What to do about Bridal Portraits?

[JenLoy]

Initially we were thinking of doing a MK shoot the morning of our ceremony since . After reading all the details, that may make for a super-long day so we're thinking of doing it a few days after the VR ceremony. How many days after the ceremony do you suggest?

Also if you're having your hair/makeup done, and then bridal portraits on a seperate day what do you do about your hair? Do you have it re-done again? Just trying to plot everything out. Thanks in advance for any tips/suggestions.

 

[JuneB]

I'd like to know the answer to this, as well...

 

[2012DisneyWorldBride]

We are getting married 12/8/12 at Disney. They have made the month of December unavailable for in park photo sessions. We will be coming back in either January or February for the photo session. Luckily, we only live 2 hours from Disney. It kinda sucks...but hey it gets me another trip to DISNEY! But we will have to stay the night in Orlando, rent the tux again, get my hair and make up done again, and Im debating on getting flowers again but from a local flower shop where we live cause Im sure it will be cheaper than Disney florist. We will also need to be careful of my dress on our wedding day, because Im trying to not get it cleaned before our photo session. But that is what we are doing.

I know that Disney offers a bouquet refresh. Im not 100% sure what that is. But other brides on here have gotten married and then did their in park photo session a day or two after and were able to use the bouquet refresh so they didnt have to purchase more flowers.

HTH
Michelle

 

[donald&daisy]

We planned ours for two days later. We thought one day to recover would be good. And yes, I am having Beaute Speciale come out and do my hair/make up again!

 

[TabZ]

I'm planning to get my hair and makeup done again on the day of the shoot - I would rather the shoot on a different day to the wedding

Have you thought about silk flowers? this way a refresh wouldn't be necessary?

 

[mb187143]

Since the end of October, and all of Nov and Dec are blacked out, we're also coming back down in February to have our MK shoot done. Its a hassle, but we want those pictures

OP, if you haven't already contacted Dara, I would do it right quick. When she and I spoke two weeks ago, she said had no availability after 10/21/12 through 1/13/13.

 

[gary2411]

It's nice to include a bridal portrait in wedding announcements and wedding albums. If you're a bride who isn't particularly photogenic or who is picky about how she looks in pictures, this is an opportunity to really get your best angle without an impatient groom or family member rushing you. Years later when your groom has your portrait on his desk, you'll be glad you got it right.

 

[JenLoy]

Since the end of October, and all of Nov and Dec are blacked out, we're also coming back down in February to have our MK shoot done. Its a hassle, but we want those pictures

OP, if you haven't already contacted Dara, I would do it right quick. When she and I spoke two weeks ago, she said had no availability after 10/21/12 through 1/13/13.

Oh my goodness. If this is true, it will be crushing. We'll be in Disney for a full two weeks after our VR. I sincerely hope it's not blacked out. It's not east to plan an additional trip for photos since we live in IL

 

[Evi]

Wow that seems insane that they are booking so far out. I hope you get your dates. I'd leave her a list of hope for dates incase someone cancels you could luck out.

 

[mb187143]

Oh my goodness. If this is true, it will be crushing. We'll be in Disney for a full two weeks after our VR. I sincerely hope it's not blacked out. It's not east to plan an additional trip for photos since we live in IL

It's most definitely true, Dara confirmed if for me via email about a month ago - we're on a waiting list for several dates at the end of October, which is actually before our wedding, but preferable to a second trip for us.

The other thing to keep in mind is if you're not using disney photography for your event, they won't even let you book the MK shoot until 45 days out from your event. this is a somewhat new rule i think, and it's been taking brides by surprise. i would try to get in touch with Dara and see if you can schedule something.

 

[CinderALLIE]

How far in advance can you bbok if you are using Disney photography?
Do you have to use them for ceremony or can I just use for Dessert Party or Reception?
Is something going on in November/December that it's fully booked. Eg.Closed for Xmas Lights and also is this an every year closure?

I'm not yet engaged (it's coming sometime this year) and I plan on getting married at Disney because of the MK shoot. I would not be able to go back for another trip to get photos as $$$. When we get engaged and I give my partner all this info of when we are going to go I need to know if there are blockout dates. He will be p*ssed if I make him go all the way to Disney and I don't get my MK photos LOL. he has only agreed to a Disney wedding as he knows how important it is to me....and to get me shut up about it

Thanks

 

[mb187143]

How far in advance can you bbok if you are using Disney photography?
Do you have to use them for ceremony or can I just use for Dessert Party or Reception?
Is something going on in November/December that it's fully booked. Eg.Closed for Xmas Lights and also is this an every year closure?

I'm not yet engaged (it's coming sometime this year) and I plan on getting married at Disney because of the MK shoot. I would not be able to go back for another trip to get photos as $$$. When we get engaged and I give my partner all this info of when we are going to go I need to know if there are blockout dates. He will be p*ssed if I make him go all the way to Disney and I don't get my MK photos LOL. he has only agreed to a Disney wedding as he knows how important it is to me....and to get me shut up about it

Thanks

I believe the November/December blackout dates are annual due to the Christmas decorations and such, or at least that's what Dara has conveyed to me for 2012 and 2013, and she did not elaborate much beyond that as the reason. As per Disney's MO, i would assume that will be the policy until it changes. I would just get in touch with Dara around when they're working on your contract, but if you can avoid November-early January, you may not have to worry about it.

As far as whether you have to use them for the ceremony and reception - when I scheduled our shoot, Dara had to confirm with my planner that I am using disney photograpy for our events in order to schedule us now, otherwise we would have had to wait until 45 days before our event. she wasn't specific about which events, but for us it didn't matter since we're using disney photography for the whole thing.

 

[JenLoy]

Guess I'll be on the phone tomorrow. Thanks for all the wonderful advice

 

[CinderALLIE]

I believe the November/December blackout dates are annual due to the Christmas decorations and such, or at least that's what Dara has conveyed to me for 2012 and 2013, and she did not elaborate much beyond that as the reason. As per Disney's MO, i would assume that will be the policy until it changes. I would just get in touch with Dara around when they're working on your contract, but if you can avoid November-early January, you may not have to worry about it.

As far as whether you have to use them for the ceremony and reception - when I scheduled our shoot, Dara had to confirm with my planner that I am using disney photograpy for our events in order to schedule us now, otherwise we would have had to wait until 45 days before our event. she wasn't specific about which events, but for us it didn't matter since we're using disney photography for the whole thing.

Thanks. When my boyf gets his act together and proposes to me I will contact Dara and find out about what I have to have booked with DPS to be able to schedule MK shoot sooner.

I will also make a note to avoid November to January for my wedding. I just want to go when it isn't popular wedding month that way I have more options. Damn people getting in my way

 

[giffy231]

I'd def try to get some silk floral on etsy or something!

 

[Crickety]

When I spoke to DPS I was told in order to schedule the MK shoot immediately after signing the contract, I had to use DPS for my ceremony. I don't know if Wishes brides would be required to use them for both ceremony and reception. If you are an Escape bride your other option is to forfeit the photography paid for with the package (approx. $300 value) and also book immediately.

If you use outside photography you won't be able to schedule a shoot until 45 days out. As an Escape bride, if you want to exchange the photography you are paying for from the ceremony to a dessert party or family photo shoot you won't be able to book until the 45 days out. HTH

 

[Evi]

This is so messing with my head. I"m a December Bride 2013 and we go to Disney every year for our anniversary. Since I'm a cruise bride I thought it would be fun for our one year anniversary to come back and do our park portraits. But based on what you guys are posting that won't work.

So we can't do it when we are there to get married and can't do it on our anniversary. Almost seems like Disney doesn't want brides in the parks thats almost a 3 month black out. With the new minimums on FTW and overall increases seems like they are trying to cut back on the number of Disney brides all together. Just makes you wonder.

 

[mb187143]

This is so messing with my head. I"m a December Bride 2013 and we go to Disney every year for our anniversary. Since I'm a cruise bride I thought it would be fun for our one year anniversary to come back and do our park portraits. But based on what you guys are posting that won't work.

So we can't do it when we are there to get married and can't do it on our anniversary. Almost seems like Disney doesn't want brides in the parks thats almost a 3 month black out. With the new minimums on FTW and overall increases seems like they are trying to cut back on the number of Disney brides all together. Just makes you wonder.

I completely understand what you're saying - i don't think Disney is blacking dates out for this reason, and I get the impression that Park Operations has the last word on everything inside the parks. if they tell DFTW or DPS that it's a no, there's very little that can be done.

There are brides wanting to get married in the castle ceremony who don't even have dates yet, because DFTW needs the info from Park operations.

I know it's disappointing, that's why i shared this now, for those of you who haven't yet booked your events, so that if possible you can make a plan around these black out dates. It's disappointing for sure, but i personally would rather be disappointed now and make a plan than get my shoot canceled later.