Monday – Planning Session
We got up earlier than either of us really wanted so that we would have time to go to the gym and workout before getting ready and heading out for the day. Originally we had talked about just grabbing something from the quick service on property for breakfast, but the hubby suggested waiting til we got over to the MK area and maybe hitting up Captain Cook’s instead. Spoiler alert: that didn’t work out thanks to Disney transportation (we really didn’t want to pay for a taxi if we could help it, and we left PLENTY early to accomplish breakfast and arriving on time), so we arrived late to our PS with nothing but post-workout protein shakes in our bellies.
Once we got in, met Jamie, and settled into the Flora room (I believe, I forgot to take a picture), with fresh coffee in my hand, we hit the ground running. We went over a lot of the basic details such as whether we have booked rooms for our stay, have we booked an officiant/cosmetology/garment pressing or steaming, etc. I am going to apologize ahead of time as I did not take nearly as many notes as I should have, so I may not remember everything or the order in which it happened. We also decided to have them budget things for if we have 100% attendance, because we'd rather over budget than under budget.
Transportation
Welcome Party :
Disney Transportation System (I’ll provide detailed instructions to our guests)
Ceremony & Reception:
2 charter motorcoaches to transport guests from our 3 block hotels to the ceremony and then to reception, guests to use Disney Transportation at end of reception.
1 way van for wedding party and vendors from resort to Epcot, possibly another 1 way van/town car to get to the reception (I don’t remember what we chose right now)
Dessert Party :
Disney Transportation System (I’ll provide detailed instructions to our guests)
First Look
To take place at Kidani Village (where we are staying and getting ready)
Pre and Post Ceremony Photos
To take place at Epcot in Japan Pavilion (and hopefully another pavilion or two, will depend on our media guides).
Ceremony
Location:
Epcot, Japan Pavilion, Torii gate as the background, Rain backup- American Adventure Rotunda
Décor/Personal floral:
We have opted for no décor and the basic black chairs at this point in time. There will also be a water station. I’m making my own bouquet and the pomanders for my MOHs. Disney will be providing the boutonnieres for the groom (with a small addition from me they are going to incorporate), officiant, and groomsman. I am pretty sure I committed to making the boutonniere for my dad and a wrist corsage for my Mom.
Reception
Location:
Atlantic Dance Hall
Décor:
We were thrilled to discover that they also offered black linens as an included/basic linen, rather than just white. We chose these overlays to alternate between tables with black linens as the base:
I am hoping to use square tables, as I’m not overly a fan of the rounds. The cost doesn't seem to be too bad, so here's hoping!
These are the basic inspirations for our centerpieces. They should involve pumpkins, cylinders, ornaments, tea lights, etc.
We haven’t decided on whether we are doing a sweetheart table or a head table yet, but if we decide on a sweetheart table, there will be distinct linens, just don’t ask me what.
Cake table will have no clouding and the only “decorations” will be my bouquet and my MOHs Mickey head pomanders.
We are doing assigned seating with Haunted Mansion Fast Pass themed escort cards (we will be providing these and table numbers) which will hopefully be attached to the favors as well. We are waiting to hear back from Floral if they will be able to create the favors we want. Will update as we know more.
For napkins we chose two different folds, the “Sydney Opera House” and the “Tulip”. I remember saying we wanted them alternating, I just can’t remember if we said alternating between tables with the overlays or alternating between place settings at each table.
Currently we have upgraded to the Mahogany garden chairs because the standard chairs are hideous. Hopefully we won't have to cut these for budget.
Entertainment:
We have secured DJ Miles to dj for us. Waiting to hear back if the characters we requested will be available or not, though we have back up characters we will be just as happy with. We may add a silhouette artist if we need to add something to meet minimums.
Cake:
We are planning on a 2 tier cake with small cupcakes to round out making sure there is enough for everyone. We are not planning on trying to save our top tier, mainly because we don’t want to mess with transporting it back across the country. These are the inspiration pictures we provided and the cake from our tasting:
Flavors we decided on: Top tier- Lemon cake w/ Bavarian cream filling
Bottom tier- yellow cake w/ peanut butter mousse
Cupcakes: both of the above flavors and Orange cake w/ dark chocolate mousse filling
Beverages/Bar:
We are doing a custom BOC bar, since we really didn’t like any of the options Disney offers (we are alcohol snobs). Our bar includes: water, coffee, juices, sodas, Guinness, Angry Orchard, Blue Moon, house wines, mimosas, and our Signature Cocktail. We have requested to have water stations rather than having bottled water available, at least for still water.
Menu:
I’ll cover this in the Menu Tasting Recap
Dessert party
Location:
We originally chose UK Lochside, but that was before our potential guest count grew, so we are having to look at other options. Terrace des Fleurs is available, but we nixed that because it isn’t wheelchair accessible. Italy Isola West is and was one of the locations we liked initially but didn’t think we would have the guest count, but there is currently a hold on it. The current suggestion/plan would be to hold the dessert part up in the Canada Terrace and then walk down to UK Lochside to watch Illuminations. It isn’t ideal, but it’s what we’ve got to work with for the time being.
Décor:
Basic mix of high tops and cocktail tables with included black linens and chairs, no centerpieces. Possibility of a special effect for the dessert table, will have to see how it fits into the budget.
Menu:
I’ll cover this in the Menu Tasting Recap
Welcome Party
While we really want to have this, it may need to be cut depending on the budget, especially since it doesn’t count toward the minimums and not all of our guests will be on property to enjoy it.
Location:
West Rotunda Courtyard at the Contemporary Convention Center for the Wishes fireworks (will be the MVMCP fireworks this evening) with the music piped in
Décor:
Basic mix of high tops and cocktail tables with included linens and chairs, no centerpieces.
Menu:
I’ll cover this in the Menu Tasting Recap
I think this basically covers everything. Let me know if I forgot something or if you have any questions. We love our planner, Jamie, and are excited to work with her for our day. She’s already made some really great/fun suggestions. We have Sarah for Floral and she seems sweet and like she will help our vision come to life. It’s amazing how quickly the 4 hours went by. Once we were finished we had about an hour to get over to the Boardwalk Convention Center for our Menu Tasting. On our way out, we were able to have Jamie take our picture in front of Franck’s. <3
Up next, it’s finally time for our Menu Tasting!!!