Wedding estimate.....help!

[lmkoons]

I've been lurking on here for awhile. DBF and I are heading down to DW this September, to get engaged. I got to pick out my ring ahead of time. I know...we kinda ruined the surprise, but at least I don't know which day he'll do it. So it will still be somewhat of a surprise, right?

Anyhow, we're looking at September 23, 2010 as a wedding date, and we're trying to get a rough idea of how much this will cost. We're not even sure of all of the elements of a wedding. We're looking at a very simple Escape Wedding at WP. So far, we've calculated the following into our budget: Escape Wedding package, dress, tux, resort stay, airfare, marriage license, hair/makeup, rings, and a fireworks cruise. Is there anything I'm missing? For a "reception" we were just planning on dining somewhere, using the DDP(which usually is free during that time of year). I know, we're cheapskates...but our guest list will be extremely small, and we'll be having a real reception when we get back home. Also, does anyone know how much the officiants charge? We were considering either Joanne Elf Pessagno or Ronald Rosenzweig. Thanks!

 

[PhilHarMaestro]

I don't know how much those officiants cost, but ours is about $200, Kevin Knox. Also, just to let you all Escape prices went up $500 for 2009 ; hopefully, they won't rise more for 2010. BTW: don't worry about having it small. I'm having a small Escape (and not so secretly hoping some people decide not to come to keep prices down) and I'm not even having anything at home! It's your day, for you!! I'm sure it will be perfect!!! Oh, yeah and don't forget you only get 20 photos with the Escape Package and no video, so that might be something you want add on, or not!! GOOD LUCK and CONGRATS!

 

[hiwaygal]

Welcome lmkoons!! Congratulations on your upcoming engagement!

My DH and I had a very small wedding too...it was just the two of us! You'll be able to have a "cake and champagne reception" immediately following the ceremony. We also had dinner later that night at California Grill.

It's a good idea to keep an eye on the Disney Wedding website for updates! The packages have changed quite a bit in the past three years and who knows what the future holds. While updates can be kinda slow there, when you get to be a year out from your wedding, you can give Disney a call and get the ball rolling.

I'll agree with PhilHarMaestro about the photo packages. These are continually changing with Disney though so you might want to keep your budget a little more flexible to allow for some options. Pre-purchasing things from Disney photo services is a great way to save a little money. I pre-purchased my proofs so I had a copy of all the photos taken for my wedding. You might also want to add other photo packages (like the Magic Kingdom shoot) and those extras will add up.

Anyway, keep reading and posting here and check on the website and when it's time to book your wedding, you'll be ready!!

 

[lilonstitch12008]

we had ron as our officient and he was great! he memorizes everything and is funny too. he puts you at ease when you are about to puke. he was the happiest guy ever- we got a great grinning picture of him too!