Disney fans who get married in front of Cinderella’s Castle pay up to £140,000… but one bride reveals her £19k wedding was ‘a massive mess’
A new documentary has revealed exactly what goes on behind-the-scenes at a Disney wedding
A new documentary has revealed exactly what goes on behind-the-scenes at a Disney wedding
MANY people dream of having a fairytale wedding with a lavish castle and magical touches – so Disney can seem like the dream option.
But insiders have revealed there are strict rules for getting married at the “happiest place on earth”, weddings cost up to £140,000 and sometimes the big day doesn't go according to plan.
Wedding planners have lifted the lid on what goes on behind-the-scenes of the popular destination in a US documentary.
Disney arranges ceremonies through its wedding planning business Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, which coordinated around 4,000 nuptials around the globe in 2016, according to the .
This figures equates to around 11 weddings a day, which can be as intimate or as grand as the couple, or purse strings, will allow.
For those looking to tie the knot in front of just four guests, the basic ceremony package is from £1,939 ($2,500) to £3,491 ($4,500).
This rises to around £3,879 ($5,000) to £6,982 ($9,000) for 18 guests and then £9,698 ($12,500) for extra attendees.
Those seeking to go all out for their happily ever after can fork out a whopping £140,000 or more to have 300 guests in front of Cinderella’s Castle after the park has closed to tourists.
Then there are added extras which can be included to make your day even more extravagant and special.
Why not have the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow be part of your wedding reception for £3,879 ($5,000) to £5,043 ($6,500)?
Or opt to ride with your loved one in Cinderella's coach for £2,288 ($2,950) – a far cry from the free pumpkin coach the princess used in the story.
You can also customise your wedding day with a dove flyover for £193 ($250) or a private fireworks display and dessert party for £1,939 ($2,500).
And a butler can deliver your wedding bands in Cinderella’s glass slipper or on a silver platter for $800.
Rather unusually, if you’ve had some guests pull out last-minute, Disney can also offer to hire actors to pose as Disney tourists, to crash your reception and entertain guests for £1,396 ($1,800).
Of course there are strict rules if you want the privilege of getting married in the world-famous destination.
Brides are forbidden from wearing dresses within theme park hours, unless they have paid a hefty price of over £58,189 ($75,000).
This means weddings can start as early as 7.30am and finish as late as 11pm to avoid the masses who flock to the attraction.
Sadly Mickey Mouse and other characters are not allowed to officiate your wedding, or attend the ceremony, but they can be guests at your reception if you desire.
WeddingWire trend expert Anne Chertoff said: “It’s definitely an adult event and they make it an adult event.
“They don’t want it to be like you’re just playing dress-up.”
Not everything goes according to plan, as bride Yasmin Uddin, 22, can testify.
The bride-to-be was excited to tie the knot with her 26-year-old fiance last month in a £19,396 ($25,000) wedding in front of 24 guests.
However her officiant and bouquet went missing around 10am on the wedding, just before the ceremony was about to start, her ceremony was finished an hour before it was due to, and Cinderella’s carriage was like a “greenhouse.”
She said: “You expect, for that amount of money, you are going to have an amazing day, but it was just a massive mess.”
But many sing the praises of the incredible opportunity, despite the high costs.
Nathan Mulder, 30, and Brian Falco, 30, said they knew immediately that they wanted a “wedding that was at Disney, not so much a Disney wedding.”
They put down £77,585 ($100,000) on a 225-guest celebration at Disney's Beach and Yacht Club Resort in Orlando in August in 2016.
Their reception included a visit from Mickey and Minnie which cost £1,318 ($1,700), and a personalised projection cake costing £2,327 ($3,000), which illuminated up with scenes from their favourite Disney films.
Nathan told the Washington Post: “The entire week [and] weekend was a dream come true.”
Director of marketing for Fairy Tale Weddings Korri McFann Spolar revealed to that brides can choose dresses inspired from 11 Disney princesses if they wish.
Fans of Pocahontas and Mulan can now walk down the aisle to similar dresses to the characters, as these two were the latest offerings added last autumn.
Last year we revealed couples can now get married inside Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
And we also showed inside Walt Disney’s secret Club 33 where members pay £20k to enjoy booze, a jazz bar and luxury apartments.
Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings aired on Sunday, May 7 at 8:00 P.M. ET on Freeform.