Vow Renewal Question...Please Help!!!

[roozlilone]

Ok, I really need some advice, ideas, thoughts....we WERE planning an escape vow renewal for July 2008 to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. Well, after some problems, medically, which has turned into problems financially, we are not going to be able to afford the package. So, we have been thinking, can we do a vow renewal at Disney without going through the Disney package?? Does that make sense? Has anyone tried this? Am I crazy for even thinking it and can it be done? It was only going to be a small party, me, my DH, 2 DD's, and our parents. We thought about just having a private vow renewal without an officiant, but with some of the same elements, pictures, flowers, limo, and a reception, ie, private dinner, cruise or something. I need some advice on this....will we get "in trouble" if we find a private area of one of the resorts to exchange our own vows? I figured I could do this for about half the cost of a package. Has anyone done this?? I am crazy??

 

[OKW Mom]

Ok, I really need some advice, ideas, thoughts....we WERE planning an escape vow renewal for July 2008 to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. Well, after some problems, medically, which has turned into problems financially, we are not going to be able to afford the package. So, we have been thinking, can we do a vow renewal at Disney without going through the Disney package?? Does that make sense? Has anyone tried this? Am I crazy for even thinking it and can it be done? It was only going to be a small party, me, my DH, 2 DD's, and our parents. We thought about just having a private vow renewal without an officiant, but with some of the same elements, pictures, flowers, limo, and a reception, ie, private dinner, cruise or something. I need some advice on this....will we get "in trouble" if we find a private area of one of the resorts to exchange our own vows? I figured I could do this for about half the cost of a package. Has anyone done this?? I am crazy??

At 25 years we had just gone thru losing a job, a relocation and kidney cancer with my husband and his brother. There was no $$$ for the $2800 package. I had these ideas if I could get my crew together.
If you can get your crew there (negotiate a group of rooms at the best resort you can afford).
Locate a Restaurant that will fit your budget - How about the Cape May Buffet? The room is separated by dividers and it centrally located by boat or bus.
You can call their florists for a healthy fee (or you could prearrange silk arrangements to be shipped to you)
I would consider their photographer unless you have confidence in hiring an Orlando professional.
Can a member of your group seal your vows? Is there some meaningful person who could "Officiate"?
I have not called their transportation dept to find out what limos cost- no idea.
For the number you speak of it seems totally do-able on a shoestring.
Good Luck on achieving your dream!

 

[hiwaygal]

Not to be a downer, but Disney REALLY frowns on weddings/vow renewals on property without going through DFTW. It is possible you would be asked to leave the premises...I'm not really sure how far Disney would go.

You might consider looking into something at the Swan/Dolphin. The packages there cost less and still allow all the amenities.

 

[Janet2k]

Roozlilone, I am sorry to hear of your troubles. But take comfort in the simple fact that you are not alone. You are surrounded by friends and family members who love you & your spouse dearly.

I, too, had to push off my FTW vow renewal quite a few times due to things that kept coming up in real life. I was eventually able to plan it for my 20th wedding anniversary, but real life still threw a curve ball at me when my husband lost his job. After much discussion, we decided to go through with our vow renewal anyway. And I'm so glad we did because it turned out beautifully.

Remember, that if you can't have a vow renewal for your 15th, you can still plan one for your 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th... Well, you get the idea. Nothing is ever written in stone. A vow renewal simply happens when the moons & the stars are in alignment.

I'm going to print what is stated on the Mousesavers wedding website since it is succinct and to the point regarding your main question. It also gives you a few options to consider. I hope it helps.

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Website Link

Can I have a wedding at a Disney theme park or Disney resort without going through Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings program?

Not really. If you want to be married in a theme park or Disney-owned resort at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, you must plan the event through Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings program.

Disney's theme parks are private property. If you attempt to hold a wedding on your own in any public area, you are very likely to be detected. Disney has plenty of hidden cameras and undercover security everywhere, and they actively seek out unauthorized weddings. When you are discovered, you'll find yourself unceremoniously removed from the premises.

I've been asked if it's possible to get away with a private wedding in one of Disney's hotel rooms or suites. Maybe, but I really don't advise trying this. You won't be able to get any catering (i.e. through room service) without being discovered. If the housekeeping staff notices something, it will probably be reported and this could ruin your plans. Do you really want to sneak around on your wedding day?

Only participants in the Fairy Tale Weddings program receive certain privileges, including the right to wear wedding attire at the Disney resorts and the ability to get professional wedding photos taken in the Walt Disney World theme parks (for an extra charge). Also, other than the exception noted below, it is only by using Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings that you can have Disney characters at your reception.

That one exception: the Downtown Disney hotels and the Swan and Dolphin are on Walt Disney World Resort property, but they are not owned or operated by Disney. Because of their relationship with Disney, if you have your wedding at one of those hotels, you can have Disney characters at your reception. However, you don't get the full privileges of a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding. Couples who marry at the Downtown Disney hotels or the Swan/Dolphin are not allowed to wear wedding attire at the Disney resorts and they aren't able to have professional wedding photos taken in the theme parks.
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So if you still want to have a vow renewal, consider looking into the Downtown Disney hotels and also the Swan and Dolphin hotels. I have read some very nice things about the services that they provide. I've got my fingers crossed that you'll be able to find something that will suit your needs. Good luck! And happy wedding anniversary!

 

[Janet2k]

OKW Mom, I am sorry to hear of your troubles, too. If you decide to go through with a vow renewal for your 25th, consider looking into the Downtown Disney hotels and also the Swan and Dolphin hotels.

Please let us know what you decide to do. Good luck and happy (early) anniversary!

 

[roozlilone]

Not to be a downer, but Disney REALLY frowns on weddings/vow renewals on property without going through DFTW. It is possible you would be asked to leave the premises...I'm not really sure how far Disney would go.

You might consider looking into something at the Swan/Dolphin. The packages there cost less and still allow all the amenities.

That's what I've read also, but is that just regarding Weddings? The vow renewal I'm speaking of would just be us exchanging vows between the two, is it much different than popping the question? Just throwing these questions out there, because I completely understand about having an actual wedding on property when you are not suppose too, but two people finding a quiet place to renew vows doesn't really seem the same? Is it?

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm going to check into the Swan and Dolphin, do they do vow renewals or just weddings, their website doesn't mention vow renewals. Thanks for all the advice, I knew everyone on this board would understand.

 

[hiwaygal]

From what I understand in "Disney's World", vow renewals are the same as weddings. While we see a difference in the legal side, Disney doesn't.

In that same respect, the Swan/Dolphin is kinda the same. As far as they are concerned, there is really no difference between weddings and vow renewals so...(long answer to your question) yes, they do vow renewals as well.

There are lots of "off-property" options as well. I'll see if I can find some threads that have some info about that...

ETA: here's one

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1591999

 

[roozlilone]

the Swan and Dolphin for July 17, 2008!!! I'm so excited...it's half the cost! And we can have the ceremony on the beach! Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and advice. Now to start planning....

 

[BayouPrincess]

the Swan and Dolphin for July 17, 2008!!! I'm so excited...it's half the cost! And we can have the ceremony on the beach! Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and advice. Now to start planning....

Congratulations!

I can't wait to hear about your planning!