Swan Bride and Groom Need Reception Ideas

[SarahKathleen2006]

We are getting married at Swan and Dolphin in Oct of 2012. We are having 20-45 guests. We want a reception after. Our budget is $1500

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

We are getting married at Swan and Dolphin in Oct of 2012. We are having 20-45 guests. We want a reception after. Our budget is $1500

Is that budget for the reception or for the whole thing? once I know that I can try and help you.

Teresa

 

[SarahKathleen2006]

For reception

Budget:

Ceremony 5000
Reception 1500
Dress 2000
Rings 6500
Honeymoon 3000

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

to be perfectly honest depending on decoration your ceremony at the swan probably will not cost you 5000 dollars. One thing I noticed is that Receptions are the part that really eat up the budget the decorations however can be the big deal that can cause that though and the food.

So with that for 1500 you are going to be hard pressed to be able to have a true meal you might be able to pull of the garden grove I will wait for Faith to chime in as I am sure she will. She is getting a heck of a deal there with their buffet.

you may be able to do a snack reception out by the swan fountain for about $23 a person if you go real simple I know I asked about that and they were willing to do something like that.

another option would be to maybe shift your budget around to give you a little more room and you may be able to do something at the Wave for a lower rate than at other places.

I hope that helps if you have any other questions feel free to PM I just went through the same thing you are going through. We have a higher budget for our reception though but we are using Fulton's Crab house and they have been amazing!

Teresa

 

[SarahKathleen2006]

Yea, we are having 25-50 guests. We got a qoute for 4675. Includes wedding arch, officiant, fresh petals, bottle water for guests, officiant, bouqet, flowers for arch, violinist, photography for an hour with a cd of 40 photos, and three tier cake. We were thinking just making a reservation at Ohana for a dinner. I think 35 guests hould actually show up but it might be nice to do something a little more private or semi private. that should be around 1200 or so. We hope to get a firework table. The only problem is my fiance is allergic to peanuts, turkey, chicken and eggs

 

[SarahKathleen2006]

Please send more info on snack reception. Does it cost to rent the location? What r the location options? What are the snack options?

 

[SarahKathleen2006]

How much is Fulton's running? Is it private? I tried to email them but no reply!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Hi sweetie and welcome!!
The quote you have received for the ceremony is very comprehensive and seems to include everything!! Don't forget you can get packages which include less and, thus cost less. This is useful if you wish to have more control over things like ceremony decor, photographer, cake, floral, officiant, musician etc. The packages start from a little over $1500.00 for the bare-bones basics. It depends what is important to you personally. What a huge ring budget you have - lucky girl!!!
As for reception, we chose Citrico's at the GF. It was not private (as O'Hana's would not be), but they really bent over backwards to make it perfect for us!!! We were able to put out our favours on the tables and have our floral transferred from the ceremony to the restaurant, so that it could be used to decorate our tables. The food was delicious and the service very attentive. Highly recommended!!! Although you cannot see the MK fireworks from Citrico's, you just have to wander down to the Marina to see them (and they pipe in the music too!!!). Feel free to check out my PJ/TR - link is in my signature.
Good luck with your planning and if I can help in any way, don't hesitate to ask - I'd be honoured to be of assistance!!

 

[MrsDuck]

Hi there! I have an S/D budget breakdown in my planning journal that may help you. Here's a link:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43273857&postcount=164

To be honest, I'd recommend going with the bare bones ceremony package ($1500) and add on what you want. I'd also move money from your ceremony into the reception.

I'm no help with the snack reception or Fultons but I do know that it does take restaurants time to answer their emails so don't give up yet!

I'm happy to help answer any questions! Just ask!

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

Please send more info on snack reception. Does it cost to rent the location? What r the location options? What are the snack options?

the snack reception is something that I created. I asked lindsey with the swan catering if I could take one of their snack menus and dumb it down and eat that with a mingling reception out by the fountain. She said this was a great idea for a make shift reception and that there was a way to do that. I am not sure how much it would cost and if there was a site fee but she said I could probably do it for a about 23 dollars per person depending on the menu

How much is Fulton's running? Is it private? I tried to email them but no reply!

I did not email Fulton's I called them directly. They have been phenomenal in helping me and wanting me to use their private deck upstairs on the 3rd deck. I am having a plated meal for lunch as all of their meals appear to be plated and I am paying 72 per person for a 4 course meal. I have about 48 people so it is putting me at just about 3500 dollars which if I remember correctly is the minimum. They are letting me bring in decorations and all that fun stuff. I am super excited about using it. I also found out they are actually available for small wedding ceremonies so any brides out there with smaller groups you can get married on their private deck!

Hi there! I have an S/D budget breakdown in my planning journal that may help you. Here's a link:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43273857&postcount=164

To be honest, I'd recommend going with the bare bones ceremony package ($1500) and add on what you want. I'd also move money from your ceremony into the reception.

I'm no help with the snack reception or Fultons but I do know that it does take restaurants time to answer their emails so don't give up yet!

I'm happy to help answer any questions! Just ask!

I agree with Faith and Jo, these two women helped me change my mind about doing a wishes wedding and brought me over to the swan group. I consider them very close friends and they truly can help guide you as can I with all the research I have been doing. I would do the bare bones at 1500 with the swan that is what I am doing then I will add elements to that. This way you can move your budget around to do more with the reception if you wish.

ask us any question you have we are here to help.

Teresa

 

[2dogmom]

I'm another one that agrees to do the bare bones wedding and add on. I was able to get Randy Chapman for the photographer for cheaper and more hours by contacting him on my own. Cakes can be cheaper too on your own if you don't like the style the Swan offers, even after adding on a cutting fee.

I plan on having my reception at Ohana. I know it isn't private, but we love that restaurant and then we are hoping to watch Wishes from the beach after. I called the manager there directly and she has been great to work with so far.

 

[Jilian]

I agree with everyone about booking your own vendors. We're doing a swan wedding too and I also booked Randy Chapman for quite a bit less than what the swan was charging me. I booked my own violinist for $175. I booked my own makeup and hair for $145. Bottled water through the swan costs a LOT, but a water station is already included in the base ceremony cost so you could cut out the bottles and save a small fortune. IIRC the bottles of water were like $5+ or so each bottle! The ceremony typicalls only lasts 20 mins tops. You could also ditch the cake and just order a cake through wherever you will be having your meal. If they allow outside food you could do a cake through Its tasty too or Publix, both get great reviews! I think you could get one of their cakes for around $150 or less!

Your meal after would depend on the time of your ceremony, will you be doing a breakfast, lunch or dinner? We're going with Il Mulino (right in the swan) and for 2 of the private rooms (holds up to 48 people) we have to spend a minimum of $3,000 in food and drinks. They don't open til 5pm though.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

the snack reception is something that I created. I asked lindsey with the swan catering if I could take one of their snack menus and dumb it down and eat that with a mingling reception out by the fountain. She said this was a great idea for a make shift reception and that there was a way to do that. I am not sure how much it would cost and if there was a site fee but she said I could probably do it for a about 23 dollars per person depending on the menu



I did not email Fulton's I called them directly. They have been phenomenal in helping me and wanting me to use their private deck upstairs on the 3rd deck. I am having a plated meal for lunch as all of their meals appear to be plated and I am paying 72 per person for a 4 course meal. I have about 48 people so it is putting me at just about 3500 dollars which if I remember correctly is the minimum. They are letting me bring in decorations and all that fun stuff. I am super excited about using it. I also found out they are actually available for small wedding ceremonies so any brides out there with smaller groups you can get married on their private deck!



I agree with Faith and Jo, these two women helped me change my mind about doing a wishes wedding and brought me over to the swan group. I consider them very close friends and they truly can help guide you as can I with all the research I have been doing. I would do the bare bones at 1500 with the swan that is what I am doing then I will add elements to that. This way you can move your budget around to do more with the reception if you wish.

ask us any question you have we are here to help.

Teresa

My sweet Teresa - What a lovely thing to say!!! I consider you, and indeed all my gorgeous 'Swans', as close friends too!!! It is so comforting to have such wonderful friends and such a strong support network to rely on!!!
Much love sweetie!!

 

[SarahKathleen2006]

Thanks for all the great tips! The price qoute was from Just Marry. DO you have a list of vendors you all like? HAIR FOR $145!!! WOW! My qoute was $300!

 

[elfbo]

you may be able to do a snack reception out by the swan fountain for about $23 a person if you go real simple I know I asked about that and they were willing to do something like that.

Teresa

Does the swan have a min expenditure for a snack reception like that? Debating on things to do while we finish up pictures and having things for people to nosh on might be the way to go. But we are only having 10-15 people so dunno if we would be able to meet a min.

 

[MrsDuck]

Thanks for all the great tips! The price qoute was from Just Marry. DO you have a list of vendors you all like? HAIR FOR $145!!! WOW! My qoute was $300!

Here ya go!

Photographers:
-Elegant Imagery: https://www.facebook.com/elegantimagery?ref=ts
-Poirier Wedding Photography: www.poirierweddingphotography.com
-Justin & Mary: http://justinmarantz.com
-Root Photography: http://rootweddings.com/
-Studio 222 Photography: http://studio222photography.com/
-Kristen Weaver Photography: http://www.kristenweaver.com/
-Jason Angelini: http://www.jasonangeliniphotography.com/
-Randy Chapman: http://chapmanphotography.com
-David and Vicki Arndt Photography: www.davidandvickiarndtphoto.com

Videographers:
-Simply Cinematic: http://www.simplycinematic.com/
-Orlando Wedding Films: www.orlandoweddingfilms.com
-Paul Duhon Videography: www.pdweddings.com
-Starfruit Productions: www.starfruitproductions.com
-STVS: http://www.stvsweddings.com/
-Movie Magic Productions: http://www.moviemagiconline.com/
-Key Moment Films: http://www.keymomentfilms.com

Floral:

DJ:
Scooter the DJ- http://www.scooterthedj.com/ (Disney Vendor)

Bakers:

Heather It's Tasty Too - http://itstastytoo.com/Its_Tasty_Too!/Welcome.html

Officiants:
-Rev. Tim Herring: http://www.disneyweddingminister.com/index.html
-Rev Tony White: http://abeautifulceremony.net
-Rev Kevin Knox: http://www.abeautifulceremony.net/
-Rev Jack Day: http://www.revjackday.com/
-Ron Rosenzweig: http://www.wedinorlando.com/

Invitations:
-"With Love" by Victoria Ann Photography: http://withlove.victoriaannphoto.com
-EverAfterPrintables: http://www.etsy.com/shop/EverAfterPrintables

Hair and Makeup:
-Crystal Walters- http://www.weddingsbycrystal.com/
-Janet Mednick- www.onsitebeauty.com
-Beaute Special: http://www.beautespeciale.com/
-Patricia LeJeune-http://www.lejeuneartistry.com/

Dress Steaming:
-Carolyn Allens: http://www.carolynallens.com/

Suit Hire:
-Carolyn Allens: http://www.carolynallens.com/
-Mens Warehouse: www.menswarehouse.com

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

Does the swan have a min expenditure for a snack reception like that? Debating on things to do while we finish up pictures and having things for people to nosh on might be the way to go. But we are only having 10-15 people so dunno if we would be able to meet a min.

Not that I am aware of seeing as how I made it up and asked about it. Maybe suggest it like you are making it up and they will work with you and they won't have a minimum

Teresa

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Here ya go!

Photographers:
-Elegant Imagery: https://www.facebook.com/elegantimagery?ref=ts
-Poirier Wedding Photography: www.poirierweddingphotography.com
-Justin & Mary: http://justinmarantz.com
-Root Photography: http://rootweddings.com/
-Studio 222 Photography: http://studio222photography.com/
-Kristen Weaver Photography: http://www.kristenweaver.com/
-Jason Angelini: http://www.jasonangeliniphotography.com/
-Randy Chapman: http://chapmanphotography.com
-David and Vicki Arndt Photography: www.davidandvickiarndtphoto.com

Videographers:
-Simply Cinematic: http://www.simplycinematic.com/
-Orlando Wedding Films: www.orlandoweddingfilms.com
-Paul Duhon Videography: www.pdweddings.com
-Starfruit Productions: www.starfruitproductions.com
-STVS: http://www.stvsweddings.com/
-Movie Magic Productions: http://www.moviemagiconline.com/
-Key Moment Films: http://www.keymomentfilms.com

Floral:

DJ:
Scooter the DJ- http://www.scooterthedj.com/ (Disney Vendor)

Bakers:

Heather It's Tasty Too - http://itstastytoo.com/Its_Tasty_Too!/Welcome.html

Officiants:
-Rev. Tim Herring: http://www.disneyweddingminister.com/index.html
-Rev Tony White: http://abeautifulceremony.net
-Rev Kevin Knox: http://www.abeautifulceremony.net/
-Rev Jack Day: http://www.revjackday.com/
-Ron Rosenzweig: http://www.wedinorlando.com/

Invitations:
-"With Love" by Victoria Ann Photography: http://withlove.victoriaannphoto.com
-EverAfterPrintables: http://www.etsy.com/shop/EverAfterPrintables

Hair and Makeup:
-Crystal Walters- http://www.weddingsbycrystal.com/
-Janet Mednick- www.onsitebeauty.com
-Beaute Special: http://www.beautespeciale.com/
-Patricia LeJeune-http://www.lejeuneartistry.com/

Dress Steaming:
-Carolyn Allens: http://www.carolynallens.com/

Suit Hire:
-Carolyn Allens: http://www.carolynallens.com/
-Mens Warehouse: www.menswarehouse.com

Faith sweetie - What an amazing, helpful and comprehensive list!!!

Sarah sweetie - I really can't add too much to what Faith has posted, but will add a few vendors that she hasn't mentioned that we used and found absolutely fantastic!!

Dress steaming - Lori from 'Loftis Productions' - Excellent, friendly, punctual and so sweet!!! She is also cheaper than some of her competitors!!

http://loftisproductions.com/services.html

Musician - Christine McPhail (harpist) - Exceptionally talented, a really lovely lady who will perform the music for your wedding with such grace and elegance. Amazing value for money too

http://www.orlandoharpist.com/

Floral - 'Petals by Design Orlando' - I arranged this one through Karen as floral was extremely important to me and so I wanted someone 'on the ground' who had first-hand experience of the different florists' work. I was 100% delighted with my floral!!!

Any questions just give me a shout!!!

HTH

 

[MrRomance]

Most of the advice I would give you has been covered by Faith and Joanne, cut back on the ceremony and shift the money into your reception.

I can tell you from experience, that photography, officiant and cake using outside vendors is significantly less.

Our costs for these things were

$200 Officiant (Rev. Tim Herring)
$138 Cake (Tasty Too) 3 Tier Mad Hatter Serving 32
$250 1.5 hours with the master CD from Randy Chapman

My suggestion for the reception would depend on what you're looking for. We didn't want to do it in a restaurant with everyone else so we chose a Disney Catered Event. Our event is for 10 and we set a completely customized menu, buffet style and a dessert party to follow. Our event is about $1300 total, but you could do it for significantly less because we were very picky about what we wanted and chose expensive dishes.