DodgingRaindrops

I'll still have to pack it because I'd have nowhere to store it after the reception.

That is a good point about the stranger piece. I guess I just wanted to wear it for more than 4 hours.

I was planning on a carnival cruise wedding until I saw the pricing went up (I see they changed the packages again but oh well) so instead we will be getting married in the morning with a brief 2 hour reception afterwards and then us and our families will go on a four day cruise. I was planning on wearing my dress all day but my mom thinks I should change after the reception to maybe a white dress to wear for boarding the ship and the rest of the day. Did anyone get married off board and still wear their dress? Or did anyone wear their dress all day in general? Thanks

First, I would like to say I'm glad that I found these boards so long ago they have been a lifeline. I started considering a cruise wedding back in Dec 2015 and this year (2016) we decided on a Dec 2018 wedding we were just waiting for the dates to be posted. The dates have been posted and I was excited to book the wedding package in February with tax refunds but this morning I looked on here and saw a comment about happy that they purchased because of the recent changing in carnival pricing. I went to the brochure and sure enough saw how crazy everything is. Previously, it was $2500 with food and alcohol included, now those are separate and on tiers. After some calculations, it's about an additional $1000 for my group. I just don't see the value in it anymore for a 1 hour reception. What on earth is that $2500 going to? At least, lower than price. I'm now considering other options with this as my honeymoon cruise but alas, I'm sad.

https://www.carnival.com/~/media/CCLUS/Images/pdf/Weddingspricelist.pdf

Ouch! That's good to know about the Montana flights. I didn't even think about that. I was primarily focusing on flights from Seattle to Florida because that's the airport we're closest to. That's def. something for them to think about as well, if they haven't already.

That's funny that our families are from/near the same geographic location.

11 days seems like so much fun. Where does it head to?

Wow... an 11 day cruise! Thats awesome!! We actually didnt have much choice on number of days and ship size out of Tampa, so we ended up with a 5 day. I felt the price point was better for those who wanted to come along too. Can I ask what the pricing looks like for that cruise?

 

I personally think you should do what makes YOU happy for your wedding. I can understand some family being perturbed but if they cant come it is what it is. I went to Vegas for my first wedding to my ex.... I got backlash from friends for that and a lot of negative comments. Didnt let it get me down though because I did what I wanted.

 

Kinda happy Im doing this one a little more the right way....it all feels more real and right.

 

Let me know if you find anything good on zazzle...Im attaching what I think we are going to do for ours... we kinda have the whole anchor thing going. Basically because of the cruise but also because he was a Navy Chief. :)

Your save the dates are cute! The ones I have in mind are luggage tags, I found on etsy.

Congrats to the both of you. I will be right along with you. I'm booked on NCL March 6th 2018. Our wedding will be in St Thomas through Island Bliss. I know 2 years seems so far, but I have this feeling it's going to fly by. Have either of you told friends and family yet? If so, how were their reactions?

<3 Crystal

Yes, we told our families back in December so they could start thinking about it now since we live pretty far from Florida. New England for my side, Washington/Montana for his side. They were pretty understanding and excited for us. I think giving them such a heads up in advance, doesn't allow for much upset. We're thinking a 4-5 day cruise so people won't have to take too much time off work.

I feel weird starting this so early, but it is what it is. I just got engaged last week on board the Carnival Fantasy and we just booked a Grand Suite last night on the Carnival Paradise on 4/28/2018 for our wedding cruise! I really wanted to do a bigger ship but we live near Tampa and it just made sense.

 

I know I have over 2 years to wait and plan... But I can't help myself... Found some awesome "message in a bottle" invites already I ordered samples of. Sigh...such a long wait... I hope I'm not the only one waiting so long.

Congratulations on your engagement! I will also be a 2018 bride. I've been exploring these boards to get ideas since Dec but I still have a long wayssss to go as well since our cruise dates aren't even posted yet lol. I'll be drifting around the board in the meantime and hopefully this time next year my cruise & wedding will be booked :)

I asked this question yesterday and was told that the reception is right after the ceremony. My daughter is getting married in St. Thomas. I was hoping to arranged transportation to take her around the island for pictures after the ceremony and before the reception, but was told this wasn't possible if we booked the onboard reception.

 

If anyone finds out anything different, please let me know.

Yes. That is exactly what I have learned.

Did you find the answer to your question?

I found most answers to my questions. Thanks!

Thanks this was helpful!

Hello,

I'm not sure if you're still checking your messages but what was the timeline for the day?

Ceremony time? Reception time?

Thanks!

Hi all!

I just recently started reading this board and it has been so helpful so far! I've tried searching for more information but I haven't seen anything regarding my questions so I thought I'd ask.

For the time to celebrate big package, if I wanted to get married onshore could I have the reception much later so that we could enjoy time on the island or do we have to immediately return to the ship?

Is the steakhouse the only restaurant you can buy out? For instance, if I wanted to do the Italian restaurant is that possible? Could I just do a large group booking? I would expect around 40 sailing guests.

Thanks for your help :)