Swan & Dolphin Weddings FAQ

[KathyRN137]

Thanks, Jilian! Wow! Your VR is coming up soon! Sending pixie dust!

Kathy

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Welcome Marie and Kathy to our small but distinguished group!!!

Marie sweetie - I am sorry that you have not been overly impressed with Erin!! Like our sweet Jilian, I have no personal experience with her, but I know that our brides who have her allocated as their planner, have been delighted so far. May be you caught her at a bad time (although, of course, this is no excuse), and I would try to speak to her again. If you still get no joy, try to speak with somebody further up the chain. I know JM are very keen that all their brides are happy and delighted with their service, and will, I am sure, do all they can to see you get what you want or need

Kathy sweetie - Welcome and happy planning!!!! Looking forward to hearing all about it!!!! The weather was one of my biggest worries too, but in the end we had a gorgeous day and the weather was perfect. I think it bothers us because it is the one thing we cannot plan and it falls totally out of our control!!!

 

[SolarSailer]

hey everyone I'm not going to lie I'm a little scared to post here! I've read this whole thread (if that's the right word, I'm not familiar with forum lingo) so far but haven't posted, I'm not used to forums and I'm the furthest thing from tech savvy! I just wanted to ask a question:

If I chose S/D I would need an indoor location, I have extremely fair skin and allergies so I don't think an outdoor location would be wise! I've seen some pictures of the ballrooms but I don't like that they don't have windows. As nice as they are, it looks like it could be anywhere and I'm really looking for somewhere with the Disney difference if that makes sense? I don't want to drag my guests to a destination wedding that would look like a fancy hotel we could have had back home. If there were windows or something you'd at least see the views that would remind you that you're in Disney and that would make it special.

I hope that doesn't sound really negative! You can never tell the tone of voice when you read things on the internet. S/D would be perfect if I could have a ceremony outside but I really can't

 

[Jilian]

Welcome solar, don't be afraid to post, just jump right in! We're a welcoming bunch. As far as I know they do not have any designated indoor locations for a S/D wedding but maybe if you contact them and explain your situation they will offer you some options. It can't hurt! I know that the swan holds indoor space for backup locations but it is often a ballroom/conference room. One bride used one of their long hallways and it was actually pretty beautiful.

Other than that I only know of the wedding pavillion through DFTW for an indoor location. Good luck and welcome!

 

[DarkPhant0m]

Marie - Erin is our planner and so far she has been very receptive to emails and gets back to me pretty quickly. She's always given me all the information I have needed and more! Maybe it's because we booked at about 10 months out and had been in contact with them at 12 months. Like someone else had mentioned, even if she was having an off day, it's really no excuse to be short with someone. If you still feel like you're not getting the answers you want or need, move up to Karen and see what she says. Don't give up!

Solar - Welcome!! I was afraid to post at first, too, but Jilian is right! We're a very welcoming bunch of brides (and some grooms!) and you can pick our brains for anything! I have! We'll try to help out the best we can!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Hi Solar sweetie and welcome!!!
We are very friendly here and will all try to help as much as we can!!!
I agree with Jilian that, as far as I am aware, the S/D has no actually designated indoor wedding ceremony venues, but as she rightly points out, JM are very accommodating and it really would be worth contacting them with your predicament. She is also right in that the WP is the only truly inside venue offered by DFTW. A lot of the outside venues are under some sort of shade for the bride and groom, gazebos at SBP and BC and a balcony at WL, the last of which, I believe, has the guests sitting inside, but only accommodates up to people (I think).
It is a problem for you. I think that probably most brides travel to Florida in search of sunshine and an outdoor wedding, but in your case, that would clearly will be impossible.
Do keep us posted, sweetie, on what you decide!!

 

[msylvester01]

Thank you all for your kind words. It may very well just be Im so excited and just cant wait to get more information. I know I am still really far out. Im a tad oh lets just say teeny tiny bit OCD and holes in my budget is like the death of me. Patience. Its a word I have to learn. It took us this long to get here. I need to remember to enjoy the journey along the way.

Think I might re-read this thread and piece together some ideas from you wonderful bridges/grooms out there.

I tried counting to 10 but when I got to 50 and noticed I was still counting, I think I need to find another way to learn patience

 

[Jilian]

Thank you all for your kind words. It may very well just be Im so excited and just cant wait to get more information. I know I am still really far out. Im a tad oh lets just say teeny tiny bit OCD and holes in my budget is like the death of me. Patience. Its a word I have to learn. It took us this long to get here. I need to remember to enjoy the journey along the way.

Think I might re-read this thread and piece together some ideas from you wonderful bridges/grooms out there.

I tried counting to 10 but when I got to 50 and noticed I was still counting, I think I need to find another way to learn patience

If you have any questions feel free to ask here! I've been working with Just Marry for a year now and can probably answer a lot of your questions and give you prices. Between all of us you can probably get a majority of your questions answered. I'm a total type A personality so I feel your pain of having holes in your budget...what costs are you trying to figure out? I posted my budget on my PJ (linked in my sig) so that might help a bit.

 

[MrsDuck]

Marie-- I believe I called in September for a December 2012 wedding. I was able to reserve my date then. I'd try calling again!

Kathy: welcome!! Valentine's Day would be lovely! The weather in February is usually very, very nice. Cool, sunny. It's perfect! The rainbackup is an inside ballroom! Can't wait to chat with you!!

Welcome Solar!! Like Jilian said, jump right on in! I'm not sure about the indoor locations but I know that Just Marry can make anything happen! Give them a call and explain your situation!

 

[SolarSailer]

Thanks everyone for being so welcoming I'm just nervous because I don't know as much as you guys do and don't want to appear stupid!

I asked you guys first because I don't want to seem like I'm using JM if I ask them a ton of questions and then decide not to choose them for my wedding. I would feel bad

 

[lurkyloo]

Just a thought, but if the plants there won't affect your allergies, you might want to consider the Swan's West Courtyard (where Joanne had her wedding); it is completely shaded by the Swan's main tower most of the day.

 

[KathyRN137]

Hello again!

A few days ago I sent an e-mail to JustMarry! expressing my interest in planning a VR ceremony for Valentine's Day, 2015. Today I received a very upbeat reply from Erin, plus an attachment that pretty much regurgitated all the info I had read on the Swan & Dolphin site. Erin sounds nice, but one thing concerned me...

"Typically, we book ceremonies around 6-9 months in advance, so please feel free to check back with us at that time.... fortunately, Valentine’s Day (or any other holiday) has not been a high-demand date in the past, so you have as good a chance of securing space on that day as most any other."

Yes, my VR ceremony will be small-ish (25-30 guests) and yes, it is almost three years off. Nevertheless, I must admit that I feel a bit anxious about waiting until 6-9 months out before I make the arrangements. Also, I've always thought that Valentine's Day -- particularly a Valentine's Day that falls on a Saturday -- would be wildly popular!

What say you, Swalphin brides... am I over-thinking this?

Kathy

 

[MrsDuck]

Hmmm.. I'd think that it would be a popular date BUT, I'd certainly keep in touch, keep trying to book, and definitely be ready at the 9 month mark to book!!

The good thing is that if they don't book anyone until 9 months anymore then at least you can be all set and ready to go-- no one who wants the same date can book before you!

 

[Jilian]

I don't think the swan does a whole ton of weddings, we didn't have any trouble at all getting our date. I'd say that as long as you contact them on that day in the morning you'll probably get your date. Also, they book in 1 hour increments so if your exact time is taken you could always adjust it an hour or two and still get your date. I would be slightly nervous about waiting until 6-9 months to book the big vendors like photography and reception. Maybe you could pay them to hold the date at the year mark? If Erin says the date isn't busy then I'd believe it, she does weddings for the swan for a living so she'd be most familiar with which dates are popular.

 

[jessiegirl84]

Wow! That's fantastic news!

I spoke with Erin via email and phone and it's like pulling teeth to get any information out of her and she said to not even try to get a date on hold until 9 months out. What secret code word did you give? She said she would answer all my questions and help me with a projected budget, but when I sent her everything I had in mind she was very vague and only gave me a price for extended consultant fee's.

We are looking at October 12, 2013.

Did I just catch her on a bad day?

Marie

Hi Marie,

I am so sorry that you have had problems with Erin, she has been nothing but so helpful. Maybe you did catch her on a bad but still not an excuse at all.

I actually just went back and double checked our contract to make sure it said 2013 and it does. So im not sure as yours is only a few weeks after ours. I just went back and re-read our emails and she first sent us a document with list of extras they can add on and prices, and then she asked for our specific details. When I sent back 10 SEptember 2013, she said it was a generally a bit early to book so far in advance, but she said she would submit it to the Swan and see what happens. So she was actually quite suprised that they came back with YES. Maybe it might be worth asking, is it possible to double check with the Swan about securing the space earlier? i dont know if it helped, but because we are from Australia, in my first email I stressed to her, that I was keen to lock down a date as soon as possible so I could let our guests know because they were travelling so far. So i dont know if that helped at all.

Good luck, and again so sorry that you haven't had a good response from her. If you need any information about costs or anything let me know as I can send you what she has sent me so you can start your planning with some more accurate costs.

And girls, thank you very much for the congrats, we still cant believe we are getting married at Walt Disney World!

Jess

 

[jessiegirl84]

hey everyone I'm not going to lie I'm a little scared to post here! I've read this whole thread (if that's the right word, I'm not familiar with forum lingo) so far but haven't posted, I'm not used to forums and I'm the furthest thing from tech savvy! I just wanted to ask a question:

If I chose S/D I would need an indoor location, I have extremely fair skin and allergies so I don't think an outdoor location would be wise! I've seen some pictures of the ballrooms but I don't like that they don't have windows. As nice as they are, it looks like it could be anywhere and I'm really looking for somewhere with the Disney difference if that makes sense? I don't want to drag my guests to a destination wedding that would look like a fancy hotel we could have had back home. If there were windows or something you'd at least see the views that would remind you that you're in Disney and that would make it special.

I hope that doesn't sound really negative! You can never tell the tone of voice when you read things on the internet. S/D would be perfect if I could have a ceremony outside but I really can't

Welcome, the girls here are so lovely and helpful

I havne't seen too many pictures of inside the ballroom ceremony set up, but I also would be keen to see what its like, as its the backup plan if it rains.

Good luck in your decision, and im sorry I wasn't any help.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Hello again!

A few days ago I sent an e-mail to JustMarry! expressing my interest in planning a VR ceremony for Valentine's Day, 2015. Today I received a very upbeat reply from Erin, plus an attachment that pretty much regurgitated all the info I had read on the Swan & Dolphin site. Erin sounds nice, but one thing concerned me...

"Typically, we book ceremonies around 6-9 months in advance, so please feel free to check back with us at that time.... fortunately, Valentine’s Day (or any other holiday) has not been a high-demand date in the past, so you have as good a chance of securing space on that day as most any other."

Yes, my VR ceremony will be small-ish (25-30 guests) and yes, it is almost three years off. Nevertheless, I must admit that I feel a bit anxious about waiting until 6-9 months out before I make the arrangements. Also, I've always thought that Valentine's Day -- particularly a Valentine's Day that falls on a Saturday -- would be wildly popular!

What say you, Swalphin brides... am I over-thinking this?

Kathy

Hi Kathy sweetie
It's lovely to see you back on the S/D thread!!! I think I saw you asking questions over on the main board about a reception at the Attic, so assumed you had decided on a DFTW VR.
Unfortunately, short booking times is one of the elements we have to contend with as WDW brides. Certainly, the smaller DFTW packages (Escape and Memories) have similar booking windows, and I do think that us lucky S/D brides, tend to get a little more 'wiggle room' than the smaller DFTW brides get!!! Also, I notice that the e-mail says that 'typically' ceremonies are booked 6 - 9 months in advance, which sounds to me that things are not entirely 'set in stone'. Luckily, if you were forced to wait, the sites at S/D are in less demand generally, than some of the DFTW sites (eg SBP, WP), and I personally think you will have little trouble if you book on the nose of your 9 month date. You would certainly be have a more anxious wait if you decided to arrange things through DFTW!!!
All that said, I appreciate the frustration in not being able to nail down outside vendors etc, earlier. Many of the vendors who work regularly with Disney weddings in general, understand the situation and will work with you. I know Randy, for example, will take a deposit on a date and if it doesn't work out, will either move your date (without penalty) or, if things are really not coming together, refund your deposit completely.
I would definitely make it known that you are anxious to book earlier and see what happens. Certainly, make louder noises at around the 18 - 15 month mark!!! As our gorgeous Faith says, if they really are going to be strict about the booking window (which would be a new move), everybody will be in the same boat, and you would just need to be quick off the mark when the window opens up.
Good luck sweetie, and keep us posted!!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Hi Kathy sweetie
It's lovely to see you back on the S/D thread!!! I think I saw you asking questions over on the main board about a reception at the Attic, so assumed you had decided on a DFTW VR...

All that said, I appreciate the frustration in not being able to nail down outside vendors etc, earlier. Many of the vendors who work regularly with Disney weddings in general, understand the situation and will work with you. I know Randy, for example, will take a deposit on a date and if it doesn't work out, will either move your date (without penalty) or, if things are really not coming together, refund your deposit completely.

Yes! That's exactly what I was concerned about... so it's good to hear that the vendors are understanding! Especially Randy, who I am hoping to have as photographer! You all speak so highly of him.

I am thinking of The Swan for my ceremony and then booking brunch at the Attic for "an anniversary party" with Disney Event Planning... thus avoiding a lot of the DFTW restrictions. (I got that idea from Mr. Romance.) And, after seeing your gorgeous Boardwalk pictures, Joanne, I know that's where I want mine done!

Love this group!

Kathy

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Kathy sweetie
Thanks for the lovely comments about our photos!!! We were certainly thrilled with them and in my book Randy is a genius (and such a nice guy too)!!!
I may be wrong (and I certainly hope I am), but I thought that The Attic was only available through DFTW (maybe Carrie can clarify). You are right, you certainly don't want to book through DFTW or else you will have all sorts of hoops to jump through!!! I would love to think that you can book it through Event Planning. Where, I wonder, would you stand on wearing your dress, since you will be a non-DFTW bride and who would (technically) be in a park? - I guess if you go in through backstage you may be okay. I will be interested to find all this out!!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Kathy sweetie
Thanks for the lovely comments about our photos!!! We were certainly thrilled with them and in my book Randy is a genius (and such a nice guy too)!!!
I may be wrong (and I certainly hope I am), but I thought that The Attic was only available through DFTW (maybe Carrie can clarify). You are right, you certainly don't want to book through DFTW or else you will have all sorts of hoops to jump through!!! I would love to think that you can book it through Event Planning. Where, I wonder, would you stand on wearing your dress, since you will be a non-DFTW bride and who would (technically) be in a park? - I guess if you go in through backstage you may be okay. I will be interested to find all this out!!!

Hmm, thanks. I will have to check that out about The Attic! I was thinking it would be perfect -- first look pix on Boardwalk; walk to ceremony at Crescent Terrace, then walk back to Boardwalk. We're DVC members so I was planning to stay there, too.

Thanks for your concern about the dress! I've not mentioned that I plan to wear a fancy red dress for my Vow Renewal instead of a wedding gown (Valentine's Day and all!) So at least that's one thing I won't have to worry about in case I wind up doing, say, a Dessert Party at Epcot instead of a brunch at Boardwalk.

Kathy