What should I do????

[DISNEYMAGIC2005]

So I always dreamed of having my DFTW. So I got engaged and I was so excited because I was like "YAHOO" we're on our way. But then my DF threw me a curve ball and said let's do it in 6 months because of his military situation. So then after talking about it with our familys and basically ourselves we realized that an official DFTW would be a little out of our price range considering how much time we have. So we booked Shades of Green. So now my parents are saying that with the economy and such they probably won't be able to help out as much as they planned and now I'm kind of stuck. My DF and I can afford to have a intimate wedding with a cocktail reception but some family friends are saying that it's not appropriate because everyone is coming down to Disney to got to a wedding so I should give them a full meal. What do you think?

 

[hiwaygal]

First off...CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement!!!

Ultimately you have to decide what is more important to you...you can still do the intimate wedding at Disney and plan some other activities for all your guests. While there may be a limit on the actual number of guests at your ceremony, you can always have your cake/champagne later at a private dinner celebration at one of Disney's resort restaurants.

Or, you can have an intimate ceremony at Disney and invite a few number of people and have a larger reception at home. (This is a cool idea because you can either wear your dress twice or get two dresses!! ) Having a later at-home reception can work out because you can show off your pictures and a video if you get one.

I'm sure others will have some more ideas for you. Most people say that it's your day and you should do what you and your DF want. It can be hard if you feel you are "snubbing" other family members...that can be a tough decision to make.

Really have a talk with your family. With an Escape (Intimate) wedding at Disney you can have up to 18 guests. See how many you feel "HAVE" to be there, and how many will actually come...that may help you with your decision.

Good luck!!

 

[smhogar]

I am getting married at Shades of Green in June.
I am not your typical bride. I don't want the huge gown, big reception, etc..
I contacted Disney and they suggested the Summer Safari and Karibu Dinner. This is a special event that they have during the summer. You can not wear wedding gown to this event. Let me know if you need more information.
Also, I know that Shades has some packages for a reception/dinner there.

PM me if you would like more info.

Happy New Year!!

 

[FIREFLY01]

I had a wishes wedding, and I did not do a dinner, i had a 730 ceremony, and then for the reception i had it done as a cocktail party I did open bar with about 4 appetizers served buffett style, then a bread and cheese display oh and cake of course! it was great most people realized a late reception and ate before they came plus i put COCKTAIL RECEPTION on the invites.

remember... it's ur wedding you can do what ever you want, you aren't trying to impress people and make other people happy , that day is about you and your new husband.

 

[PixyDusted]

Have you considered paying for a Disney Cruise Line wedding yourselves? Then your parents would only have to pay for their own trip.

DF and I went this route because we were paying for the wedding ourselves and it's significantly cheaper than DFTW at WDW. And it's a very unique way to get married in a beautiful setting!

Some of our family and friends obviously cannot attend because of the cost, however we just explain to them why we're getting married this way (financial reasons) and that this wasn't a decision based on trying to get a small guest list!!

GOOD LUCK!!

 

[Beep]

We're having an Escape wedding in the morining followed by lunch at the Grand Floridian. We're not having a meal as such - we're booking Le Cellier on the night and left it optional if people want to join us at their expense.

In this current economic climate I think that was the best option for us.

I like the idea of your cocktail reception. The most important thing is that people re coming to your wedding, not a slap up meal! I certainly wouldn't expect it if I was going to someone's wedding, and it would be more important to me to see people married.

Good luck with your planning and congratulations!

 

[PixyDusted]

On the topic of a cocktail party, a dessert party at Epcot is always nice! I see the message in people saying "If we're coming to FL for your wedding dinner better be included!" but I think those people need to be reminded of what a wedding is all about! Not the gifts, not the food - being a witness to your marriage!

I have told many people that if they are deciding between giving us a gift or coming to our wedding (or if coming to our wedding means they can't give a gift) by all means - their prescence is present enough!

 

[Tink_Kel]

I'm having a Shades of Green Wedding too in May!! Economically, you can't do better than that....$125 for the Gazebo vs $4500 for an escape wedding was a no-brainer for me. I'm still getting married on Disneyworld property, and get to decorate the Gazebo any way I like!

It's only going to be me, DF, and two boys, but we are having an early morning ceremony, and afterwards going to the Grand Floridian for breakfast. That might be an option for you...breakfast would be a "sit down" meal, and less expensive than a dinner...or probably even less than a cocktail reception.

I'd be more than happy to leave the Tulle for you, if SOG wouldn't mind saving it for you (or you SMHogar).

SMHogar, I'd love to hear what plans, if any, you have for the gazebo!

Oh, and congrats on your engagement! It's a real challenge being a military spouse!

 

[disprincessatheart]

I love the idea of the wedding plus a dessert party. You can serve more than desserts and make it more of a cocktail party. I think you need to have the wedding you want - who cares what other people think you should do?

 

[DISNEYMAGIC2005]

Thanks everyone for your opinions! I'm definetly going to do what I think is best! I mean its about me and my DF and that's it! I feel really bad about not being able to include some of my friends and family but we decided to do the live webcasting so everyone at home can be a part of our ceremony and then my extended family who can't come will throw us a reception when we get back. That way all parties involved are happy. Or I mean at least I am!

 

[Tink_Kel]

That way all parties involved are happy. Or I mean at least I am!

That's right! This is one of the times in your life where it really is all about you!! (Well, yeah, okay, your DF too)