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Beginner October 2025

Raffle - terrible idea? Well, more of a giveaway.

Izzy, on April 15, 2018 at 1:17 PM

Posted in Planning 32

Yes, it's me again, the crazy girl who's forever away from her wedding and just can't stop thinking about everything. Please just indulge me while I obsess for the next month--it'll cool down when I get the next 'shiny new thing' to think about. Plus I have a book coming out next month, that'll...

Yes, it's me again, the crazy girl who's forever away from her wedding and just can't stop thinking about everything. Please just indulge me while I obsess for the next month--it'll cool down when I get the next 'shiny new thing' to think about. Plus I have a book coming out next month, that'll provide plenty of distraction! (Yes, as someone did ask last time, I have a therapist, but I haven't seen her since the official decision to get married happened, I'll be seeing her this Thursday and will talk to her about how to work on my obsessing over things, thanks for the suggestion!)


ANYWAY.


I was thinking about having a very subtle Disney theme for our reception. Nothing in your face, possibly nothing most people would pick up on unless they were paying very close attention, but just to add a little bit of the silliness that epitomizes 'us' as a couple. We're a very silly couple, so while I want a super elegant wedding, at the same time I want to incorporate that side of us as well. That's all to say, I was struck with an idea last night that I can't let go.


What if I gave away a free disneyworld vacation at my reception? I realize I said raffle, but now that I actually remember that raffle involves buying tickets, that's not what I meant at all!! That would be tacky to the extreme! I mean more of, maybe everyone is given a small box when they walk into the reception, with strict instructions not to open it until they're told to, and there's a brief explanation that someone will be winning a trip to Disney, and at some point in the night the DJ announces that it's time to open the boxes--one lucky person finds a beauty and the beast glass covered rose mini-ornament type thing in their box, or perhaps a small scale cinderella slipper, or something else Disney themed, and they're the lucky winner for a trip to Disney for two!


I think it would be an exciting little event to have at the reception, plus it provides a bit of incentive for people to stick around(I'm going to have an open bar with quality liquor and delicious food plus plenty of dancing, so hopefully that will keep everyone around anyway, but still) so that they can find out if they won or not. Maybe have one or two second place prizes for something else Disney themed, although I can't think of what right this second, because I literally just thought of having second place prizes while I was typing this, lol.


I know, it's a weird expense to add to the wedding budget, but(and I hope this doesn't earn me some hate) we're rather well off, I've already checked costs and it's totally doable, and I just love doing things for other people. I love seeing the look on someone's face when I give them a gift, it's so much fun! So much more fun than getting gifts, in my opinion, so I'd really love to give someone something at my wedding. And everyone in my family knows how Disney crazy I am, so it wouldn't be out of place at all.


What do you think? If this happened at a wedding you were at, would you be excited?

32 Comments

  • Daria
    VIP January 2019
    Daria ·
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    RB = ring bearer and FG = Flower girl. Are your niece and nephew filling those roles for you? I think a Disney trip would be an AWESOME way to thank them. Take them for a long weekend, and if mom and dad want to come, they can too. Or maybe they want to come but steal away for a day and do something on their own while you are at the park with the kids. I can see that your heart is really in the right place. Even if they are not in your bridal party, the kids would love to go.

    And I think sending your parents on a cruise is a lovely idea. All of this is very sweet and generous of you. Just don't give these things publicly in front of your guests, or hold drawings for the prizes.

    For the guests at your wedding, provide for their comfort as much as you can afford. First class food, top shelf bar, amazing entertainment. Those will be the things that stick in their memories and have zero chance to turn out awkwardly.

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  • A
    Super February 2019
    Amy ·
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    I have to agree with others- as nice as this is, if you are going to have kids present, there will be a ton of heartbreak if they don't win. And parents will have to deal with their disappointed children for who knows how long. If it's within the family cousins may be jealous of other cousins winning, etc (note that I'm thinking of the reactions of kids here).

    Super nice thought but the execution is just potentially so messy.

    However, I loved the suggestion to take that money and make the wedding and amazing experience for everyone. Remember my first wedding was a bit like this- I had such a blast! Amazing food (and tons of it!) and such great dancing, good crowd, lovely location, etc.

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  • LB
    Champion November 2016
    LB ·
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    Use the money you would spend on that to increase your guests experience. IMO a door prize has no place at a wedding.
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  • I
    Beginner October 2025
    Izzy ·
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    Okay, you've won me over, I won't do it Smiley tongue I was already planning on doing everything I can for the wedding/reception, but if anyone has ideas for how to take it to the next level, I'd appreciate that! We're planning on Biltmore for both(hopefully the front lawn for the ceremony and the Vanderbilt ballroom for the reception). Plated dinner. I was thinking of having a violinist or pianist for the ceremony music, and a DJ for the reception. There will be an open bar. I've looked at a few reception 'activities' but I can't decide if they 'fit' with the whole Biltmore feel/aesthetic. I like the idea of a photo booth and a photo scavenger hunt(we could have polaroid cameras or such available and a list of cool photo ideas for everyone to take, ie someone laughing, awesome dancing, etc). I was also thinking of inviting everyone for an optional brunch and tour around the estate the next day.

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  • A
    Super February 2019
    Amy ·
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    I'm obsessed with the Biltmore (so I'm biased) and as a guest I think a tour is an amazing add on as long as it's optional/no pressure.


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  • IGotTheD
    Dedicated April 2019
    IGotTheD ·
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    Be careful with polariod cameras... My aunt had them, her nephews (on the other side) got ahold of them and she ended ho developing a bunch of... Well... Junk pics. Not like, of trash but of actual male genetalia. And of some guests who weren't aware they were getting their privates taken pictures of.

    You're better off with a photo booth, and just relying on your photographer for pics. Or let guests use their phones. You don't need games or activities at receptions. Good food and booze is plenty.
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  • tmanscavo
    Dedicated May 2019
    tmanscavo ·
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    I know you said you've canned the idea already, but you mentioned that this would serve as an "incentive" to get people to stick around. So essentially you're worried that people aren't going to show up/want to stay. These are normal fears! But you wouldn't be "incentivizing" your guests to stay with prizes...you'd be alienating those that attended because they genuinely want to be there to support you and your FH and celebrate! I know people repeat this in the forum a lot, but remember that the reception is a thank you to the guests. Getting a free trip because you stayed til the end just sends the wrong message. Frankly, if it's at the Biltmore, that's basically a DW! Try to get a special subsidized rate for the accommodations on the grounds. People are gonna be PUMPED to go to Asheville and celebrate with you guys! Alternatively, donate the money you'd have allocated for the trip to a charity that supports the area.

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  • K
    Expert October 2019
    Kierstin ·
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    Finally someone with a subtle Disney theme ! Please if you have ideas tell me your center pieces !

    also so it’s a nice gesture but don’t know how well that will come off and depends if it’s all inclusive. Meals, transportation, resort accommodations etc. if the people win the trip there’s still other costs that they might not be able to work out. Hell if you’re that big of a Disney fan you and your FH take that trip! Spoil it on yourself! As it is my fiancé and I are hoping to take a Disney cruise!
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  • K
    Expert October 2019
    Kierstin ·
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    That’s a lovely idea for your parents gift and taking your niece and nephew. I’m hoping we can take our Disney cruise for our honeymoon. I replied with everything before I saw all the comments.
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  • Preslee
    Expert May 2019
    Preslee ·
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    I think this is adorable Smiley smile If you are in the place to do it I don't think it's a bad idea. Especially if it's on point with your theme and I think its SO generous of you

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  • Preslee
    Expert May 2019
    Preslee ·
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    I read your post saying you're not going to do it. I saw you're having a pianist; if you're having a cocktail hour could yo have them play disney tunes? just the piano version so it isn't over the top but ties into your theme

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  • Meet_The_Clarks
    VIP June 2018
    Meet_The_Clarks ·
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    ...wait...what....No..all of the word NO. As a guest, I wouldn't enjoy this, find it sweet/cute, etc. I would be wondering why it was happening honestly...at a wedding. A wedding is to celebrate the couple starting a new chapter together...not say "hey look at me, I have a bunch of money and didn't know what else to do with it". I get that you might be coming from a good place, but a raffle/give away, literally doesn't have a place at the wedding..no matter how wealthy people may be. I'd much rather have, as someone mentioned, my hotel room paid for instead of a trip that I probably wouldn't be able to go on due to needing time off, pet sitter, etc.

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