Swan & Dolphin Weddings FAQ

[msbriezyb]

Hello me and my FI are looking into a S&D wedding through just marry. Question for old birdes what was your reception? Did you have one? and how was it as far as pricing? we are looking to have between 50-100 people but want to not spennd more than 3,000 on a reception. If we can go less than that would be perfect any help?

 

[SwanBride2015]

Hello me and my FI are looking into a S&D wedding through just marry. Question for old birdes what was your reception? Did you have one? and how was it as far as pricing? we are looking to have between 50-100 people but want to not spennd more than 3,000 on a reception. If we can go less than that would be perfect any help?

Hi there... My name is Danielle and my FI Mike and I have just booked our wedding at the Swan for next June 21, 2014 through JM. Today actually We too are having 50-100 people as well. We also are trying to stay under 3K too! The best rate we could find was for the Garden Grove Character Buffet at the Swan Dolphin. Other Swan brides have done it there and say it was wonderful! The cost is like 30 a person then taxes, drink. The greatest part is that they have the characters there and you don't have to pay extra. I have heard the food is really good. Other than that... it is hard to find a reception place for 3K and be able to spend less than 30 a person. Not going to happen.. unless you do a breakfast/buffet.

When are you planning the wedding for? TTYL!

 

[disneydania]

Hello me and my FI are looking into a S&D wedding through just marry. Question for old birdes what was your reception? Did you have one? and how was it as far as pricing? we are looking to have between 50-100 people but want to not spennd more than 3,000 on a reception. If we can go less than that would be perfect any help?

Well I'm having about 25 guests (perhaps 30) and am looking at about $36 pp plus service charge, taxes and BOC. I'm very close to $2000. This would be a brunch at The Attic. I have NO IDEA how you could swing it for 50 ppl at $3000 let alone 100 guests. Perhaps if you could find a simple breakfast menu or just have cake and champage, you MIGHT be able to swing it.

Just keep in mind that is not just about finding a good price for a plate. You have to remember you're looking at hundreds of dollars in service charges as well as beverage consumption which will also run you several hundred dollars. Reaching your $3000 max is very real. Excedding it is more than likely.

Good luck

 

[MrsDuck]

I had my reception at the Garden Grove for dinner.. had around 55 people and it was wonderful!! We had a blast-- the food was good but the best part was there characters. At $30/pp + tax, you can't beat it. You can also bring in your own alcohol which helped us save money. We had a discount (DVC) but came under $3k. I think we only spent $2k? Very doable.

I highly recommend it. Service and communication was great as well.

 

[msbriezyb]

Hi there... My name is Danielle and my FI Mike and I have just booked our wedding at the Swan for next June 21, 2014 through JM. Today actually We too are having 50-100 people as well. We also are trying to stay under 3K too! The best rate we could find was for the Garden Grove Character Buffet at the Swan Dolphin. Other Swan brides have done it there and say it was wonderful! The cost is like 30 a person then taxes, drink. The greatest part is that they have the characters there and you don't have to pay extra. I have heard the food is really good. Other than that... it is hard to find a reception place for 3K and be able to spend less than 30 a person. Not going to happen.. unless you do a breakfast/buffet.

When are you planning the wedding for? TTYL!

Hello! Ill have to look into Garden Grove. We are looking to book for May 10th 2014 or May 17th 2014 we are still deciding on a few things before depositing! Thanks for the insight!

 

[msbriezyb]

I had my reception at the Garden Grove for dinner.. had around 55 people and it was wonderful!! We had a blast-- the food was good but the best part was there characters. At $30/pp + tax, you can't beat it. You can also bring in your own alcohol which helped us save money. We had a discount (DVC) but came under $3k. I think we only spent $2k? Very doable.

I highly recommend it. Service and communication was great as well.

WOW! that sounds awesome! Do you know how i can get in contact with Garden Grove?

 

[Laske121314]

I am *hopefully* getting married at the Swan and Dolphin Resort on 12-13-14. Just Marry said I am not able to secure the date until one year out. How are you guys securing your date this far out? I really want that day!!

My fiancé and I are still looking at reception locations. I can't pull up the Garden Grove options. We were looking at Fulton's in Downtown Disney, but they have not been helpful at all.

Despite the wedding at Swan and Dolphin, we are going to get a group rate block of rooms at Disney to also get the ticket discount. But once again, cannot book anything until the one year mark. I'm going to drive myself insane!

 

[FacilierFan]

Well I officially signed my contracts with Diana from JustMarry! & Lindsey for the catering dept @ the Swan. (ahhhhh)


......now what? lol I'm not getting married till September, but I have tons of ideas already. I'm not sure when I should actually get Diana involved with my planning?

Also, can anyone recommend a good photographer for around 6, 8 or 9 hours of coverage? Thank you in advance!

 

[disneydania]

Well I officially signed my contracts with Diana from JustMarry! & Lindsey for the catering dept @ the Swan. (ahhhhh)


......now what? lol I'm not getting married till September, but I have tons of ideas already. I'm not sure when I should actually get Diana involved with my planning?

Also, can anyone recommend a good photographer for around 6, 8 or 9 hours of coverage? Thank you in advance!

Congratulations

I would recommend Randy Chapman. Many of the DIS brides have used his services (my cousin included) and he is praised as being professional, fun and reasonable when it comes to pricing. I've booked him for our Swan vow renewal as well.

 

[disneydania]

I am *hopefully* getting married at the Swan and Dolphin Resort on 12-13-14. Just Marry said I am not able to secure the date until one year out. How are you guys securing your date this far out? I really want that day!!

My fiancé and I are still looking at reception locations. I can't pull up the Garden Grove options. We were looking at Fulton's in Downtown Disney, but they have not been helpful at all.

Despite the wedding at Swan and Dolphin, we are going to get a group rate block of rooms at Disney to also get the ticket discount. But once again, cannot book anything until the one year mark. I'm going to drive myself insane!

Well I secured my date and gave a deposit 15 months out. I didn't use Just Marry. I'm using Sunsational Weddings (Christal). Keep trying or get a different planner.

 

[msylvester01]

Woo! I found a twin! We are getting married 12.13.14 too!

 

[ShanaMouse]

Well I officially signed my contracts with Diana from JustMarry! & Lindsey for the catering dept @ the Swan. (ahhhhh)


......now what? lol I'm not getting married till September, but I have tons of ideas already. I'm not sure when I should actually get Diana involved with my planning?

Also, can anyone recommend a good photographer for around 6, 8 or 9 hours of coverage? Thank you in advance!

Yay another Swalphin!!!

I got my planner involved starting at the 12 month mark with little things here and there and suggestions but now that I am only about 5 months out it has definitely become more frequent communication between the two of us and how everything works, etc.

For photography we are using Regina Hyman. She is the sweetest and has great photo packages!!!
I also know a lot of brides, like disneydania said, use Randy Chapman. I am not too much of a fan of his photos, but his prices are really reasonable, I would imagine especially if you need coverage for 6+ hours.

There is also Jennifer Werneth who takes great pics and David and Vicki Arndt, who are sooo sweet!!

Good luck!

 

[MrsDuck]

WOW! that sounds awesome! Do you know how i can get in contact with Garden Grove?

I got the name and number from Just Marry. I was working with Simone. Call the Swan and ask for the GG, then leave a message for Simone. That's the best I can do!

I am *hopefully* getting married at the Swan and Dolphin Resort on 12-13-14. Just Marry said I am not able to secure the date until one year out. How are you guys securing your date this far out? I really want that day!!

My fiancé and I are still looking at reception locations. I can't pull up the Garden Grove options. We were looking at Fulton's in Downtown Disney, but they have not been helpful at all.

Despite the wedding at Swan and Dolphin, we are going to get a group rate block of rooms at Disney to also get the ticket discount. But once again, cannot book anything until the one year mark. I'm going to drive myself insane!

We were able to secure our date in September of 2011 for December of 2012.

I HIGHLY recommend the Garden Grove. There are really no "options" for GG. It's just the restaurant menu. Check www.wdwinfo.com and then go to dining for the menu.

Well I officially signed my contracts with Diana from JustMarry! & Lindsey for the catering dept @ the Swan. (ahhhhh)


......now what? lol I'm not getting married till September, but I have tons of ideas already. I'm not sure when I should actually get Diana involved with my planning?

Also, can anyone recommend a good photographer for around 6, 8 or 9 hours of coverage? Thank you in advance!

Woohoo! Congrats! Diana was my planner and she is the absolute best!

If I were you, start thinking, saving pictures, pinning ideas on Pinterest, etc. Time will fly and it's a good idea to start making tentative plans. If there's something you KNOW you want and won't change your mind on, email Diana. Start getting rough prices for floral, think about what to get your bridal party.

Have you booked your other vendors?

For photography, I highly suggest Regina Hyman. She is the absolute best in the area.

Videography: Paul Duhon (Diana recommended him for me and he is AMAZING).

Officiant: Rev. Tim

Floral: Diana booked Greenery Productions for us and they produced stunning floral!

 

[sarahb01]

Well I officially signed my contracts with Diana from JustMarry! & Lindsey for the catering dept @ the Swan. (ahhhhh)


......now what? lol I'm not getting married till September, but I have tons of ideas already. I'm not sure when I should actually get Diana involved with my planning?

Also, can anyone recommend a good photographer for around 6, 8 or 9 hours of coverage? Thank you in advance!

I am getting married in September too! When is your date?

We are using Jason Angelini. He offers up to 10hrs of coverage for one flat rate. Which we thought was great that we didn't have to pick a "package". We just get him for the entire day. Him and and his wife Lucia have been so great to work with so far.

I started talking to Erin about everything pretty early. But at this point we are getting down to details. Last week I spent an entire day emailing back and forth about decor options. Sometimes I think she probably thinks I am crazy, but she is really nice about not showing it

 

[FacilierFan]

Just a quick reply...
Thanks so much guys! My date is set for September 21, 2013.

I have been "planning" my wedding for the last year hah.
Eeeeee I'm so excited to get married at the Swan. Not that I don't like DFTW locations, but there's something about the grounds at s/d.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Well I officially signed my contracts with Diana from JustMarry! & Lindsey for the catering dept @ the Swan. (ahhhhh)


......now what? lol I'm not getting married till September, but I have tons of ideas already. I'm not sure when I should actually get Diana involved with my planning?

Also, can anyone recommend a good photographer for around 6, 8 or 9 hours of coverage? Thank you in advance!

Hi sweetie
Another shout out for Randy Chapman
I know our lovely Faith says that Regina is the absolute best in the area, but for me, the best is Randy. It's all about personal preference isn't it?
Have a ball with your planning!!!

 

[Laske121314]

Woo! I found a twin! We are getting married 12.13.14 too!

I can't wait! My fiance actually picked that date...It's the only 13th in the year that works with everyone's schedule!

 

[Sheldora]

Hey ladies!

Due to me feeling insecure about finances, I am considering a reception here! I heard tidbits about garden grove and was wondering where I could get more info. Also I am now a disney CM =D so is there a discount there too? I am still going to do my ceremony in front of the castle and with my 30 guests go do brunch after but I want my 100+ guest reception to not cost me 15-20k!! Then I am considering a DP in Epcot since i now work as a convention guide based out of Epcot.

 

[quandrea]

Hello me and my FI are looking into a S&D wedding through just marry. Question for old birdes what was your reception? Did you have one? and how was it as far as pricing? we are looking to have between 50-100 people but want to not spennd more than 3,000 on a reception. If we can go less than that would be perfect any help?

I had a high tea reception. Tea--iced and hot, scones, tea sandwiches and pastries. It is my favourite meal and it turned out beautifully. I think it was thirteen a head.

 

[quandrea]

Here is a link to a blog on my swan vr. http://justmarry.com/just-between-us-the-real-vow-renewal-of-andrea-and-franco/wedding-blog/

Here is a picture of our vow renewal on the just marry blog. It may give you some idea of what our tea reception was like. We had it right in the courtyard where the vow renewal was.