Here is a list of frequently asked questions when it comes to planning a wedding on a cruise ship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a wedding cruise right for you?
Getting married on a cruise ship is a wonderful idea for many. But it’s not for everyone. Weddings on a cruise ship have to be simple and short affairs. More than likely, you’ll have 2-3 hours to get married and celebrate in front of your guests. Also, not everyone will come to a cruise ship wedding, especially if you don’t plan well in advance. Despite the above two caveats, a wedding cruise will be the most unique party you may have in your entire life. Cruising as newlyweds while your family and friends enjoy a vacation of there is an experience many cherish. In fact, many couples that have wedding cruises end up celebrating their anniversaries aboard cruise ships.
Do I have to plan it myself?
If you are having the wedding on a cruise ship (At the departure port or at sea), you will want to use the wedding planners offered by the cruise lines. Not only do they know the ship, they also have the experience of having planned a wedding cruise. A cruise line wedding planner will present wedding packages based on the time of year, the length of cruise, and the size of your wedding party. The packages generally include the ceremony, banquet, flowers, photographers, cake, and some entertainment
Before you go planning a wedding cruise, you should know that your choices on colors, flowers, cake decorations etc will be limited. Not everything you want will be available. You should be ready to accept that things will not be the same as a land based wedding. In exchange, you won’t have to try out dozens of caterers, visit banquet halls, or decide between several photographers.
What is your budget?
When setting your budget, you need to set aside enough funds to cover the cost of the cruise and the cost of the wedding package. The cost of the cruise will depend on destination, length, and the type of stateroom you select. Additional cruise costs will include any alcoholic drinks, on board shopping, spas, and excursions you may select. The wedding package cost will depend on the number of guests attending, the flowers, the videographers, and any additional items.
Other costs that you have to factor in are airfare costs, transportation charges, hotel rooms pre and post cruise, gas, and additional food expenses.
FYI- The average cruise wedding costs about $7000 versus a land based one that costs a little less than $20,000.
How much does it cost?
Cruise weddings can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. You can look at all the cruise wedding packages offered by the major cruise lines or you can get group rates emailed to you by filling out this this form.
How much time does it take to plan a wedding cruise?
Planning a wedding cruise is not as intense as a regular land based wedding. For one thing, there is less to plan for. The cruise line will take care of the catering, flowers, photographer, decorations, and the cake. You still have to decide on wedding dresses, gowns etc. but it should not take all that long. Just get a checklist together (or download a wedding cruise checklist) and get things done.
As far as timelines go, start planning a wedding cruise at least a year in advance if you can.Click here to download our wedding cruise checklist.
Booking ahead will ensure that you get the cruise ship of your choice, convenient departure port, wedding times, group dining times, cabin locations and cabin types.
What should you read next?
Click here for additional wedding cruise tips.