Wedding meal - what's your opinion on this?

[Beep]

We are planning a lunch at GFC or Polynesian and then dinner later at Le Cellier. We reckon the Le Cellier meal will cost us in excess of $1200 which was fine before the bottom dropped out of the economy but the wedding is now costing us more than £3000 ($4500) more.

A couple of people have suggested that we pay for the lunch and invite people to join us for the meal at Le Cellier, rather than us paying for it. People have said that they wouldn't expect two meals to be paid for, and people would have to feed themselves normally on the night!

I'm torn. I would like us to pay for everthing on the day, but we have also said that we don't want any presents as people coming to the wedding is enough for us. We're also mindful that everyone, except one, is travelling from the UK so it's not going to be cheap for them

We plan to have the ceremony at 10am, lunch around 12pm and the dinner at around 6.30pm. In between lunch and dinner we will be in Epcot, and we don't really want to change our plans and get married later.

It would solve a problem with one of the guests who drinks loads. We don't mind paying for wine with the meal (we don't drink) but her drinks bill would probably double the total cost

What are your thoughts on the meal?

 

[lurkyloo]

I agree with those people! I've never been to a wedding where they bought us more than one meal! I know it's a little different for destination weddings, but the way I see it, your ceremony and lunch are "the wedding," and dinner is a bonus get-together for anyone who wants to come (but this is coming from the person who scheduled her welcome party between lunch and dinner so she wouldn't have to pay for food ).

Also, by making the dinner an optional thing that isn't part of the wedding, you give your guests the opportunity to skip it if they're partied out.

Alternatively, we could help you figure out a tactful way to let people know you're treating dinner but they have to buy their own drinks...

 

[PrincessShea]

I assume you are planning an escape, so who are your guests? Is it just going to be your parents, siblings, etc? If so, I am sure they understand and you can talk to them honestly about this. If you really want a lunch and dinner, maybe you can go somewhere less expensive for dinner, and then go to Le Cellier with just the two of you later during the honeymoon?

 

[goldilocks_63]

If your guests are staying on property - what about cutting people loose after the ceremony, and having a breakfast reception the following day.

You and hubby can still have your private evening plans.

From my viewpoint, I don't like being tied up into all day affairs, but would much prefer the freedom to rest up, go to the parks, etc. and them meet up the following day.

And breakfast is cheaper, (also don't have to worry about liquor), and for those checking out you could make reservation for 11:15, (15 minutes after checkout).

Just an idea, Goldi (and this is what we did and it worked out well for us).

 

[bridetobe789]

I agree with definitely they shouldn't be expecting a second meal! You can just simply state in a newletter type form or just verballly announce.. (in advance would be better so you can have a reservation) that you guys are having a dinner there @ whatever time and that anyone wishing to join is welcome just let you know in advance so a reservation can be made! We are doing something similar the following day. We aren't having the "farewell" breakfast or anything but are going to put out in a newsletter that we are doing a character breakfast at 1900 park fare and if anyone is interested in joining us to let us know in advance!! HTH!

 

[Disneyaddict1973]

Hello I recently got married (8/20) at Disney and we were also married at 10:00 am. We scheduled a 12PM lunch at GFC and everyone really loved it. There we 15 of us and with drinks (glowing martinis lol) and desserts It came in under $300.00. We then went back to the WL relaxed, took a nap and met everyone for dinner that night. My sweet Father in law covered dinner. I second Lurky's vote. Pay for ONE meal. The GFC is classy and nice. It is more than appropriate for your guests to have a single lovely meal. CONGRATS!!!!

 

[Beep]

Thanks for the replies. The more I think about it (and take your advice) the more I think it is a good idea.

There will be 11 of us (Mom and Dad, Brother and his 'drink like a fish' wife) and friends.

The plan is to go to the GFC at 12pm for lunch, hop down to POR for some photos and then return to the Boardwalk where people can get changed and head into Epcot for a few hours before the meal. A few of us will be onsite but the majority will be off (hence going to the Boardwalk where my parents and us will have rooms so that people can change), but we are 'releasing' people if they don't want to go into Epcot to play. Also, we have people that may want to rest and not be up to going into Epcot until the meal.

We really don't want it to be regimented and if people would rather not stay with us all day they don't have to. Also, this way people won't have to come to the meal if they don't want to.

Thanks guys, we've made our decision. Lunch at the GFC and they can buy their own dinner