reception change/disappointed/questions

[TinkerBabe1010]

Hi all,

Sorry I haven't been around too much lately. My great aunt died a couple of weeks ago and my whole family is very close, so it's been a rough time. Even though I am sad that she is gone, I am glad she is out of pain as she has been suffering from heart disease and lung problems for quite a long time, and she was pretty much bed bound.

Anyway, I was talking to my mom today and we all pretty much decided that we can't do our reception at the American Adventure due to it being so late. We have lots of little ones in our family and lots of elderly people, and all the moving around, using the bathrooms outdoors, and the fact that we wouldn't be eating dinner until 10 PM just won't work for that group. I'm pretty disappointed about it just because I had my heart set on an in-park reception.

So, we've decided to have the reception at the Grand Floridian. We'll hopefully be able to do the 5:30 ceremony at the WP and then all go back to the GF for the reception in one of the ballrooms. The good news is we'll save some money by being able to have an outside florist, and we won't have to pay for the buses (for as long), or the attendants. I think it'll work out a lot better for the group we're having, but I'm just feeling kind of let down. I know that's silly, but I've just been envisioning this magical AAR event for so long, and now it's not going to be that

So, does anyone have any pictures of their reception in one of the ballrooms at the GF? I just need you girls to pat me on the head and tell me it'll be just as beautiful as my AAR reception would have been!!!

Thanks girls, you all are the best.

 

[princessdisneybelle]

I don't have any pics for you. Why don't you google a search for pics for now. I'm sure someone will show you some great ones. Remember you really can recreate almost any ideas in a ballroom. It will be beautiful, I'm sure.

 

[disprincessatheart]

what about doing another in park reception that wouldn't require the late start? There are plenty of other locations. Plus, remember that the minimum food and beverage expense is more at the GF. I don't have any pics, just throwing out a suggestion. Good luck and just know that your wedding will be magical no matter what!

 

[Thumper's Tara]

Hi all,

Sorry I haven't been around too much lately. My great aunt died a couple of weeks ago and my whole family is very close, so it's been a rough time. Even though I am sad that she is gone, I am glad she is out of pain as she has been suffering from heart disease and lung problems for quite a long time, and she was pretty much bed bound.

Anyway, I was talking to my mom today and we all pretty much decided that we can't do our reception at the American Adventure due to it being so late. We have lots of little ones in our family and lots of elderly people, and all the moving around, using the bathrooms outdoors, and the fact that we wouldn't be eating dinner until 10 PM just won't work for that group. I'm pretty disappointed about it just because I had my heart set on an in-park reception.

So, we've decided to have the reception at the Grand Floridian. We'll hopefully be able to do the 5:30 ceremony at the WP and then all go back to the GF for the reception in one of the ballrooms. The good news is we'll save some money by being able to have an outside florist, and we won't have to pay for the buses (for as long), or the attendants. I think it'll work out a lot better for the group we're having, but I'm just feeling kind of let down. I know that's silly, but I've just been envisioning this magical AAR event for so long, and now it's not going to be that

So, does anyone have any pictures of their reception in one of the ballrooms at the GF? I just need you girls to pat me on the head and tell me it'll be just as beautiful as my AAR reception would have been!!!

Thanks girls, you all are the best.

TinkerBabe-

I so understand what you are going through. Originally we wanted the AAR too, but decided that the 100 person minimum was too much for us. Then, we found the Living Seas and were so excited! We had the WP and Living Seas pencilled in with Disney, but then Randy Chapman wasn't available. I was so disappointed. We ended up moving the wedding to Saturday and we are now having it at Ariel's.

I totally understand your disappointment about moving it from the park. I tried every combination I could think of to make it work and it wouldn't. However, the more I thought about it, the more I was okay with the reception being at Ariel's. It gave us more flexibility and it is still Disney.

Now, a couple of suggestions...

Have you considered the Living Seas? I think they are more flexible when it comes to timing than AAR.

Also, could you have the main reception at the Grand Floridian and then do something like a dessert party at Epcot? We are going to do a dessert party for Illuminations and when I mentioned that to the Wedding Consultant she said that a number of brides are doing a Rehersal Dinner with heavy hor douerves (sp?) and dessert.

Anyway, I hope this helps! Keep your chin up and know that it will all work out for the best!

-Tara