Sungela's PJ & TR Merged! Finally an Update! Faux Disneymoon Time

[BethanyMouse]

Congrats to you! I just starting reading your pj and I love your rings! Beautiful. Your gown is gorgeous too! Cant wait to read more!

 

[Fantasia Sam]

My Floral budget was $2100 back in 2004 that included chair covers and ribbons and rose cones for the staged exit My centerpieces were $82 a pop for 3 Various height cylinders filled with water with a white floating candle, and shells with 1 floralyte at bottom. Placed on a glass mirror with scattered Sea Shells and mixed rose petals - I thought that was a fair price back then


Video - there are some companies out there who offer really good value for their incredible work. I couldn't have not had the video and even though I only ever really watch my slo-mo montage it was still worth it to me



Love those Gehry orchid earrings

 

[sungela]

You all are sooo helpful! I'm going to wait and see what the flower budget is, and then go from there. I agree that centerpieces are usually a waste, which is why I really want edible ones (that way we don't have to have individual favors too). I love the look of one flower for bridesmaids (orange daisy, turquoise dress, perhaps?), and that shouldn't cost too much.

Sorry, no pics yet of the ring on my hand; we have a digital camera, I just don't know how to use it. Someday I will join the 21st century, but for now I'm happy with my walkman and VCR.

My WP, Jennifer, told me that I'm the first DB to wear one of the dresses, although I will happily rescind my right to the title if informed otherwise. I got it at Exquisite Bridal at the trunk show in August, although I still haven't gone in for my second fitting--should I be worried about that? I haven't picked out shoes, yet, either, although it's not that easy to find attractive vegetarian shoes. (Shoe dilemma: I'm eight inches shorter than Angela, but I can't walk in heels. Oy vey! But since my dress is huge, how bad would it be if I just wore sneakers? I am sorely tempted...)

Next advice question: for people who have had or are having dessert parties, did you pay for the bus/viewing fee, or did most people purchase their own park tickets anyway? It saves a lot of $ to have people meet up at Epcot, but I don't want my family and friends to think that we're being cheap by making them pay their own admission.

 

[hope1826]

(Shoe dilemma: I'm eight inches shorter than Angela, but I can't walk in heels. Oy vey! But since my dress is huge, how bad would it be if I just wore sneakers? I am sorely tempted...)

Next advice question: for people who have had or are having dessert parties, did you pay for the bus/viewing fee, or did most people purchase their own park tickets anyway? It saves a lot of $ to have people meet up at Epcot, but I don't want my family and friends to think that we're being cheap by making them pay their own admission.

Are crocs vegetarian? I would love to see pics of a bride in a DFTW dress with crocs!!! pink crocs!

As for the Dessert parties. Many of my guests are going to have passes into Epcot that day, but my planner said that they charge the viewing fee for the whole party and will give us a refund for the guests who did have tickets, after the wedding. I don't know if that is what they do with everyone. The viewing fee is only $13. If you have any guests who are not going to be buying multi day tickets or parkhopper tickets, they will have to pay $71 to get into Epcot for your Dessert Party.

We are paying $385 for a round trip bus. Boardwalk to Epcot to Boardwalk. Our ceremony and reception are both at the Boardwalk Inn. Our guests will have to get to and from the Boardwalk on their own.

Oh and I think you are REQUIRED to use the bus and an escort if you are going to be wearing your gowns.

 

[caryndisneydiva]

my rabbi wore crocs when he officiated our ceremony!

 

[disprincessatheart]

First, congratulations! Now to answering questions

SInce you're doing the DP the day of the wedding, and your guests will be tied up until at least early afternoon with the wedding and reception, I'd say most won't plan on a day's park admission that day, so just go ahead and do the viewing fee for them. The transportation is different though. If everyone is splitting up for the late afternoon and early evening and they're all staying on property or have good transportation anyway, just have them all meet back at epcot at a set time (tell them 30 minutes earlier than they need to be for those that do not understand the slowness of Disney transportation and the maze of navigating Disney roads). This way too they can all be in more causal clothes and really relax and enjoy the party!

 

[hope1826]

my rabbi wore crocs when he officiated our ceremony!

That is HILARIOUS!! I remember you wrote that in your TR. Do you have any pics?!! I am seriously considering wearing them with my gown. Maybe just during the pics and the dessert party. I have a chipped bone in my right foot and I am dreading having to stand and run around for so many hours sans crocs/flip flops or sneakers.

 

[sungela]

I think my mother would kill me if I wore crocs, although the mickey ones would be hilariously appropriate. I'm thinking I might go with flip flops, although I don't want to make the clipping sound when I walk down the aisle... I have a feeling I'll put off shoes until the last possible second and end up walking down in $5 shoes from the Orlando Wal-Mart (at least they have an extensive non-leather collection).

In honor of Sungela Romance Day, I figured I'd give a little primer on our cast of characters. SR Day, by the way, is so named because it is sandwiched between V-Day and our 40 month anniversary (we still celebrate month anniversaries), and it is the day when all the excellent chocolate/cherry candy goes on sale.

My folks: My sister is two years older than me, and when I was born, my father's enlightened comment was "Another wedding to pay for." Naturally, this means my parents are footing the entire bill. My father's birthday is June 22, our wedding day. We got a vanilla cake in his honor (he is, horribly enough, allergic to chocolate).

April: My older sister. She lives near the army base in Fayetteville, NC, because she married a soldier she'd known for about two months right before he deployed to Iraq. No one in my family has ever met him, so I will refrain from passing judgment. She's one of our people of honor.

Noah: My little brother. He's about to graduate high school, and next year he's going to college to learn how to be a paramedic. His goal is to be financially supported by my parents/me and Angela for the rest of his life so that he can save lives. Sucks that we don't pay emergency personnel more, but I'm proud of him. He's another person of honor, mostly because I think he's going to look so cute in a suit. His birthday is also June 22, our wedding day and my father's b-day. Hell of a present that year.

Cliff: Angela's person of highest honor. He's like her twin, except that he's very white and midwestern. He was her best friend during college, and I think of him like a son (in that he needs to be fed and cared for, but he's so cute!). When we have kids, he's going to be the donor.

Eileen: my person of highest honor. Other than me, she's the most neurotic and organized person I know. Perfect balance for Cliff's ADD. Whenever she annoys me, I tell her that I'm demanding my bridesmaids wear a rainbow of bright orange, blue, and green.

Jess: funny story with this one. We originally had Jess H. in our wedding party because she was one of our best friends, but then she flaked out, stained our carpet while staying at our place, and hijacked our keys. Needless to say, out as an invite. Ironically enough, I have another friend Jess B., who is even prettier and will happily take up person of honor duties.

Michal: Cliff's best friend and one of our closest. Another good lucking guy for the pics.

Sam: Massive saga. One of our closest friends, started dating a girl a few months after we fell in love. They got engaged after us, and announced (after us, of course) that their wedding date was June 21, the day before ours, in CA. We were bummed, because we wanted Sam in our wedding party and of course we wanted to attend their nuptials. But two weeks ago, Sam and his fiancee broke up. So now we're waiting a few weeks, but I think we're going to ask him to round out the wedding party. I don't know if that will take his mind of his heartbreak or make it worse.

Hannah, Rachel, Emma: Junior bridesmaids and flower girl. My cousins. I feel badly that my aunts and uncles have to pay so much to schlep everyone to Disney and shell out for a beautiful, never rewearable dress, but I'm not ready to concede that they can wear whatever they want. Emma, 3, is particularly set on wearing a dark blue, Japanese-print dress, which matches nothing in our wedding. Because I distinctly recall crying my eyes out when forced into a white organza number for my aunt's wedding, I feel some sympathy.

Angela's family: can be summed up in one short paragraph. They're fundamental Protestants, so a Jewish lesbian wedding is usually something to protest rather than attend. Her parents have been wonderfully supportive, though, and her older sister (15 years older) is coming (although I don't think she's bringing her three boys). Grandma, who lives in Orlando, might come, but that's it for the fam. Luckily, I have a giant family, so we've got plenty of people on the list. And all of Angela's previous bosses are coming too, and many of them have been significant parental figures for her.

Now the big challenge is to keep the guest list down... A few people have decided to invite themselves. Has anyone else had the problem where people think that describing your grand Disney wedding equals an invitation? It's really awkward to say, "Actually, um, we really are at our max." I'm hoping that most of the non-invites will note the sum required to fly to Disney and stay at a Disney hotel, and opt to celebrate us at a shower in the northeast instead.

 

[sungela]

So the floral budget is in... It's definitely more than I expected, given that I didn't really want flowers. I'm hoping to trim out a few things, which leads me to a few questions:

1. Does anyone know what the Grand Floridian chairs look like without covers? I've read other posts that say that the Epcot ones are black, and it costs more to have white chairs brought in, but $8.50 for some rented fabric is an awful lot.

2. Favors... We were thinking of doing caramel apples, which ended up at $7.25 a piece. Do most guests really appreciate the favors? For Disney brides who did favors, was it worth it? We are doing a candy buffet; is that enough?

3. Do grandmothers and grandfathers really need their own corsages? We're having 75 of our nearest and dearest--it's not too hard to figure out who our grandparents are.

4. The quotation for our flowers is $250 per bride, but $95 for bridesmaids. I told Laura I really wanted a small bouquet (my dress + tiara + diamonds is enough decoration), and that seems a little excessive. How weird would it be to have Angela and I both just hold small, bridesmaid-like bouquets?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[orangetiggs]

the grand chairs are pink and gold gold fram and pink fabric its a dull dark pink

 

[Keira1387]

We cut out corsages for the mothers/grandmothers. We are also having about 75 people. Just thought that would be a good place to trim down the cost. Plus, like you said, everyone knows who they are anyways!

 

[mermaidbride1108]

I don't think it's weird to carry a small bouquet, I plan on having a small one because I just dont want to lug a heavy one around and I'll probably destroy it by the end of the night

It's up to each bride's preference

 

[pink_tink8i8]

Firstly, Congratulations and to the boards!

Everything sounds great so far. I absolutely love your wedding dress choice. Gorgeous!

Secondly, you have amazing taste in jewelry because those rings are to die for!

I'm trying to find a picture of the chairs for you but so far no luck.

Also, I'm so happy for you that you a close friend who will be a donor for you when you have children. That brought a tear to my eye

 

[sungela]

the grand chairs are pink and gold gold fram and pink fabric its a dull dark pink

Thanks! I looked up the GF pics on Disney's conference website, so I think I know what they look like. I'm torn, because they don't match my color scheme at all, but chair covers are expensive. I'm looking at cutting down other costs, so maybe they can stay in (disney photos vs. outside vendor, bringing our own favors, etc.)

I'm going to go with Keira1387's suggestion, and nix the corsages for moms and grandmoms (my mother didn't want to wear one anyway), and I agree with mermaidbride1108 that I'll probably destroy my flowers by the end anyway. That, and we have two brides, so two bouquets (put them together and it looks like we had a big bouquet!). It just seems weird that there's such a price jump between bridesmaids' flowers and brides' flowers.

Thank you, pink_tink8i8! I've never been much of a girly-girl, but I am in love with floral jewelry and big, giant, poofy dresses. Weird. We're very lucky to have supportive friends and family. And of course, all of you!

 

[caryndisneydiva]

there are many different favors that you can get for less than half that cost. i had mini bottles of wine and they came out to about $3 apiece. i also think that you can cut down on the bouquets and the corsages. what flowers are you planning?

 

[Gillian]

I'm late to the party but wanted to join the Jersey girl fun! We're not far from Princeton and my son goes to private school there (I can ask people where to find dressy veggie shoes, it's that kind of place). Do you go to a local synagogue?

Congratulations! I love both of the gowns and rings. You make a beautiful couple!

Caryn, if you're reading, we got our car in Dayton.

 

[sunsh1ne]

i definalty think you can cut it down!!
suggestions in red
1. Does anyone know what the Grand Floridian chairs look like without covers? I've read other posts that say that the Epcot ones are black, and it costs more to have white chairs brought in, but $8.50 for some rented fabric is an awful lot.i do not know about the chair colors sorry!

2. Favors... We were thinking of doing caramel apples, which ended up at $7.25 a piece. Do most guests really appreciate the favors? For Disney brides who did favors, was it worth it? We are doing a candy buffet; is that enough? i was also going to do the apples but it was just too much. i think that the candy buffet is enough. just have bags for them to put it all in and whalla a favor hehe. save that money girl
3. Do grandmothers and grandfathers really need their own corsages? We're having 75 of our nearest and dearest--it's not too hard to figure out who our grandparents are. i dont think that they "need" them but i think it is nice. maybe a rose wand, instead??4. The quotation for our flowers is $250 per bride, but $95 for bridesmaids. I told Laura I really wanted a small bouquet (my dress + tiara + diamonds is enough decoration), and that seems a little excessive. How weird would it be to have Angela and I both just hold small, bridesmaid-like bouquets? i think makind yours bridsmaid size is a great way to cut cost. i had the mom bouquets made bridsmaid size and even those are big!

i hope this little changes can add up for you
Thanks for all your help![/QUOTE]

 

[hope1826]

So the floral budget is in... It's definitely more than I expected, given that I didn't really want flowers. I'm hoping to trim out a few things, which leads me to a few questions:

1. Does anyone know what the Grand Floridian chairs look like without covers? I've read other posts that say that the Epcot ones are black, and it costs more to have white chairs brought in, but $8.50 for some rented fabric is an awful lot.

2. Favors... We were thinking of doing caramel apples, which ended up at $7.25 a piece. Do most guests really appreciate the favors? For Disney brides who did favors, was it worth it? We are doing a candy buffet; is that enough?

3. Do grandmothers and grandfathers really need their own corsages? We're having 75 of our nearest and dearest--it's not too hard to figure out who our grandparents are.

4. The quotation for our flowers is $250 per bride, but $95 for bridesmaids. I told Laura I really wanted a small bouquet (my dress + tiara + diamonds is enough decoration), and that seems a little excessive. How weird would it be to have Angela and I both just hold small, bridesmaid-like bouquets?

Thanks for all your help!

I think shrinking your bouquets is a great option, they will still be gorgeous, just smaller.

I am giving my bridesmaids smaller bouquets at $40 -$50 each to save money.
They are going to have small nosegays with 5-7 roses each. I have one MOH and four bridesmaids and was really not prepared to pay almost $500 for their bouquets.

I think my mother would kill me if I wore crocs, although the mickey ones would be hilariously appropriate. I'm thinking I might go with flip flops, although I don't want to make the clipping sound when I walk down the aisle... I have a feeling I'll put off shoes until the last possible second and end up walking down in $5 shoes from the Orlando Wal-Mart (at least they have an extensive non-leather collection).

In honor of Sungela Romance Day, I figured I'd give a little primer on our cast of characters. SR Day, by the way, is so named because it is sandwiched between V-Day and our 40 month anniversary (we still celebrate month anniversaries), and it is the day when all the excellent chocolate/cherry candy goes on sale.

My folks: My sister is two years older than me, and when I was born, my father's enlightened comment was "Another wedding to pay for." Naturally, this means my parents are footing the entire bill. My father's birthday is June 22, our wedding day. We got a vanilla cake in his honor (he is, horribly enough, allergic to chocolate).

April: My older sister. She lives near the army base in Fayetteville, NC, because she married a soldier she'd known for about two months right before he deployed to Iraq. No one in my family has ever met him, so I will refrain from passing judgment. She's one of our people of honor.

Noah: My little brother. He's about to graduate high school, and next year he's going to college to learn how to be a paramedic. His goal is to be financially supported by my parents/me and Angela for the rest of his life so that he can save lives. Sucks that we don't pay emergency personnel more, but I'm proud of him. He's another person of honor, mostly because I think he's going to look so cute in a suit. His birthday is also June 22, our wedding day and my father's b-day. Hell of a present that year.

Cliff: Angela's person of highest honor. He's like her twin, except that he's very white and midwestern. He was her best friend during college, and I think of him like a son (in that he needs to be fed and cared for, but he's so cute!). When we have kids, he's going to be the donor.

Eileen: my person of highest honor. Other than me, she's the most neurotic and organized person I know. Perfect balance for Cliff's ADD. Whenever she annoys me, I tell her that I'm demanding my bridesmaids wear a rainbow of bright orange, blue, and green.

Jess: funny story with this one. We originally had Jess H. in our wedding party because she was one of our best friends, but then she flaked out, stained our carpet while staying at our place, and hijacked our keys. Needless to say, out as an invite. Ironically enough, I have another friend Jess B., who is even prettier and will happily take up person of honor duties.

Michal: Cliff's best friend and one of our closest. Another good lucking guy for the pics.

Sam: Massive saga. One of our closest friends, started dating a girl a few months after we fell in love. They got engaged after us, and announced (after us, of course) that their wedding date was June 21, the day before ours, in CA. We were bummed, because we wanted Sam in our wedding party and of course we wanted to attend their nuptials. But two weeks ago, Sam and his fiancee broke up. So now we're waiting a few weeks, but I think we're going to ask him to round out the wedding party. I don't know if that will take his mind of his heartbreak or make it worse.

Hannah, Rachel, Emma: Junior bridesmaids and flower girl. My cousins. I feel badly that my aunts and uncles have to pay so much to schlep everyone to Disney and shell out for a beautiful, never rewearable dress, but I'm not ready to concede that they can wear whatever they want. Emma, 3, is particularly set on wearing a dark blue, Japanese-print dress, which matches nothing in our wedding. Because I distinctly recall crying my eyes out when forced into a white organza number for my aunt's wedding, I feel some sympathy.

Angela's family: can be summed up in one short paragraph. They're fundamental Protestants, so a Jewish lesbian wedding is usually something to protest rather than attend. Her parents have been wonderfully supportive, though, and her older sister (15 years older) is coming (although I don't think she's bringing her three boys). Grandma, who lives in Orlando, might come, but that's it for the fam. Luckily, I have a giant family, so we've got plenty of people on the list. And all of Angela's previous bosses are coming too, and many of them have been significant parental figures for her.

Now the big challenge is to keep the guest list down... A few people have decided to invite themselves. Has anyone else had the problem where people think that describing your grand Disney wedding equals an invitation? It's really awkward to say, "Actually, um, we really are at our max." I'm hoping that most of the non-invites will note the sum required to fly to Disney and stay at a Disney hotel, and opt to celebrate us at a shower in the northeast instead.

I missed your whole Sungela Romance Day post before!
I can't wait to see what all of your people of honor will be wearing. Maybe you can just wear your fancy last minute $5 walmart shoes for pics and change into mickey crocs or flip flops for everything else. I think it would be hilarious.

Good luck with the Sam Drama. Two of my Bridesmaids will be newly divorced at the time of my wedding. I was nervous about asking them to be in the wedding , but they are actually the two most helpful people in our bridal party so far. I think it is hard for them, but they've both said that it is actually helping them to heal.

I am having the same "non-invited guest" problem. We have 46 invited guest and about 12 additional non-invited guests. They are family too, we love them and they are invited to our Bon Voyage huge party the week before, but they invited themselves to tag along with their sons or mothers, who actually are invited guests. We are planning to invite them to the Welcome/Rehearsal breakfast and they are welcome to join us in MK and at any other meals, just not the wedding. Hopefully that will work out.

 

[pink_tink8i8]

wear the shoes that make you the most comfortable since you will be wearing them for the entire day. If you are worried about the height issue maybe wear something that is comfortable and will elevate your height for the ceremony and pictures??? and then change into something else afterwards??

 

[OceanGdss]

I agree that centerpieces are usually a waste, which is why I really want edible ones (that way we don't have to have individual favors too).

I think this is a great idea! We're not using floral centerpieces. We're going to get M&M's in our wedding colors and put them in bowls in the center with little bags (really haven't figured out the exact vessel here) for people to scoop them up and put them in, or they can just munch on them during the reception!! HTH!

PS~~ Caught up reading your PJ, I think the whole thing is fantastic!! You both are going to look amazing!