The first thing to consider when financing a wedding is the source, or sources, of the finances. Keep in mind that, typically, today's couples are more established and may rely less on parent contributions. However, depending on the couple, they may be relying solely on the parents' contributions or a blend of contributors.

If you are involved with contributing financially to the wedding, be sure to establish a set dollar amount early. Financial discussions are not an everyday topic; however, establishing a budget early and communicating clearly is essential to successful wedding planning.

In order to streamline communication with the Wedding Planner, we recommend that there be one main point of contact for all aspects of the wedding. Typically, this point of contact may be the bride or the groom or a parent. This clear point of contact will help to maintain a consistent understanding of all tasks and deadlines.

Couples may need extra support during the planning process and may come to you for suggestions. There are many wedding to-dos', couples may need assistance with the following tasks:

• Solidifying the guest list
• Providing names and address for the guests
• Making decisions on selecting the appreciative options at Walt Disney World® accommodations for family and friends
• Menu planning
• Special guest needs such as dietary, wheelchair assistance or child care options to be gathered for the bride & groom

• The Mother of the Bride typically sets her attire and communicates the color to the Mother of the Groom so that she can then select her attire.
• Parents of the Bride typically take the lead on the wedding ceremony and reception.
• Parents of the Bride may host a farewell event, such as a brunch, the day after the wedding (this is also often hosted jointly with the Parents of the Groom)
• Parents of the Bride may provide hospitality suites as central gathering places.

• The Mother of the Groom typically allows the Mother of the Bride to first select her attire, and then chooses her own attire accordingly.
• Parents of the Groom typically take the lead on the Rehearsal Dinner.
• Although the Parents of the Bride often throw a farewell event such as a brunch, the Parents of the Groom may also contribute, or host the event themselves.
• As a gesture, it is customary of Parents of the Groom to contribute to the payment of the Bridal Bouquet.

As you may have guests traveling from long distances to attend the wedding, you may want to consider hosting additional, get-together events. For example, a welcome dinner or a farewell brunch might be great opportunities to spend some extra time with friends and loved ones.

Here are some ideas for you for special get-togethers:

• A Hoe-down at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• Mickey's Backyard BBQ at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• Luncheon or Dinner high atop "the World" at the award-winning California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Disney's world-class dinner shows:
  The Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue
  Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
• EPCOT IllumiNations Events
  An Italian evening on the Italy Isola
  A dessert party under the stars on the French Island
  Cocktails & appetizers at the United Kingdom Terrace
  An "Under the Sea" evening at the Living Seas
• Walt Disney World® Resort Events
  Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  Disney's BoardWalk Resort
  Disney's Yacht Club Resort
• A country club-like setting at Disney's Bonnet Creek Golf Club
• Additional party options/locations
• Disney's Grand Gatherings Options

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
It's time for a Hoe-down! Host a fun, relaxed "welcome party" at Disney's Fort Wilderness cookout pavilion. This pavilion can host groups sized from 25 people to 250 people and allows you and your guests the perfect setting to gather together the day before the wedding.

Mickey's Backyard BBQ at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort Cookout Pavilion
Another fun option in a casual setting is a cookout at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort - Cookout Pavilion. This venue is available March through November on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The dinner begins at 6:30pm. It includes a night of family fun with a live country band, line-dance instructor, and appearances by Disney Characters.

The California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort
The California Grill is an authentic "California Style" restaurant located at the top of Disney's Contemporary Resort. The Resort is one of the most accessible from the Wedding Pavilion, via float boat, monorail, or by car. The atmosphere is colorful, casual, and comfortable. The season and the market inspire the changing menu. There are two private rooms, which offer a magnificent view of the city of Orlando and Cinderella's Castle.

Available inside the California Grill are the private rooms, Napa and Sonoma. The food and beverage minimum (exclusive of wedding cake, service charges and sales tax) for the Napa room is $1,000 for events ending before 4:00pm and $3,000 for events ending after 4:00pm. This room will seat up to 50 guests. Use of a dance floor (at additional cost) and entertainment will decrease capacity. The view is of Magic Kingdom.

The food and beverage minimum (exclusive of wedding cake service charges and sales tax) for the Sonoma Room is $1,000.00 for events ending prior to 4:00pm and $2,000.00 for events ending after 4:00pm. This room has a seating capacity of 40 guests. Use of a dance floor (at additional cost) and entertainment will decrease capacity. The view is of Bay Lake.

Hoop Dee Doo Dinner Show
Hilarious hoe-down style entertainment and all-you-can-eat country vittles make this a special evening at Pioneer Hall in Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds. The entertainment is a Western Style Vaudeville Show (no characters at this event). Start times are 5:00pm, 7:15pm and 9:30pm, seven days a week.

Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
The Aloha Spirit comes alive with authentic dances and enchanting music in the spectacular celebration of Polynesian Culture. Shows start at 5:15pm and 8:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday. The show is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes long and is conveniently located next to Disney's Wedding Pavilion.

An Italian Evening on the Italy Isola
On the shore of World Showcase Lagoon, Italy Isola is located on a beautiful bridged island, directly in front of the Italy Courtyard. Here your guests can gather for a private evening to view IllumiNations, a rhapsody of laser, lights, fountains, music, and fireworks, which encompasses all of the World Showcase Lagoon.

Dessert Party Under the Stars on the French Island
Your guests will be escorted to the French Island by Disney's host or hostess where they will be greeted by tuxedoed wait staff. They will marvel by the breathtaking views of the World Showcase and a replica of the Eiffel Tower. The French Island is located opposite the International Gateway, on a terraced island between the United Kingdom and France. There your guests can gather at a private dessert party location to view IllumiNations, a rhapsody of lasers, lights, fountains, music and fireworks, which encompasses all of World Showcase Lagoon.

Cocktails and Appetizers at the French Island
Your friends and family will enjoy an evening of cocktails and appetizers while overlooking the breathtaking views of the World Showcase.

An Evening at the Living Seas
Surrounded by lush wood paneling, this two-level dining area faces four large windows with a spectacular view into the Living Seas' 5,112 million-gallon salt-water environment. Watch a variety of sea life from sharks and rays to parrot fish and tarpon while dining on special menus created by our chefs. The food and beverage minimum for use of the Living Seas Salon before 2:00 pm is $1,900.00 and after 2:00 pm is $3,500.00 (exclusive of service charges and sales tax). The venue rental is $500.00 plus tax. Seating capacity for the Living Seas Salon is 84 with existing seating. Please note, the fish tank lights turn off at 10:00pm nightly.

Illuminations Parties
Event Times - All IllumiNations parties start 30 minutes before show time and finish 30 minutes after the conclusion of the show. The IllumiNations show is 14 minutes long.

Seating - Certain locations allow for scattered cocktail tables. A set-up fee of $75 would apply for additional tables, chairs and standard linens.

Food & Beverage - A minimum of $19.50 per person is required for private use of any of our viewing locations.

Admission - A $12.50+ inclusive fee per person will be charged for viewing IllumiNations. Convention Guides must escort guests to and from the venue. The cost is $90+ per host for the entire function (based on a 3-hour function), and $20+ for each additional hour. A minimum of one host for every 50 guests is required. Disney charter buses are required to use all venues at Epcot.

Inclement Weather - In case of inclement weather, the client must decide three hours prior to the event whether to move the event indoors. The decision does not change the cancellation payment schedule.

Capacities:

Lower United Kingdom Terrace
Dessert Party/Reception Minimum - 20 guests; Maximum - 100 guests

Upper United Kingdom Terrace
Dessert Party/Reception Minimum - 20 guests; Maximum - 50 guests

Upper French Island
Dessert Party/Reception Minimum - 50 guests; Maximum - 350 guests

Lower French Island
Dessert Party/Reception Minimum - 50 guests; Maximum - 300 guests

French Island Arm
Dessert Party/Reception Minimum - 20 guests; Maximum - 100 guests

Italy Isola
Dessert Party/Reception Minimum - 100 guests; Maximum - 300 guests

For dinner capacities, additional menu options, bar packages and entertainment enhancements, please consult your Disney Wedding Planner

Dinner at the Bonnet Creek Golf Course
A country club-like setting overlooking the 18th holes of Osprey Ridge, one of Disney's Championship Golf Courses. This versatile setting can accommodate a casual buffet or a plated dinner. The venue includes a covered verandah accessible from the dining area. The Tournament Room can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Walt Disney World® Resort Events
You may decide to enjoy an evening at one of our award-winning resorts such as Disney's BoardWalk, capturing the Atlantic Seashore of circa 1940's, Disney's Yacht Club, recreating the essences of New England, or Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa with the grandeur of the 19th Century Victorian Era. These menus are offered at all these magnificent Resorts.

Additional Party Ideas
Bridal Teas:
Begin your Fairy Tale event by hosting a party "just for the girls" at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa - Garden View Lounge. It is open daily for high-tea between 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Listen to the sounds of the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra or a classical pianist playing your favorite Disney tunes and turn of the century Victorian music. Lobby entertainment begins daily at 4:00pm.

Themed Parties:
Disney's Boardwalk Resort is home of a location called "The Attic". You will feel like you stepped into Grandma's attic when you enter this location - decorated with over-stuffed chairs and couches, wicker furniture and pastel palettes. It is a comfortable and relaxing venue perfect for bridesmaid luncheons, farewell brunches and welcome receptions. Existing seating is for a maximum of 60 guests and cannot be changed. The minimum food and beverage expenditure is $2,500 (exclusive of service charges and sales tax) for events ending prior to 5:00pm and $4, 500 (exclusive of service charges and sales tax) for events ending after 5:00pm

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Are you more the tropical shirt and Margarita kind of couple? Maybe a themed beach party at one of our resorts is more your style. We can assist you with creating a fun, tropical themed party that includes Tiki Torches, Key West Style musicians and Floribbean style menu's. Add a few drink umbrellas to the bar and you will be all set!

Like the tropical theme but want an air-conditioned room? Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort is home to "Ariel's" - an "under-the-sea" decorated room that can accommodate parties up to 100 guests. You can even add Mickey, Minnie, Chip-N-Dale or your favorite Disney character all clad in their tropical attire. This venue works well for bridesmaid luncheons, welcome dinners and farewell brunches.

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At Epcot you can find a circus themed room called "The Wonders Lounge" where you can dine under the red and white striped big-top tent. We can add colorful linens and centerpieces from the Walt Disney World® Florist and add face painters, caricature artists, balloon artists and much more from Disney Entertainment to complete the theme! Vendors can give your guests cotton candy and Cracker Jacks as they enter into this private room. Get your ticket for a night of fun! Food and Beverage dinner minimums for this room are $50++ per person and require a minimum of 25 guests. Private transportation and Epcot guides are required for use of this venue. End your night with a bang at one of our outdoor IllumiNations viewing areas.

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Maybe you would like to dine in old Americana style? The American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot is the home of a private 3rd floor lounge called the American Adventure Parlor. Your guests would begin with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Parlor and then move to the John Henry Room for dinner. The food and beverage minimum (exclusive of service charges and sales tax) is $2,450.00 for events starting prior to 2:00 p.m. and $3,000.00 for events beginning after 2:00 p.m. No food or beverage will be set up in the Parlor/Living Room seating area. The seating capacity for the Dining area is 50 guests based on rounds of 10. Private transportation and Epcot guides are required for use of this venue.

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Need a little more "character" in your dining experience? We have many restaurants open for breakfast and dinner that allow you to dine buffet style and visit with the characters at the same time! Ask your event manager for more details on times available for dining in these venues.

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How about hosting a "Grand Gathering"? These are special parties designed for groups at the Walt Disney World® Resort and include the following venues:

• Magical Fireworks Voyage on the Seven Seas Lagoon
  Available on Monday and Saturday
• Safari Celebration Dinner at Disney's Animal Kingdom
  Available on Sunday and Thursday
• Good Morning Gathering at Tony's Town Square Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom
  Available on Tuesday and Saturday
• International Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Reception at Epcot
  Available on Monday and Friday

All venues are subject to availability - there is limited seating for these events.
All guests must have their own tickets to enter the theme parks.

See your event manager for pricing and menu options.

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An additional enhancement that can be added to all private events is a "groom's cake". Our pastry chef's can create a custom cake based on a theme or hobby that will amaze your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Just let your event manager know your ideas and we can create a cake custom for your event (and your groom!).

As you can see - there are many options available to host the perfect event here at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Whatever your theme is, we have a venue perfect for you.

We hope that we can assist you in making your wedding celebration one that you and your guests will remember for years to come.