Will this work?

[AlmostMrsH]

Hi, there. I've been lurking here for a little while, but I've finally decided to join in. I have learned so much just by reading all of your posts, and planning sessions, and seeing your pictures, and you are all more helpful than you can possibly know.

But I'm starting to panic. My countdown is telling me that I have 100 days until my wedding, and I still don't have everything in place. I seriously have butterflies everytime I look at that damn counter.

So, here's what I'm worried about:

First, our ceremony is at 3pm at Sea Breeze Point. We still haven't figured out where we're all going to get ready - I used to live in Orlando, and know of a few salons that I can get to easily (I can't afford to have someone come to the hotel!). I still want to check out the spa/salon places on property - any one know ANYTHING about them? Prices, services, pics?

After the hair/makeup thing, we all need to get dressed somewhere. I will leave the boy on his own for that whole morning, but I'm still concerned that the moms, 'maids and I won't have anywhere big enough to dress together. I've got our room booked at the AK Lodge, and my parents and sister are staying at the Pop Century. His parents haven't booked a room yet (another story entirely ) We'll probably end up at the Pop (I've heard the rooms are bigger than the standard at DAKL, plus they have two.)So I need to work that out, but I'm not too stressed...yet.
Then, we have Randy Chapman coming, but when should we have him come? To the Getting-Ready Place, or just meet us at the Boardwalk? I have told them I want him for 4 hours so far...(more on that later)

Then, we get to the BW, and the Ceremony will be officiated by Rev Day (Thanks, all! I got that idea from all the great reviews you've given him). If it starts at 3, the whole thing should be over no later than 4, right? We're not even eating the cake at that time, so it's just ceremony and toast.

Then, more pictures, and we'll head over to Yatchsman's Steakhouse for dinner at 5:30. Will I still want Randy with us? Is it worth taking pictures at dinner (does anyone have any?)

So, here's where it gets really sticky - My tentative plan is for dinner to go from 5:30 to 7:30. Does that sound right? We're serving the cake after dinner (probably). Will the meal take more than 2 hours? Then, the rest of the plan is for everyone to walk over to Epcot for Illuminations. I am ~fully~ aware that we can't wear the tuxes or bridal dresses in, so I need to come up with someplace for us to chancge quick. Do our guests need to change, too? Or will they just be a little overdressed for the park? See, because I plan on telling everyone that we're going to Epcot, bu I'm hoping to surprise them with an Illuminations dessert part, too. The ONLY one who knows about that is the fiance. I just can't afford the extra money it would take to charter the bus to get us their in our wedding clothes. So this is my compromise. Does that make sense? And does it sound like something we'll be able to pull off?
I know I need to talk to Karen (our coordinator) about this, too, but so far the Fairytale Wedding people I've dealt with have been less than forthcoming with suggestions or alternatives. Not rude or mean, just not as helpful as I had expected. Like I said, I've learned more here than I have on the Disney Website OR by talking to them...

Which reminds me - Do any of you know how to get in touch with the manager for the Yachtsman's Steakhouse? Or the one at the California Grill? (for the Welcome dinner). I'll take phone numbers, emails, whatever... I just know that some of you have had more help by going to the source.
And is it better to arrange the dessert party, and the ceremony/cake/flower stuff through DFW, or are there more direct ways to communicate with those people, too? And, exactly how much trouble will I be in for going to any of those places myself, rather than through the "proper" channel?

Anything else I haven't thought of in my little itinerary? Do I sound as crazy as I feel, worrying about all of this? And, how long after the wedding will it be before I sleep well again?

Anyway, thanks for any help you can give me!
Holly

 

[starseed]

Hi Holly!

Welcome to the DIS and congratulations on being under 100 days!

I thought I'd chime in on the Illuminations DP part of your post. Karen is my EM, too and I would definitely go through DFTW to arrange your DP. Call her today! You should check as soon as you can to make sure that DP locations are available and she will be able to set the whole thing up for you.

From what I understand, if you arrange something outside of DFTW and anyone finds out about it, it can be canceled. Might as well do it through DFTW and spare yourself the stress of that happening. I tried to call the GF to set up a private party and when they found out that I'm having a DFTW Intimate, they wouldn't even talk to me - the woman I was speaking to pretty much hung up on me!

You didn't mention how many are in your party, but there are also other alternatives apart from chartering a bus. Ask Karen about your options! If you can find a more affordable option, you can wear your wedding attire in and not worry about changing.

We have a similar itinerary to yours, all except that our ceremony is at Sunset Pointe at 2pm! We are also looking to have dinner at the Yachtsman at 5:30pm and finishing up at around 7:30pm. And our dessert party is a surprise, too - even to my DF!

Good luck planning! We're all here for you for support.

HTH!

 

[Marty Moose]

Hi!

I don't have too much too offer answer-wise, but I had to pop in and say hi as I'm having an intimate at SBP at 3pm with dinner at the Yachtsman...and it looks like our weddings are only about a week apart!!

I'm still debating on the Randy at dinner question too! I'm thinking it may feel weird having him take pics in the middle of the restaurant...plus, I'm the type that would probably make him sit down and eat dinner with us!! So, what would be the point pic-wise anyway?!! Right now, I'm leaning towards taking my own camera and passing it around...but I'm anxious to hear what other brides have to say!

As far as contacting the YS...I was told to call the Yacht Club and ask to be connected to the restaurant and then to ask for the manager...the YC # is 407-934-7000. I haven't called yet, so if do let me know how that works for you!

Best wishes and I can't wait to hear how your wedding turns out!!

 

[D&R love Disney]

We had a 3:00 pm ceremony at SBP and then 5:30 pm for dinner at YSH. We used Randy but didn't have him during dinner. He took pictures up to us getting into the limo and heading over to the Yacht Club.

We took some pictures ourselves at the restaurant. I think we were at dinner from 5:30 to about 8:00 pm.

 

[wendy46001]

As far a salons go we used the GF salon (you mentioned that you used to live in florida) if someone in the wedding party is still a resident you can get 10% off at any disney salon makes the 60 dollar hair charge a bit more manageable.

 

[angietink79]

Just wanted to let you know, I called and talked to the manager at the YSH this morning. My main question was, do we HAVE to take the last seating of the night since we are such a large group. This was what Disney Dining told me. He was very nice and said they could accomodate us earlier and to call him directly on my 180 day mark and he would take care of the reservation. He is also emailing me a copy of the menu so we can set up the personalized menus. Very helpful. I would definitely recomend calling, it is once less thing I'm worrying about now. They seem very accomodating.

 

[AlmostMrsH]

Thanks for the replies! I know I need to talk to Karen about all this, but your answers are very helpful. I have heard great things about Yachtsman's manager, so I am excited about working with him. And I would LOVE to wear my dress to the DP, so I will ask about those "other options" starseed mentioned.
Anyway, thanks again to all of you!
Holly

 

[JonetteA]

Here is what I would say about Randy and during dinner. He did our rehearsal dinner and he was wonderful. He took family photos, and just the mingling photos. So like a cocktail hour mingling and then he left. For our reception (granted a custom) he hung all the way through with the crazy people and made it well.

 

[janine]

Hi Holly!



From what I understand, if you arrange something outside of DFTW and anyone finds out about it, it can be canceled. Might as well do it through DFTW and spare yourself the stress of that happening. I tried to call the GF to set up a private party and when they found out that I'm having a DFTW Intimate, they wouldn't even talk to me - the woman I was speaking to pretty much hung up on me!



HTH!

I arranged a private party for my wedding at the GF. I chose flowers, menus, lighting, entertainment, the lot. When they found out I was having an intimate wedding, they cancelled the whole lot!!
It's a crazy crazy policy in my opinion.

 

[AlmostMrsH]

I arranged a private party for my wedding at the GF. I chose flowers, menus, lighting, entertainment, the lot. When they found out I was having an intimate wedding, they cancelled the whole lot!!
It's a crazy crazy policy in my opinion.

I read about that in another thread - that DOES seem crazy. I mean, what's the difference if I pay for a Custom wedding, or arange a seperate reception on my own. They still get my money.
But I'm going to play by the "rules", so I guess it doesn't matter.