LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Brides on a budget can still have a Cinderella-like wedding at Walt Disney World Resort if they know where to save and when to splurge.
“Every bride wants to feel like a princess for the day, and at Disney’s Fairytale Weddings we can make that dream a reality,” said Korri McFann, marketing director Disney’s Fairytale Weddings. “The beauty of a Disney wedding is that we can tailor the occasion to suit almost any budget.”
Each year Disney hosts more than 1,500 weddings ranging from elaborate affairs to small gatherings. Wedding bells ring year round at Disney, but June is an exceptionally popular month with hundreds of weddings staged throughout property. With more than 20 unique hotels in every price range, four world-class theme parks and hundreds of restaurants to choose from, wedding and honeymoon options at the Vacation Kingdom are nearly endless.
McFann said while many couples choose to exchange vows at the renowned Disney’s Fairytale Wedding Pavilion, other on-site locations can be just as enchanting.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort offers a picturesque lookout point for intimate nuptials. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn has romantic lakeside gazebos and beachfront locations and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground welcomes those looking for country casual.
Current research indicates that destination weddings remain a popular choice for couples. According to a March 2009 survey by theknot.com, 1 in 5 couples planned an out-of-town wedding in 2008.
For brides and grooms looking for ways to rein in the budget and economize on the big day without giving up the magic, McFann offers the following tips:
- Select an off day of the week. Couples can save big if they choose a Thursday or Sunday wedding over the tradition Saturday evening affair.
- Because of the number of venues, Disney can host weddings at various times of the day. A mid-morning wedding is a great alternative.
- Check out non-traditional reception venues such as themed restaurants.
- Couples choosing a destination wedding will likely tighten the guest list.
- Select brunch or heavy appetizers instead of sit-down meals. This is not only acceptable but growing in popularity.
- Out-of-season floral choices can make a big dent in a wedding budget. McFann suggests working with the florist to determine what flowers are in season. Another tip is to use floral arrangements from the wedding at the reception for added decor.
- Get creative with your family or bridal party and design homemade favors.
- Take advantage of the current discounts on hotels and wedding packages.
Brides and grooms participating in the survey also indicated that they were seeking inventive sites rather than traditional ballroom-like venues. McFann recommends Epcot as the ideal setting for couples looking for exotic backdrops with themed entertainment, rich culture and diverse menu offerings.
“Couples who have always wanted to travel to Europe can now tie the knot in ‘Italy’ and stroll over to ‘France’ for a fun-filled, Parisian-inspired reception. The international dining options at Epcot are endless and they don’t require costly decorations.”
Brides entrust wedding planners to take care of all the wedding details – big and small. Disney wedding planners act as fairy godmothers taking care of every detail from invitations and flowers to music and menu. Disney’s planning services are complimentary. According to theknot.com nearly 41 percent of couples used full wedding planning services in 2008.
McFann said even though brides are trimming their budgets, there will always be elements of a wedding that they will continue to splurge on.
“For some brides, it is their dream to have Cinderella’s Glass Coach, and for others, it is dramatic photography and video,” she said. “It is all about making choices and determining what is important to you on one of the most memorable days of your life.”
Top Honeymoon Spot
Disney’s Fairy Tale Honeymoons lets lovebirds choose the getaway of their dreams. Newlyweds can explore theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort, sail away on board Disney Cruise Line or relax in an oceanfront room at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.
And dream-come-true honeymoon packages are available for all budgets. With Disney’s Honeymoon Registry, couples also may complete a gift registry for elements to comprise an all-inclusive honeymoon to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club.
Couples staying at Walt Disney World on a five-night/six-day room and theme park ticket package for most nights from Aug. 16 to Oct. 3, 2009, can enjoy the Disney Dining Plan for free. The plan includes one quick-service meal, one snack and one table-service meal at up to 100 restaurants for each night of the package stay.
