Introduction
Are you dreaming of a fairy tale wedding at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World? With its opulent Victorian-style architecture and stunning views of Cinderella Castle, it’s no wonder this luxury resort is a popular wedding destination. But how much does a Grand Floridian wedding cost? In this article, we’ll break down the expenses and give you tips on how to save money on your big day.
The Venue
The Grand Floridian offers several wedding venues, including the Grand Floridian Ballroom, the Whitehall Room & Patio, and the Wedding Pavilion. The Wedding Pavilion is the most popular choice, with its picturesque location on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon. However, it’s also the most expensive option, with a starting price of $4,000 for the ceremony alone. If you choose the Wedding Pavilion, you’ll need to budget for additional expenses like transportation for your guests and a reception venue.
The Reception
The Grand Floridian offers several reception venues, including the Grand Floridian Ballroom, the Whitehall Room & Patio, and the Sago Cay. Prices vary depending on the venue, the day of the week, and the time of year. For example, a Saturday evening reception in the Grand Floridian Ballroom during peak season (January-April and November-December) can cost upwards of $25,000 for 100 guests. However, if you’re willing to have your wedding on a weekday or during the off-season, you can save thousands of dollars.
The Food and Beverage
The Grand Floridian is known for its exquisite cuisine, but it comes at a price. The minimum food and beverage expenditure for a reception is $170 per person, and that doesn’t include tax and service charges. If you want to have a bar at your reception, you’ll need to budget an additional $40-$60 per person. To save money, consider having a brunch or lunch reception instead of a dinner reception, or choose a buffet or family-style meal instead of a plated dinner.
The Flowers and Decor
The Grand Floridian has an in-house floral department that can create stunning centerpieces, bouquets, and ceremony decor. However, their prices are on the high side. To save money, consider using a local florist or DIY-ing your own floral arrangements. You can also save money on decor by choosing a venue that doesn’t require a lot of extra decoration, like the Whitehall Room & Patio.
The Photography and Videography
Capturing your wedding memories is important, but it can also be expensive. The Grand Floridian offers photography and videography packages, but they start at $2,500 and $3,000, respectively. To save money, consider hiring a local photographer or videographer instead. You can also ask your guests to take photos and videos with their smartphones and share them with you.
The Conclusion
A Grand Floridian wedding is a dream come true, but it can also be a budget-buster. However, with some careful planning and creativity, you can have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank. Consider choosing an off-season date, having a brunch or lunch reception, and DIY-ing your own decor. And remember, the most important thing is that you’re marrying the love of your life, not how much you spend on your wedding day.
FAQ
How much does it cost to have a wedding at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa?
Prices vary depending on the venue, the day of the week, and the time of year. A wedding at the Wedding Pavilion starts at $4,000 for the ceremony alone, while a reception in the Grand Floridian Ballroom can cost upwards of $25,000 for 100 guests.
What’s included in the minimum food and beverage expenditure?
The minimum food and beverage expenditure is $170 per person, and that doesn’t include tax and service charges. It includes a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, a plated or buffet dinner, wedding cake, and non-alcoholic beverages.
