Sticking to Wishes minimum- difficult?

[Forevryoung]

While I patiently wait for DBF to propose (I'm in no rush). I silently obsess about a Disney wedding. We both want a small destination wedding but he's a Disney Hater (for now ).

I have read BEOs but I am wondering how difficult it is to stick towards the lower end of the cost for a Wishes wedding. I know how easy it is to get carried away and double or triple the cost but could a wishes wedding (for an estimated 40-50 guests) be easily put together for around $15,000?

I'd want a brunch/lunch reception and a dessert party if that matters.
Thanks!

 

[MainStMandy]

It's been done!! We are having a Wednesday wedding for 34 people. We are just at the $12,000 for the wedding and reception. Our dessert party will be our rehearsal and that is around $1500. Of course this is just Disney...we are also paying for outside photography, honeymoon, dress...etc. But definitely doable for the minimum. 50 people might make it tough but it all depends on what you want.

 

[Pirate's Princess]

First thing is first. Is $15000 your total wedding budget or your Disney budget? Does it count honeymoon, your stay at Disney, clothes etc...? Because that's at least a couple thousand more.

If that is your Disney budget it's mine as well. I know it's a lot of money buy minimums add up quickly for venues food and transport. While I haven't had my official planning session yet so I don't have my beo but I am relatively certain I can do what I want and stay in budget. I too am planning a wishes wedding around 40-50 a brunch-lunch and a dessert party. I think the trick is to know you are not going to be able to splurge in all areas and just select 2 or 3 to focus on and be more stringent on the rest. For example df and I want to focus on food photography and some entertainment. And onthe flip side I plan to have a fake orchid bouquet (much cheaper) and use umbrellas for the bridesmaids. Also no chair covers, extra linens, fancy place settings or elaborate centerpieces. We'd rather have better food, a magic kingdom photo shoot and possible a character. It's a pick and choose sitation and if you really focus on just what you want most and are ok with less on the other items you can definitely keep within budget and have a memorable and special affair.

 

[lurkyloo]

It is definitely possible. Back when the Wishes minimum was only $10,000, we came in just $69 over. As the previous posters have noted, you will have additional expenses for the things that Disney doesn't provide, like the dress, rings, travel, etc. But it is definitely possible to have a beautiful wedding for Disney's minimum. You just have to prioritize the things that are most and least important to you so you can make trade-offs in order to stick to your budget.

 

[Forevryoung]

Yes, that's just for Disney... travel, hotel rooms, rings (Jewish law says wedding bands can't have stones in them, so saving money there!), dress, honeymoon, and all aren't included.

Long Island weddings probably start at $40,000 and go way up from there, I definitely don't want to spend that kind of money on a wedding.

I also need to figure out a way to invite some cousins without inviting others, without being the witch of the family (cousins are all adults, some married with kids).

 

[Nikisha421]

Yes, that's just for Disney... travel, hotel rooms, rings (Jewish law says wedding bands can't have stones in them, so saving money there!), dress, honeymoon, and all aren't included.

Long Island weddings probably start at $40,000 and go way up from there, I definitely don't want to spend that kind of money on a wedding.

I also need to figure out a way to invite some cousins without inviting others, without being the witch of the family (cousins are all adults, some married with kids).

this is currently my dilemma...i thought by leaving new york and going to florida no one would be interested; however, that is not hte case...i need to not invite an entire football field of ppl

 

[Forevryoung]

I think DBF crushed my DFTW obsession early this morning.

I woke up dreaming about invitations and told him. He asked if they had Mickey on them (they didn't)

But I (stupidly) asked him if he would get married in Disney World. He paused for a moment before saying quietly "no, what about a beach?"

I still love my Disney Hater and I'm glad he told me the truth (now this must be true love ) I have time. Here's to hoping the Mouse can show him the Magic and win him over (but I'm not planning on it... better to get over it now!)

 

[DisneyLeah]

I think DBF crushed my DFTW obsession early this morning.

I woke up dreaming about invitations and told him. He asked if they had Mickey on them (they didn't)

But I (stupidly) asked him if he would get married in Disney World. He paused for a moment before saying quietly "no, what about a beach?"

I still love my Disney Hater and I'm glad he told me the truth (now this must be true love ) I have time. Here's to hoping the Mouse can show him the Magic and win him over (but I'm not planning on it... better to get over it now!)

Why not have your ceremony on the beach outside the wedding pavilion? You'll both be happy!

Check out the new beach decor they have been showing on the Disney Weddings site. Its quite beautiful! http://disneyweddings.disney.go.com/weddings/florida/wishes/ceremony/beach/detail

Good luck with turning him into a Dis Lover - you can do it!!