Swan & Dolphin Weddings FAQ

[minniebride]

As for reception options: We are having a private tea reception in the West Courtyard. We are paying $35 per head for adults, $20 for children and $0 for children 2 and under. It is very reasonable, and we like the fact that it will be just us rather than our group in a restaurant. I think it will be better for our small children (2, 2, and 7). Hope this helps.

Wow, I LOVE your idea of having a tea reception!!!! I'm off to read your PJ!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I am having a Swan wedding in December, so I can add to this a bit:

-You can absolutely have a DP. I'm having an Illuminations DP in Epcot (French Lower Terrace!) & I am getting the same exact package that DFTB have. I booked through Disney Event Planning. We told them it was a holiday gathering when we booked (which it sorta is as well). I cannot wear my wedding dress because we are entering through the international gateway, but I'm OK with that, since we booked our DP the night before our wedding! We are also having a welcome dinner at 1900 Park Fare.

-I am also having Mickey & Minnie at our reception. You actually go through Disney to book this, but my Just Marry planner got me in touch with them. Same exact service as through DFTW, so I'm guessing the same rules apply. I did know a Swan bride who had pictures of Mickey & Minnie outside at Crescent Terrace for the cake cutting. They may also go to the beach, but I"m not sure. Mickey & Minnie will be inside at our reception

-We are having an actual reception in one of the Swan ballrooms. I'm so excited with the room & the linens & stuff! Swan catering is also award winning. We got to sample it during our planning session (which was free). We are also having a cocktail hour in the Swan Courtyard.

-We chose the officiant we wanted. It is actually an officiant that DFTW uses as well. We will have Randy Chapman for photography, Beaute Special for hair & make up. Even our DJ is a DJ that DFTW uses. The Swan has access to all the same vendors except for floral. Our floral is from Greenery Productions & we got to meet with the florist personally to coordinate our flowers & linens.

-Best of all, our planner Karen is AMAZING!!! She is so knowledgeable, organized, and she emails you back within minutes all the time! She makes you feel very relaxed and taken care of & just seems like she genuinely loves what she does for a living She will talk to you on the phone, meet with you in person, whatever anytime you want (no additional charge or time limit). My parents met her & our catering coordinator one day & they also gave her a tour of the ceremony site & reception room.

Really the only thing you lose out on having a Swan wedding is the MK photoshoot, but you can have a photoshoot in any of the other parks. I would have loved the MK photoshoot, but honestly, I feel like I am having a DFTW for half the price, so to me it was worth the loss.

The best thing about the Swan wedding is the flexibility. We went from 25 guests to 60 guests & that was no problem with the Swan. No increase in price, except for the price of the additional plated lunches & we had to upgrade our cake to accommodate the crowd. You can customize anything.

What a great, informative post!!
Glad to hear your plans are coming together nicely!!!
Your day is getting close now and it sounds like it is going to be beautiful!!

 

[minniebride]

What a great, informative post!!
Glad to hear your plans are coming together nicely!!!
Your day is getting close now and it sounds like it is going to be beautiful!!

Thanks Joanne! I'm getting really excited, but I'm in that stage where I'm slightly freaking out because everyday I'm remembering something else we need to buy before we leave for our trip!

I'm thinking of stealing your Alice in Wonderland confetti idea~I hope you don't mind I loved your pictures-you can definitely see the heart confetti flying around with the flowers!

The rose petals were expensive for our 60+ guest list, so we only ordered one bag per couple instead of one bag per person, but I'm thinking of getting the story confetti & doing a bag of each. Though, I'm wondering if I should do snowflakes instead, since we are so close to Christmas &/or a classic winter/Christmas story??

Could you tell me how large your pieces of heart confetti were? Were they smaller than an inch each?

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Steal away sweetie, steal away!!
I think that snowflakes or a Christmas story would be lovely!!! I first thought about 'A Christmas Carol' but maybe that's a bit dark for your beautiful wedding!! I probably didn't order the suggested amount of rose petals either and agree that they are very expensive!! I mixed the petals and hearts together and decanted them into little satin bags, so nobody realized that I was skimping!!

 

[minniebride]

Steal away sweetie, steal away!!
I think that snowflakes or a Christmas story would be lovely!!! I first thought about 'A Christmas Carol' but maybe that's a bit dark for your beautiful wedding!! I probably didn't order the suggested amount of rose petals either and agree that they are very expensive!! I mixed the petals and hearts together and decanted them into little satin bags, so nobody realized that I was skimping!!

Thanks Joanne! I thought of Christmas Carol as well, but had the same thoughts you did LOL! How about "It's a Wonderful Life"-?? I"m wondering if you can see any of the wording with snowflakes though.....

So, did you mix the petals & the hearts in the same bag or do two separate bags? & did you give the hearts to the florist to put them in the bags?

How many hearts did you order for how many guests?? We invited 60 guests in total, but I'm guessing maybe 45-50 will come.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Hi sweetie
The lady who makes the paper hearts recommended I order 5 envelopes full of the hearts for 20 guests (she said that each envelope contained tow large handfuls of hearts, which should be plenty, especially when mixed with the rose petals). I think, to be honest, that was more than enough and each guest had a good 2 or 3 handfuls of heart/petal mixture to toss at us!!!
I brought my own freeze-dried petals in from the UK. I was a little concerned that they may be a little 'crispy' and not appear fresh, but they were in fact beautifully soft and fresh. I mixed the petals and hearts into the bags myself the day before our VR. I took a large dish, mixed equal amounts of the two in it, made sure they were well mixed up and stuffed a good couple of handfuls into each bag. I then stood them all up in a flat box, and my DD took them to Karen on the day, and helped her lay them on the chairs, whilst we were having pre-ceremony photos taken.
I do think that having them mixed would be better. The petals and the hearts fall at different speeds, and IMHO, this is what makes for good pictures. If your guests have two separate packets of stuff to deal with, they will probably toss them separately, which kind of defeats the object really. I don't know whether your florist will be willing to add the hearts to your bags for you, but I think it is essential that the heart and petals are well mixed together, as if the florist simply lays a couple of handfuls on the top of the petals, they will end up being thrown separately and you will loose the effect.
I think it is a great idea to consider 'It's a Wonderful Life!!'. I must admit, in my ignorance, I didn't realize that this was a book as well as a film. My only other thought was the poem 'The Night before Christmas' which is a favourite of mine!!!
I agree that you may loose the words a little with the snowflakes, and the words are very important. The seller ensures that significant words/character names from the story appear prominently on the confetti, but she is a sweetie and will advise you I am sure!!
Good luck with it all sweetie!!

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi everyone,
I've just spent all day reading through this thread and there are some fantastically helpful ideas in there - thank you everyone

The reason I was reading is that I suggested (and to my absolute astonishment my husband agreed) having a Vow Renewal for our 25th Wedding Anniversary (not till 2013), at my Happy Place - Disney I initially looked at Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, but they didn't suit my budget or my tastes. So I was thrilled to find this thread about VRs at Swan and Dolphin. And especially all Tinkerbell766's posts

As I'm not looking to having my VR until 2013 is there any point starting to plan things already? Well saying that I've already got a pretty good idea of what I want to do lol Its just booking things and getting the little details sorted out I need to do

All the best
Gertiesquidge

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Hi Gertiesquidge (wow, that's some screen name!!), and welcome to our small but very distinguished band of S/D brides and VR brides!!
I am so glad you are considering using the S/D for your VR and I am sure you will have no regrets - our day was perfect!!!
I started planning over two years in advance because we were going to be asking our guests to plan and partly finance a trip from the UK, and knew we had to give people plenty of notice!!
It was essential to me that I book Randy for the photos, and so I put out feelers with him very early on (probably about 18 months in advance!!). Randy is very good at being flexible, and if you book a date with him and then have to change it, he is happy to re-schedule you to another day or refund your deposit if a suitable alternative cannot be found.
It seems like you may have many plans brewing in your head already (you sound just like me!!!). I guess you need to decide on the basics first eg. What is my budget? How many guests will I be inviting? Where is the ceremony/reception going to be? etc etc. You can e-mail Just Marry now and they will start the ball rolling by giving you some information, prices etc without obligation. Karen, who currently handles the S/D weddings/VRs for Susan (big boss of JM), is an absolute angel!!! Once the fundamentals are decided, you can then move on to the fun stuff!!!
Have fun with your planning!! I had a ball with mine and absolutely loved every second of it!!
If I can help in any way at all, please don't hesitate to ask. Looking forward to hearing all about your unfolding plans and, oh yeah, many congratulations!!!!

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Joanne,

Thank you for the welcome

My screen name is a combination of our oldest two daughter's nicknames when they were little Gertie and Squidge And as far as I know there's only me out there using that screen name

I'm currently reading through your PJ (Pre-Journal??) and LOVING all your ideas. Can you just do it all again for me?? Seriously you have some amazing ideas and I just adore the Mickey, Minnie and Swan Logo, its gorgeous. I just want to steal all your ideas!!!

My husband is a professional photographer, so I'm letting him be in charge of choosing a photographer!! I've given him the names of the ones that seem to be recommended on here, including Randy, but I'll have to wait and see which one he chooses!! Its nailbiting letting go of control

You are right I've got the basics already decided. I'm just having it as me, Hubby our four children (and our eldest's husband) so just 7 of us in total. We'll be staying at an off-site villa, but me and Hubby will stay the night before and after our VR at the Swan/Dolphin - the older ones have kindly agreed to babysit the littlies for us

I'd like a relaxed, family day as I want to celebrate us all being together as a family, not just me and Hubby putting up with each other for this long lol. So we'll have the ceremony at the Swan (the same courtyard with the swan fountains as you used). Then go over to Beaches and Cream for something to eat and a Kitchen Sink between us. And then hopefully on a Wishes Cruise in the evening.

I sent the website contact form to Just Marry and I'm just waiting to hear back from them.

My two eldest girls (currently 22 and 17) are having a ball already looking at dresses - they and our 2 year old daughter are going to be bridesmaids. And even at their ages they want "Disney Princess Inspired" dresses It could all change but I think all three girls will be in different coloured but similar styled dresses. No idea what I will wear yet as I want to go on a MAJOR diet!!

Hubby is trying to wind me up and saying he wants to dress as Indiana Jones, but I've told him if that's what he wants to do - go for it Our 8 year old son will be Hubby's bestman/ring bearer and Eldest's Hubby will walk me down the aisle (and he said he will dress as a Prince if he gets to carry a sword).

So there you go - the plan so far!!
Love
Gertiesquidge x

 

[tinkerbell 766]

My sweet Gertiesquidge - Thank you for your kind words about my PJ/TR. You steal away at any ideas you want to use and if I can help in any way with designing your logo, don't hesitate to ask!!
I am loving the plans so far. I absolutely adore eating in 'Beaches and Cream' and have been known to partake in a communal 'Kitchen Sink' myself!!
Your family sounds very similar to ours, with the big age gaps. I am sure your girls will look like proper princesses in their dresses!!
I am sure that Karen will be in touch very soon, so when she does, please tell her Joanne says 'Hi'!! She is such a sweetie and one of the things I miss most about my planning is my regular correspondence with her!!
It will indeed be interesting to see who your DH picks for photography. There are a lot of good photographers out there. I love the style of the Roots, but they were way too rich for my budget. I were over the moon with Randy, and we couldn't have been better pleased with the photos we got from him!!
You have talked about what everybody else is wearing, but what about you? What is the beautiful bride going to be wearing??!!

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi again Joanne,

I'm still up and awake and reading your PJ I've got about half way through, and up to the point where you are actually there and have had your VR No photos yet - hopefully they will be in the next few pages, as I can hardly keep my eyes open, but can't stop reading either!!

I'd LOVE you to help with a logo - are you sure?? We've never met and I don't want to put you to any trouble! But I do really adore the one you designed for yourself, so if you're willing I'd love you to help me do something for my VR

I was dithering over sticking with the original DFTW plans, but it was your quote about "swans mating for life" that finally swayed me That is exactly what we are celebrating, being together, raising our beautiful children together and just sticking together through thick and thin for all these years! How he's put up with me I don't know!!

Our original wedding was fairly formal and mostly followed prescribed wedding etiquette, and was lovely. This time I want it to be relaxed and fun, just like our family is

I think my gorgeous girls are all princesses, and I'm loving the fact that they want to dress as them too Eldest is thinking Tiana inspired, Middly wants either Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty inspired and Youngest will probably be Rapunzel or Sleeping Beauty (depends on what Middly goes for). I can't wait to get closer so we can actually get their dresses made

I really don't know what to do!!! I'm quite overweight and HATE it, so I want to diet!! But I've no idea what would suit a slimmer me!! I'm quite taken by fifties style fitted bodice and flared skirt styles at the moment, but who knows what I'll be thinking in two years time!!

I'll definitely tell Karen you said Hi when she gets in touch

Hubby has looked at quite a few different photographers websites, but doesn't seem to be anywhere near a decision yet! I'll let you know when he's decided. If he wasn't so important to the VR I'd love him to do the photos, but I think he might be a bit busy that day

Love
Gertiesquidge x

My sweet Gertiesquidge - Thank you for your kind words about my PJ/TR. You steal away at any ideas you want to use and if I can help in any way with designing your logo, don't hesitate to ask!!
I am loving the plans so far. I absolutely adore eating in 'Beaches and Cream' and have been known to partake in a communal 'Kitchen Sink' myself!!
Your family sounds very similar to ours, with the big age gaps. I am sure your girls will look like proper princesses in their dresses!!
I am sure that Karen will be in touch very soon, so when she does, please tell her Joanne says 'Hi'!! She is such a sweetie and one of the things I miss most about my planning is my regular correspondence with her!!
It will indeed be interesting to see who your DH picks for photography. There are a lot of good photographers out there. I love the style of the Roots, but they were way too rich for my budget. I were over the moon with Randy, and we couldn't have been better pleased with the photos we got from him!!
You have talked about what everybody else is wearing, but what about you? What is the beautiful bride going to be wearing??!!

 

[sarahb01]

Well, We were thinking about having a DFTW, and then there is the sticker shock. I never really even thought about the S&D until I started looking at this board. Now, I was really set on having the MK photo. But then hearing all about the poor quality of DPS, why should I pay that much money?

Now, I am very much considering having a S&D with my DP at EPCOT later in the evening. I really want to have Randy Chapman to do the photos and I can book him for an entire day for way less than DPS.

Does anyone have any pictures of the ceremony sites? I have only seen the ones on the S&D website, and figured some past brides would have better pictures.

Like I said I was never even thinking about this, but now that I can spend less, and get more?! I think this has moved to the top of our list. How far in advance can we book our wedding, and what kind of deposit do we need?

Thanks so much!

Sarah

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Hi again Joanne,

I'm still up and awake and reading your PJ I've got about half way through, and up to the point where you are actually there and have had your VR No photos yet - hopefully they will be in the next few pages, as I can hardly keep my eyes open, but can't stop reading either!!

I'd LOVE you to help with a logo - are you sure?? We've never met and I don't want to put you to any trouble! But I do really adore the one you designed for yourself, so if you're willing I'd love you to help me do something for my VR

I was dithering over sticking with the original DFTW plans, but it was your quote about "swans mating for life" that finally swayed me That is exactly what we are celebrating, being together, raising our beautiful children together and just sticking together through thick and thin for all these years! How he's put up with me I don't know!!

Our original wedding was fairly formal and mostly followed prescribed wedding etiquette, and was lovely. This time I want it to be relaxed and fun, just like our family is

I think my gorgeous girls are all princesses, and I'm loving the fact that they want to dress as them too Eldest is thinking Tiana inspired, Middly wants either Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty inspired and Youngest will probably be Rapunzel or Sleeping Beauty (depends on what Middly goes for). I can't wait to get closer so we can actually get their dresses made

I really don't know what to do!!! I'm quite overweight and HATE it, so I want to diet!! But I've no idea what would suit a slimmer me!! I'm quite taken by fifties style fitted bodice and flared skirt styles at the moment, but who knows what I'll be thinking in two years time!!

I'll definitely tell Karen you said Hi when she gets in touch

Hubby has looked at quite a few different photographers websites, but doesn't seem to be anywhere near a decision yet! I'll let you know when he's decided. If he wasn't so important to the VR I'd love him to do the photos, but I think he might be a bit busy that day

Love
Gertiesquidge x

Well, We were thinking about having a DFTW, and then there is the sticker shock. I never really even thought about the S&D until I started looking at this board. Now, I was really set on having the MK photo. But then hearing all about the poor quality of DPS, why should I pay that much money?

Now, I am very much considering having a S&D with my DP at EPCOT later in the evening. I really want to have Randy Chapman to do the photos and I can book him for an entire day for way less than DPS.

Does anyone have any pictures of the ceremony sites? I have only seen the ones on the S&D website, and figured some past brides would have better pictures.

Like I said I was never even thinking about this, but now that I can spend less, and get more?! I think this has moved to the top of our list. How far in advance can we book our wedding, and what kind of deposit do we need?

Thanks so much!

Sarah

Sweet Gertiesquidge
You must have a lot of patience to troll through all the pages of my TR!! I guess you are getting to the interesting part if you are about to get to the photos!! I thank you for your perseverance!!!
I am absolutely happy to help with a logo. I have done it for others, and really enjoy playing around with computer designing!! I have a thread over on the 'Creative DISigns' board and, whilst I am not half so talented as some of the wonderful girls over there, people seem generally satisfied with my stuff!!! Let me know when you have some idea of what you would like (images, shape, initials, colours etc) and we can play around with it until we get it right. It was nice for me to have the logo on everything (as you know mine went on just about everything - invitations, newsletters, welcome bags, programmes etc etc......), as it kind of tied everything together. I realize, of course that you may not do all the stationary stuff due to the fact that it will be just family at your VR, but you may find something to use the logo on!!
Don't worry too much about the weight!!! You will be gorgeous whatever, but if you are really determined to do it, you will!!! I lost nearly three stone (42 pounds) for my VR, and although I was still bigger than I would have hoped (damn back fat!!), I felt much better about myself. I joined Weight Watchers as soon as I knew the VR was a goer, and lost it slowly and steadily - maybe a pound a week or so. That way it was less stressful than getting to 6 months before and having to crash diet!!! The dress boutique told me that the dress could be altered down by two sizes if necessary, so I ordered it when I had got most of the weight off, and it only needed minor alterations!!
Good luck with the weight loss regime and be sure to let us know how you are progressing.

Sarah sweetie - I am thrilled that you are considering a S/D wedding. I know I am a little biased but I really think that it is the best option for a budget conscious bride, who wants more say over the details of her big day than the smaller DFTW packages will allow her to have!!
I have made no secret of the fact that IMHO the MK shoot is a bit of a rip-off at the moment, considering the inconsistency of photos they are producing. Remember, you can still have a shoot, in your bridal attire, in any other park (I have seen some stunning shots in Epcot around WS!!).
Randy is an absolute angel and is excellent at what he does!!! Booking him for our VR was one of the best decisions we made. I agree that his prices are very competitive!! He is excellent value for money in every respect!!
Below are some links for you. The first is to the pages of my TR which have pictures of the West Courtyard all dressed up for our big day. The other venues offered are the Crescent Terrace, the Beach and some other inside rooms. If you email JustMarry, Karen will get back to you, with all the relevant info on the ceremony sites, without any obligation.
The second link is to a podcast I did for 'Inside Disney Weddings' back in February. You may or may not find it useful to listen to!!! I have done a follow-up podcast, giving the perspective after the VR, but it has not been published yet.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2513856&page=54

http://www.insidedisneyweddings.com/2011/02/swan-dolphin-vow-renewal-planning-spotlight-joanne-paul/

Good luck with all your planning and keep us posted on what you decide!!! We would love for you to join our merry band of S/D brides, but you obviously need to make the decision which will work out best for you.
If I can help in any other way at all, don't hesitate to ask!!

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Joanne,

It didn't take any patience to read through your TR, I loved it. You had so many great ideas and your love for your husband and family just shone through in all your posts And the pictures were so worth staying up way past my bedtime to see, I love the candid style and you both looks so happy. And you were a radiantly beautiful re-bride

I'll send you a PM about logos and see if you can work something out! I'm not really sure what I'd use it on though, as you said with it only being us and our kids I won't need much "wedding stationary" bits! In fact if you've any ideas of what stationary bits I could do with I'd appreciate your suggestions

Thanks for your comments about weight loss. I think if I start now, I've got two years to lose weight sensibly and get into a good exercise regime, which as you say will be a lot easier than a crash diet with months to go!!

Take care
Gertiesquidge x

Sweet Gertiesquidge
You must have a lot of patience to troll through all the pages of my TR!! I guess you are getting to the interesting part if you are about to get to the photos!! I thank you for your perseverance!!!
I am absolutely happy to help with a logo. I have done it for others, and really enjoy playing around with computer designing!! I have a thread over on the 'Creative DISigns' board and, whilst I am not half so talented as some of the wonderful girls over there, people seem generally satisfied with my stuff!!! Let me know when you have some idea of what you would like (images, shape, initials, colours etc) and we can play around with it until we get it right. It was nice for me to have the logo on everything (as you know mine went on just about everything - invitations, newsletters, welcome bags, programmes etc etc......), as it kind of tied everything together. I realize, of course that you may not do all the stationary stuff due to the fact that it will be just family at your VR, but you may find something to use the logo on!!
Don't worry too much about the weight!!! You will be gorgeous whatever, but if you are really determined to do it, you will!!! I lost nearly three stone (42 pounds) for my VR, and although I was still bigger than I would have hoped (damn back fat!!), I felt much better about myself. I joined Weight Watchers as soon as I knew the VR was a goer, and lost it slowly and steadily - maybe a pound a week or so. That way it was less stressful than getting to 6 months before and having to crash diet!!! The dress boutique told me that the dress could be altered down by two sizes if necessary, so I ordered it when I had got most of the weight off, and it only needed minor alterations!!
Good luck with the weight loss regime and be sure to let us know how you are progressing.

 

[sarahb01]

I emailed Karen and she got back to me within the hour! I still haven't received a response from Disney from an email I sent last night. She answered a lot of my questions, and according to my fiance, we will be having a S/D. I am in LOVE with the fact that I get so much more flexibility for half the price. This way, I will be able to add those extra little touches like Mickey ears with the date embroidered in, and still not completely break the bank.

I am so excited about this, I was having doubts about DFTW, like is it really worth the price, is it going to be everything that I have dreamed of, but I really think a S/D will be.

 

[minniebride]

I emailed Karen and she got back to me within the hour! I still haven't received a response from Disney from an email I sent last night. She answered a lot of my questions, and according to my fiance, we will be having a S/D. I am in LOVE with the fact that I get so much more flexibility for half the price. This way, I will be able to add those extra little touches like Mickey ears with the date embroidered in, and still not completely break the bank.

I am so excited about this, I was having doubts about DFTW, like is it really worth the price, is it going to be everything that I have dreamed of, but I really think a S/D will be.

Hi Sarah!

I am having a S/D wedding during the week before Christmas! We are getting married at Crescent Terrace, followed by a cocktail hour in the East Swan Courtyard, and a plated lunch reception in one of the ballrooms in the Swan. We are having an Epcot DP the night before the wedding-in French Lower Terrace.

I am SO happy we ended up going with the Swan, as opposed to DFTW. When we were initially looking at DFTW, we were interested in the ceremony venue at the Boardwalk anyways, so we are essentially still getting married in the same area. We are having all of the same perks that a DFTW has, but for ALOT less money & alot more communication. & the flexibility and ease of the entire planning process so far has been immeasureable. Karen is the most amazing planner & she has exceeded my expectations so far. We also have ongoing contact with the caterer, which has been wonderful as well.

Oh, by the way, we booked our wedding a year and a half in advance! It was an easy process and there was no "bidding wars" for any specific dates.

Feel free to ask any more questions you might have!

 

[sarahb01]

Hi Sarah!

I am having a S/D wedding during the week before Christmas! We are getting married at Crescent Terrace, followed by a cocktail hour in the East Swan Courtyard, and a plated lunch reception in one of the ballrooms in the Swan. We are having an Epcot DP the night before the wedding-in French Lower Terrace.

I am SO happy we ended up going with the Swan, as opposed to DFTW. When we were initially looking at DFTW, we were interested in the ceremony venue at the Boardwalk anyways, so we are essentially still getting married in the same area. We are having all of the same perks that a DFTW has, but for ALOT less money & alot more communication. & the flexibility and ease of the entire planning process so far has been immeasureable. Karen is the most amazing planner & she has exceeded my expectations so far. We also have ongoing contact with the caterer, which has been wonderful as well.

Oh, by the way, we booked our wedding a year and a half in advance! It was an easy process and there was no "bidding wars" for any specific dates.

Feel free to ask any more questions you might have!

So great to hear! In my head, I want the ceremony, then a small reception like maybe some tea and cookies, something simple, nothing formal. Then, do my pictures with my guests enjoying their day at Disney. Then having everyone meet up at EPCOT that night for a DP. I saw that people said you can't wear your wedding wear into the DP if you are not a DFTW bride. However, they can't really stop me from wearing a simple white dress right? Maybe I just walk around all the time in a white dress. Then, I would HAVE to buy another dress aside from my princess dress I want.

My fiance really likes the beach. Are you able to decorate the area yourself? I know that DFTW you can't bring in outside decor, but I could probably have my own arch, or whatever right? As long as I can get it there?

Like I said, this is a new plan, as we were thinking Disney, but I am SOO excited about "finding" the S/D weddings, and that is all I can think about. Any it's only been 2 days!!

 

[minniebride]

So great to hear! In my head, I want the ceremony, then a small reception like maybe some tea and cookies, something simple, nothing formal. Then, do my pictures with my guests enjoying their day at Disney. Then having everyone meet up at EPCOT that night for a DP. I saw that people said you can't wear your wedding wear into the DP if you are not a DFTW bride. However, they can't really stop me from wearing a simple white dress right? Maybe I just walk around all the time in a white dress. Then, I would HAVE to buy another dress aside from my princess dress I want.

My fiance really likes the beach. Are you able to decorate the area yourself? I know that DFTW you can't bring in outside decor, but I could probably have my own arch, or whatever right? As long as I can get it there?

Like I said, this is a new plan, as we were thinking Disney, but I am SOO excited about "finding" the S/D weddings, and that is all I can think about. Any it's only been 2 days!!

There is a PJ on here is a woman who is having an afternoon tea reception at the Swan & it sounds amazing!!! We are having around 60 guests so we went with something a little more formal.

The beach ceremony site is supposed to be lovely! You can have an outdoor reception over in that area as well! I am almost positive you can bring your own decorations, but you should double check with Karen. You would be amazed at how flexible they are over at the Swan!

We are also having Randy for our photos.....actually ALL of our vendors are the same vendors that DFTW has with the exception of our florist. The florist Karen recommended for us is amazing though and we are so happy with him so far!

 

[sarahb01]

Hey Everyone!

I got in touch with Karen and she sent me the link to the menus for the S/D. Is there a minimum that you have to have? Because I found a menu that I am in love with, but it isn't going to be a lot, but it really isn't a sit down thing anyway. I want something casual and quick.

Thanks for listening... sorry to be a pain.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Sarah sweetie - I am really sorry, but I have no idea about the minimums you would have to reach to be able to use one of the Swan's rooms for your reception, but I am pretty sure you will have to reach some sort of minimum!!! I am sure Karen will be able to help. I am afraid that I had no contact with the S/D catering department, as I never considered a reception there, but I did hire two of their servers to serve the champagne and cake and they were very sweet and terribly efficient!!