reception dinner at sago cay then inside for dancing?

[chryscrazy]

I have a crazy idea to get my fireworks in. My ceremony is at 7:30pm so there won't be time for a dessert party by 10pm wishes.

I was thinking maybe we can have dinner at sago cay and watch the fireworks and then go back to Whitehall for dancing and cake.

The pre-reception is at Whitehall, but it is before the wedding, from 530-7. I think we will have around 30 guests, and we won't need seating for everyone in whitehall.

What do you think? Can I do this? Do you think the would apply my my food served at sago cay to the the ballroom minimum too? I'm ok with paying the minimum food expenditure for the ballroom +1,000 for sago cay, but do you think they would let me combine the costs like that? Or do you think it would be crazy expensive? I would just do centerpieces on the dinner tables, and maybe something small like the gel vases inside.

 

[DisneyBride1207]

I'm a bit confused as to what you are asking exactly...or what your plan is...? I'd love to help with advice!

 

[chryscrazy]

Sorry that was a bit rambled. I want to know

A) could I have my reception dinner at sago cay and then move inside to the whitehall to continue the party and dancing

B) Do you think they would let the total I spend on food & beverages that night count for the minimum F&B for both whitehall and sago cay OR do you think they would make me spend the F&B minimum in both places.

I know that last part is confusing. For example, say the F&B min for whitehall is $3,000 ( I really don't know what it is) I know the F&B min for sago cay for a reception is $1,000. So say I spend $4,000 on F&B, but that is all at sago cay.

Do you think they would accept that, or I would still have to spend the $3,000 (or whatever) on F&B in whitehall too? Does that make sense?

 

[DisneyBride1207]

Ok I get it now!

I'm afraid they might say no to B, but it doesn't hurt to ask!

I'm pretty sure they book them separately, so if they are going to rent both spaces to you and keep them from anyone else being able to rent them, you would have to fulfill the F&B min's and rental fees for both spaces.

Another question - Why do you want to do Sago Cay AND Whitehall if Whitehall Room has a patio where your guests can see the fireworks anyhow?.... Why not just do everything there and have your guests outside for fireworks on the patio during the show...? Or have guests go walk out to a public area where the Wishes music is piped in...?

(I'm hoping someone with more knowledge on the topic can hop in and help with a solution!)

Sorry if I confused you more...just trying to help!

 

[chryscrazy]

Thanks for your replies. I know I will ultimately have to ask my wedding planner, but she's just told me we'll discuss it at my planning session. Well, you know none of us want to wait!

I'm just not satisfied with the view of the fireworks from the patio for my pictures. The biggest reason I wanted to get married at Disney was to get the firework pictures in our wedding attire. I really should have thought it through more before I accepted the 7:30 time slot, but I didn't and I don't want to change dates now.

We could possibly sneak off to take pics somewhere with a better view while guests watch from the patio, but my mom HATES that idea.

 

[princesswendy720]

Whitehall doesn't have a venue specific food and beverage minimum, so I think as long as you are meeting the wishes minimum at both venues, it should be fine. How many guests will you have? For a sit down reception, I think sago cay would have reduced capacity and it has to be buffet style.

 

[chryscrazy]

Oh I hope that is right and they will let me do it! I'm thinking around 30 guests and I want a buffet anyway.

 

[lurkyloo]

That is correct—there is no venue-specific food and beverage minimum for any of the convention center rooms at WDW if you're doing a Wishes event.

 

[chryscrazy]

Thanks Carrie!