If you’re planning to get married at Disney, first of all, congratulations! The charm of a wedding here is undeniable – a fairytale setting, fireworks, your favorite love stories – it all comes together in this magical setting. Before you dive into the enchantment, it’s important to understand the costs of a Disney wedding.
Magic at a Cost
Before you even searched the cost of a Disney wedding, you’re probably aware that this isn’t gonna be the cheapest option out there. However, we’re here to help you find out how you can cut as many unnecessary costs as possible. This includes everything from the venue, time of year and how many people you plan on inviting. While there’s no one-size-fits-all figure, it’s safe to say that a Disney wedding is a hefty investment.
Key Cost To Keep in Mind
- Venue and Ceremony Fees: Finding a Disney wedding venue that matches your dreams in one of the biggest factors to consider. Iconic locations like Cinderella Castle or the Beach Club come with a premium price. Even less popular venues can have substantial costs.
- Officiant Costs: Hiring a wedding officiant in Disney Land might be a part of your dream wedding. If you want to save a bunch of money and also have the wedding a bit more personalized, consider having a friend officiate your wedding. American Marriage Ministries ordains people online so they can legally officiate weddings, so consider checking that out before you spend too much on a Disney officiant.
- Reception Costs: Food, drinks, and entertainment will make up for a large part of your budget. Disney offers a wide range of options and entertainment packages, but these can quickly add up. This is also one of the costs where you can budget wisely. Doing enough research to find a caterer that fits your budget or simply organizing your own food could be a great way to save. Obviously we don’t mean ordering Papa John’s for everyone, but finding something in between should be doable.
- Photography and Videography: Capturing the highlights of your wedding day is no doubt also in your considerations. Disney offers in-house options, but finding your own photographer could save you a few hundred bucks. If you have a good friend that takes good photos, consider inviting them as a special guest.
- Dress: Bridal gowns, groom’s clothes, and wedding party outfits can get expensive real quick. Consider renting or buying secondhand to potentially save money.
- Decorations and Florals: Disney’s floral arrangements are well-known for their beauty, but they come at a cost. Do your research to find a florist that offers reasonable prices or maybe even have your artsy friends help out.
- Accommodation: While Disney resorts offer magical stays, finding off-site options can lead to cost savings.
Budgeting Tips
Now that you’re caught up on ways you can cut back on the upfront costs of your Disney dream wedding, here are some basic planning strategies to help you consider the costs that most folks overlook.
- Prioritize: Make a list of the things that you feel are most important to you and rank them. Estimate the budget of each item and add up the costs. The ones towards the end of the list, you can consider leaving out.
- Off-Peak Weddings: Consider planning a weekday wedding or less popular dates to potentially reduce costs.
- Guest List Management: A smaller guest list can make a huge difference from venue to catering costs.
- Package Deals: Disney often offers wedding packages that bundle services, potentially leading to cost savings.
Beyond the Budget: The Disney Wedding Experience
While the financial aspect is important, the magic of a Disney wedding lies in the experiences. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by beloved characters, dancing under a sky filled with fireworks, and kissing your beloved in front of the fairytale castle. After all, Disney is the land where dreams are made possible. So once you’ve created a budget don’t get too lost in the finances of it all. You’re here to create a memory and an experience that will stay with you forever. Once the wedding festivities are underway, the last thing you want to think about is saving a dollar here and there.
Hopefully this article was informative on how to plan wisely for your Disney wedding. Once it’s all over, it’s just you and your beloved riding off into that Florida sunset, with an extra dollar in your pocket and a head full of dreams.
-Bernard Paul