Disney Wedding Do’s and Don’ts: Essential Tips for Your Magical Day
A Disney wedding is the ultimate fairytale come true for many couples, offering iconic venues, magical experiences, and unforgettable memories. However, planning a wedding at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or a Disney Cruise Line presents unique logistics and rules. To ensure you have a seamless, magical celebration, we’ve put together the ultimate Disney wedding do’s and don’ts to guide you through the process.
The Do’s of Planning a Disney Wedding
1. Do Book Early for Your Disney Wedding
Disney weddings are in high demand, and dates fill up quickly, especially for popular venues such as Cinderella Castle, the Disney Wedding Pavilion, and EPCOT’s international pavilions. To secure your dream location:
Book 12-18 months in advance for high-demand venues and popular times of the year.
Be flexible with your wedding date to ensure availability at your top choice location.
2. Do Understand Disney’s Vendor Policies
While Disney offers certain services, you may need to follow specific guidelines regarding vendors:
Photography & Videography: For in-park weddings, it may be recommended to use Disney Fine Art Photography. However, inquire with Disney Weddings so you can bring in your preferred photographer and videographer, like JTR Media.
Floral & Decor: Most decor is handled by Disney Floral & Décor, but outside florists may be allowed at select venues.
Planners: Disney will assist with venue logistics, but outside wedding planners can coordinate non-Disney elements.
3. Do Take Advantage of Disney’s Exclusive Wedding Perks
A Disney wedding comes with unique, magical options that you won’t find anywhere else. Consider these enchanting additions to your big day:
Fireworks Dessert Parties: Experience a private viewing of Disney’s iconic fireworks show with a sweet treat.
Character Appearances: Delight your guests with appearances from Mickey, Minnie, or Cinderella during the reception.
Disney Ride Mix-Ins: Opt for a private after-party ride experience, such as an exclusive ride on Soarin’ or Tower of Terror.
4. Do Plan for Weather Variability
At Walt Disney World or Disneyland, weather can be unpredictable, especially during Florida’s summer months (June to September) and California’s year-round mild conditions. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Prepare for rain: Florida’s humidity and afternoon showers can impact outdoor ceremonies, so always have an indoor backup location.
Hurricane season (August to November): Prepare for unexpected weather disruptions, and ensure your venue has contingency plans in place.
The Don’ts of Planning a Disney Wedding
1. Don’t Expect a Castle Wedding Without Restrictions
Cinderella Castle is a dream venue for many, but there are some important details to consider:
Cost: Castle weddings start at $30,000+, and they take place before the park opens, requiring a 5 AM or earlier start.
Guest limitations: Due to space constraints, certain guest counts may not be possible.
Consider alternatives: Explore the Disney Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian for stunning views of Cinderella Castle or EPCOT’s international pavilions for a unique Disney setting.
2. Don’t Overlook Disney’s Timeline and Planning Process
While Disney takes care of many aspects of your wedding, they follow their own structured timeline:
Limited control over wedding timelines: Disney coordinates all venue setup and timing, so flexibility is limited.
Customization is restricted: Some venues come with pre-set decor options, and outside additions may be limited.
Fast decision-making: Be prepared to make quick decisions after receiving your planning forms 6-8 months prior to the wedding.
3. Don’t Forget About Guest Transportation
With Disney’s expansive resorts and theme parks, transportation is key:
Coordinate transportation: If your wedding is at a resort or theme park, provide guests with shuttle services to ensure easy access.
Allow for travel time: Disney properties can span miles, and it may take over 45 minutes to travel between venues.
4. Don’t Expect Disney to Handle Everything
While Disney’s wedding team takes care of many elements, there are some areas you’ll need to manage independently:
Wedding attire: Disney does not provide rentals for dresses, tuxedos, or accessories.
Hair & makeup: You’ll need to hire an outside stylist for your wedding day hair and makeup.
Day-of coordination for non-Disney vendors: If you bring in outside vendors, it’s important to have a coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Creating a Magical Disney Wedding
A Disney wedding is an extraordinary way to celebrate your love, but careful planning is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your fairytale celebration.
At JTR Media, we specialize in capturing the magic of your Disney wedding through stunning photography and cinematic videography. If you’re planning your Disney wedding and need experienced photographers and videographers, we would love to help!
Contact us today to learn more about our Disney wedding photography and videography packages!