Quick Question (and an idea)

[SRUAlmn]

I am going to call today to talk to a DFTW rep for the first time! What information do I need to have ready for them during my first phone call? I am overly organized sometimes, so we actually already have a LOT planned/decided (in a spreadsheet .) Also, I know I need to pay $1000 to secure our date. When do we need to pay that? Do they hold it for a certain number of days until they receive the money? Thanks!!




On another note, I've been reading quite a few threads from people who are trying to find places outside of WDW to get certain things for their wedding. Could we start a thread (or a couple, one for each aspect) for people to get ideas and information about outside places so we wouldn't all have to re-do work someone else has already done. For example,

We could have 4 threads
1. Decor from outside sources (swags, chair covers, lights, etc...)
2. Floral from outside sources
3. Entertainment from outside sources (DJ, dance floor, bands, etc...)
4. Photography/Videography from outside sources

Then people could post on there.
'Company X has chair covers with bows for $5 each as opposed to Disney which charges $8 each'
Make sense?

 

[mhcueball2]

We did alot of research also before our first call, so we had almost everything we needed. The first time we called them we talked to a 'normal' wedding person (not a coordinator). The coordinator called us back the next day.

Some things were we needed to know were:
What dates/times available for our locations
Parking at locations (if we need a motorcoach for guests)
Particulars about our locations (fees, food)
Timeframe for the wedding (1hr ceremony and 5hour reception)
Charges for outside vendors
Room block info
Minimums
Contract process

To answer some of your questions. For a custom wedding...you request the date/time/locations, they hold that date/time/location, they email you a bunch of questions they need to fill out the contract, you send that back, they send you the contract, you have 7-10 days to return the signed contract and the deposit.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Thanks.

These were things you and your DF wanted to know, right?
"Some things were we needed to know were:
What dates/times available for our locations
Parking at locations (if we need a motorcoach for guests)
Particulars about our locations (fees, food)
Timeframe for the wedding (1hr ceremony and 5hour reception)
Charges for outside vendors
Room block info
Minimums
Contract process"

We know about 'most' of that already, so I guess we are prepared. I'm going to make the call myself since DF is working until around 5:00 and then we have to take the puppy to the vet. I just don't want to wait any longer and risk losing our date options.

As for the deposit, it sounds like you end up having about 2- 2 1/2 weeks between your initial contact and when you have to send the money. By the time they email, you email back, they mail the contract, then you have 7-10 days after that. Does that sound about right?

 

[mhcueball2]

Your contract time frame sounds about right (but I'm sure it varies greatly). It depends on the amount of time it takes your WC to email you the questions, how quick you respond, and how quick they can draw up the contract. For us the whole process took about 2-3 weeks from initial contact to signed contract.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Well, I called! Yeah If anyone else is wondering, this is what Heidi asked me:

my name, his name, contact info, what date we were considering (she didn't ask time or location,) why we chose WDW, if we were considering any other options, how many people would be coming, and I think that's all.

Now I just sit and wait Anyone have any recommendations for who is really fun and wonderful to get as a coordinator? Do we have a thread somewhere that lists who everyone has had? Let me know!