table x 20 @ $2.50 = $50

Cut the rose petals and confetti...they won't be missed. I know they aren't a big cost but all of the little things really add up. Could you pay to have the bubble bowls from the pre-reception moved to your DP and reuse them instead of paying for additional ones?

Cake Table
Disney's Fairytale Wedding Cake Knife and Server Set = $55

Bring your own server set...maybe register for a set or if someone asks you what you want for a wedding gift ask them to buy this for you

Favours
White chocolate small Mickey and Minnie bridal couple. Wrap in clear cello and tie with a light pink ribbon x 10 @ $4 = $40
White chocolate flat castle. Wrap in clear cello and tie with a light pink ribbon. Place one at each place x 10 @ $4.25 = $42.50

Dessert Party
9" Cylinder vase - rental x 6 @ $5 = $30
Fill half of the vases with light green colored gel and half of the vases with light pink colored gel. Submerge LED lights in the gel and gold Mickey confetti. Place one per table alternating gel color. x 6 @ $12 = $72

Mentioned before, but could you reuse the flowers from your pre-reception? Of course if there is a $75 fee to move them...that wouldn't be worth it.

Fl Sales tax (6.5%) = $339.94

GRAND TOTAL = $5,769.84

Consider pricing your flowers from an outside vendor...lots of brides save money that way.

 

[girli565]

Are the tables special ones? Most reception venues come with tables included but if you ordered square or any other table than what's in the venue they charge you for them plus a delivery fee. If you're only having 20 guests why do you need 4 tables? Normal tables seat 10 so you'd only need 2 and your sweetheart table. I was not charged for any tables, not even the high boy tables I used for my prereception.

I'd cut the DP decor, they put out a nice votive holder when you have no decor, my DP had them everywhere, guest tables, food tables, coffee station.

I'd also cut all the ceremony decor

22" Cylinder vases - rental. Place on both sides of the aisle at the first/middle/last rows.
x 6 @ $10 = $60
16" Cylinder vases - rental. Place on both sides of the aisle at the third and ninth rows.
x 4 @ $10 = $40
Fill each cylinder with water and top with an ivory floating candle x10 @ $3.25 = $32.50

and use your reception decor instead then just have it moved to the reception. It's a $50 move fee but saves you a couple hundred dollars.

I'd cut all the prereception decor, no one even used our prereception tables, instead sat at their reception seats. I sprinkled mickey head confetti on the high boy tables because I didn't want to spend money on prereception decor.

For the reception I'd cut...

60" Round Tables x 4 @ $13.50 + $200 delivery fee = $254Can you just use the tables that come with the venue? Those are included with the location.
Wrap a gold firefly ribbon ending in a small bow around the middle of the vase x 5 @ $10 = $50No need for this, it sounds pretty but really doesn't have to be there.
Top each vase with an arrangement of light green hydrangea and cream rosesCan you just use hydrangeas? They are very inexpensive and would probably bring down the price of the arrangement. Place one vase per table x 5 @ $150 = $750
Sprinkle light pink rose petals on each table x 5 @ $20 = $100no need, the arrangements should be enough.
Place 4 shot glass votive candles on each table x 20 @ $2.50 = $50no need, the arrangements should be enough.

 

[Gareth& Hayley]

Can you try to re-use/move some of your WP flowers/Reception decor instead of getting new ones for each event?

Do you really need the aisle flowers in the WP?

You can provide your own rose petals and favours.

Do they have to be real petals? I quite like the look of silk petals. Do Disney charge a clean up fee if I use my own for the WP?

 

[lurkyloo]

Silk petals are allowed in the WP and there's no charge to clean them up even if you bring them in. You'd just need someone in your party to set them up.

 

[Gareth& Hayley]

Thanks for that! how about for the reception tables? Can I use silk petals for that too? I'm going to be using Whitehall room and patio. Can I put anything else on the table that wasnt purchased from Disney? Like my own votives? How about the DP? (Sago Cay) I'm also interested to know if I can use table scatter crystals.

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

I payed $125 for my aisle runner with a customized monogram. $2,700 is insane! I also would suggest trying to cut down the centerpiece cost since those are a pretty big expense. Disney can do them as cheap as $75 per centerpiece, which would cu that cost in half. You could also consider using the centerpieces at the ceremony and then transferring them, then you could cut down on some of the ceremony decor. I am making/bringing all my own personal floral. I made my bouquet for about $20, so you could consider doing something like that as well. The good news is that by cutting the aisle runner you have already drastically reduced the budget.

 

[pixie921]

You're using Whitehall? Now I'm REALLY confused about that table fee! Definitely ask your florist and/or planner about that one. As far as I know, that should not be.

 

[Gareth& Hayley]

You're using Whitehall? Now I'm REALLY confused about that table fee! Definitely ask your florist and/or planner about that one. As far as I know, that should not be.

We did! We had tables listed 14" smaller than the standards ones at the White Hall... we are *obviously* going to now have the standard tables... now there is no rental fee or delivery fee!

 

[pixie921]

We did! We had tables listed 14" smaller than the standards ones at the White Hall... we are *obviously* going to now have the standard tables... now there is no rental fee or delivery fee!

Ah, I see now. Oy, they will get you any way they can, won't they?

You asked earlier about putting your own things out on the tables at Whitehall. That's totally fine because it's not considered a "public" space like the parks or outdoor locations are (so that means Disney will have to do everything for you at Sago). Disney will put out 2-3 (can't remember which it is) items that you provide at no cost (like place cards and menus, or place cards and favors, that type of thing), but for anything more than that, they will charge you either $25 or $35 (I've seen both ... it's probably $35 by now).

And I don't believe they will place *any* outside floral, whether it comes from you or another florist. You'd have to get a guest to do that.

We are using Ariel's and I am doing our centerpieces and other decor. Our son (and possibly dh's or my mother) will go there before our VR ceremony and put the items in place, and then come to the ceremony after that.