2015 Brides!

[mrstriceasnice]

We sent out invitations only. I sent them out in February for a wedding g in January 2015. Of course we are only inviting our friends to cruise with us. Our wedding is embarkation day and only parents, siblings, and my children so we don't really need to do a lot. Of course everything I read says that is bad etiquette but I am not worried about it. It's your wedding, do whatever is going to make you happy in the end.

[laycj18]

I just thought of a great (or what I think is a great) idea...however I don't know if anyone would notice - so would it be worth the hassle? How awesome would it be to send my STD cards to Ket West to have them hand canceled?! I'm sorry, I'm just crazy, ecstatic with wedding ideas right now. :D

[DustinandStacy2015]

We made a final decision! We will be cruising on the Carnival Victory to Key West and Cozumel from Aug 27-31, 2015! We will be getting married in Key West, with a reception back on the ship.

 

I have a question about invitations - and I know this is completely against etiquette, but are actual invitations necessary? I just ordered our Save the Date cards and we have a website for people to reference for information about the trip and booking. We will be sending out the STD cards as soon as we get them, so people will be receiving them 14 months in advance. I was thinking, is it really necessary to send out an invitation? We have a group booking, so I am considering someone's booking as their RSVP - why is it necessary for me to send out the same information with an RSVP card to send back when nearly everyone who is going to travel with us will be booked by then? Maybe I am missing something here....if I am please enlighten me. :confused:

 

 

We have discussed this very thing..... We sent out the Save the Dates and we loved them. They were kinda spendy so we weren't sure about the Invitations. We have a website as well and keep referring people to it (on the STD's as well. ) We know its a small enough group going and we keep in contact with them quite frequently that invitations are just unnecessary. It would just be proving what we already know. However we might send out just a reminder post card or something similar just to get final, final answers. I don't know, it is hard to decide.

[mrstriceasnice]

We know its a small enough group going and we keep in contact with them quite frequently that invitations are just unnecessary. It would just be proving what we already know. However we might send out just a reminder post card or something similar just to get final, final answers. I don't know, it is hard to decide.

 

There is some information you need for the guest list that makes an RSVP nice. Here is the RSVPs we are sending out this month to the few we invited. We are doing it in advance because if they are not planning to attend then we can give their slot to someone else and it will also allow us to not pay for as many extras since the wedding package we chose is for 8 people including us and then $34.50 per person after that number.

For added Security RSVP.docx

[Jeads323]

Hello All!

 

Me and my fiancé are getting married in St. Thomas during our Carnival Valor cruise. I decided to use an on island wedding planner because it was cheaper and I HATED the locations that were available on the ship for the wedding. I wish all ladies happy planning and I can't wait to talk to all of you!

 

Jamie

[leruskin]

My date is 12/8/15 Carnival Liberty in St. Thomas...choosing on island wedding planner now because Carnival gives you NO options for the same price I am finding. You can always buy wedding insurance if you are worried about missing a port. I think $4000 was like $200. Just so I can sleep better knowing I get my money back if something crazy happens!

[laycj18]

There is some information you need for the guest list that makes an RSVP nice. Here is the RSVPs we are sending out this month to the few we invited. We are doing it in advance because if they are not planning to attend then we can give their slot to someone else and it will also allow us to not pay for as many extras since the wedding package we chose is for 8 people including us and then $34.50 per person after that number.

 

I LOVE your RSVPs! They're so fun! I think I have decided that invitations and RSVPs may be necessary for some cruise brides, but not me. Our wedding will be in Key West, so anyone attending the wedding will be a sailing guest - so no need to provide a guest list/information to the cruise line. And although we will be having a reception back on the ship (for 20 people plus an additional charge for each addition guest) I don't need to keep track of that number; if we have 50 guests booked under our group by the time we sail then so be it. I will regularly check to see how many guests have booked, but it's not that much of a concern that I am going to request RSVP cards.

 

That being said, we have decided to not send out regular invitations for the wedding; STDs will be enough.

[cat29]

Hey...yes St Thomas requires you apply 60 days early. I'm not using Carnival for the wedding. My planner has the forms online to fill out and return to her and she'll submit them for me. All we'll have to do is go by the courthouse before the ceremony and get our license. The minister will take the signed forms back for us afterwards and we'll get the final papers in the mail. I found using an island planner was much less expensive and I could get a more personalized ceremony than using Carnival's. There was also a much more extensive list of location options.

[JazzFest]

My fiance and I are extremely excited to be getting married onboard the Caribbean Princess on February 27th, 2015. That was the ship where he first told me he loved me three years ago!

 

We have chosen a four day cruise to Grand Turk. The ship leaves Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, and our wedding is the first sea day (with reception). Saturday we are in Turks and Caicos, and then Sunday is another sea day which also coincides with his birthday so we'll have a cocktail party to celebrate.

 

The process has been easy so far. The most frustrating part is just getting people to book already!! He and I have some procrastinator friends, so I hope they get their act together before the final booking date.

 

Glad to have found this board! And congrats to all the other brides!

 

Anyone else have any experience doing a wedding cruise on Princess?

Edited June 9, 2014 by JazzFest

[JazzFest]

I just thought of a great (or what I think is a great) idea...however I don't know if anyone would notice - so would it be worth the hassle? How awesome would it be to send my STD cards to Ket West to have them hand canceled?! I'm sorry, I'm just crazy, ecstatic with wedding ideas right now. :D

 

Hi Lacey,

 

I work in Key West. I would be happy to help out a fellow cruise bride and drop your Save-the-Dates off at the KW post office if you'd like. :)

[DustinandStacy2015]

There is so much insight here I love it! What Island weddings companies did you guys look into for on beach ceremonies?

 

 

Here is our Save The Dates! We are still undecided as well if we want to send out invites.

[PSRCPA]

Hi All! I've decided to jump onboard and start reading and learning....there is so much information on these boards :)

 

We have chosen the Carnival Liberty, November 7, 2015 sailing, and getting married on St Thomas at Lime Tree Beach; putting it all in the hands of Carnival and their on island vendor, Royal Ocean Events. I've had a conversation with both and today feel comfortable....today that is ;)

 

We are also having the 2 hour reception onboard after the wedding. We will have friends and family joining us....as many as 40.

 

I'm a "mature" bride....not our first time, and both widowed.

 

Looking forward to getting to know everyone and sharing ideas!

[hazelkitten819]

I love all the information that is available on this thread!!! My fiance and I are getting married May 7, 2015 on the Carnival Fantasy. We chose this ship because we wanted a short destination cruise (4days, Nassau) and it was within driving distance for my family members on/in the East Coast/Midwest that are averse to flying.

 

I know the ship is older than a lot of the cruise ships I've been on, but I'm more of a "life is what you make it" kinda person. I have to admit though, some of these reviews are making me really nervous about this ship. :eek:

 

I'm still very excited nonetheless, and looking forward to chatting with everyone on this thread!! Congratulations again to everyone! :)

[jennip]

We are getting married 4/18/15 on the Carnival Victory in Miami. I can't wait!

[laycj18]

Hi Lacey,

 

I work in Key West. I would be happy to help out a fellow cruise bride and drop your Save-the-Dates off at the KW post office if you'd like. :)

 

How sweet of you to offer to do that!! I will PM you and let you know if we would like for you to do this....like I said it's a special touch but don't know if our guests would even notice, so there's some thinking to do. Also, I'm wondering if the PO in Key West would actually hand cancel them, so more research on my part is due. Thank you again and I'll be in touch!

[laycj18]

Our STD cards came. I absolutely love them! They are postcards with more info and the addy to our website on the back. Now, the daunting task of addressing them all; we are sending out about 85 of them.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[arwerth]

Hi Everyone!

 

I"m new on these boards and have lots of questions that I think I am annoying my travel agent with, lol.

 

We are getting married on January 3rd aboard the Carnival Glory. We are expecting between 40-50 guests, about 30 that will sail with us! I am trying to come up with a few things to customize it and really make it our day and working on those small details right now. Sticking with the "nautical theme". Right now the only idea that I am set on is a round bouy/life saver guest book. :)

 

Working on centerpiece ideas right now so if any of you have started thinking about that and have ideas, please let me know!!

[arwerth]

Also just wanted to say that so far my biggest tip is to get a travel agent that specializes in cruises. Not only do you not have to pay (they take their cut from the cruise companies) but you also get a kick back of a generous sum of a couple hundred dollars with every few bookings. We were going to do a group booking number through Carnival but decided against it when we found this out. OH and all of your guests get a few gifts at no cost to you (bottle of wine, on board credit, tote bags, etc).

 

I really like mine if anyone wants her number. :)

 

My questions-

 

- Is it true that I can't bring any candles on for wedding decor?

- With the "let's celebrate BIG" package with carnival, are there tables for people to sit at or just high top cocktail tables?

- Are any of you doing place card/ escort cards?

- Can I bring my own wedding cake toppers?

- If I Do make my our reception decor when will there be time to set it all up??

 

Ok, I think that's it for now :)

[mrstriceasnice]

 

 

My questions-

 

- Is it true that I can't bring any candles on for wedding decor?

This is very true. Fire on a ship is not something they want to risk.

 

- With the "let's celebrate BIG" package with carnival, are there tables for people to sit at or just high top cocktail tables?

This will totally depend on the location of your reception and what that area has to offer

 

 

- Can I bring my own wedding cake toppers?

Yes, you give it to your coordinator before the ceremony and usually the chefs will put it on for you.

 

- If I Do make my our reception decor when will there be time to set it all up??

you would have to have one of your guests prepared to set it all up for you.

 

...

[laycj18]

Hi laides! How is everyone's planning going? I called to book our cruise on Thursday. We already have 10 guests booked! I never imagined when we decided to have a cruise wedding that so many people would choose to travel with us; we are anticipating about 50 guests.

 

We've made one substantial change in our plans as well. We have decided not to have a reception. We weighed several options (on the ship, off the ship, in the next port, etc...) and we decided that it's just something we are going to skip. We are not skipping this all together - we have always planned on having a reception at home once we get back, so that is the only reception we will be having. We feel that this way everyone can enjoy their vacation more and not be tied down by constantly partaking in wedding events. I know this is our wedding....but I also feel that it is as much our guests' vacation and I want them to be able to enjoy themselves and their time away from home/responsibilities. At first I thought it was rude of us but I've talked to several friends/guests and they all have supported our choice.

 

SO, we will be having the wedding and cake "ceremony" in Key West, we will also be renting a trolley (or probably 2!) to shuttle our guests from the ship to the wedding, and then on a tour of the city, and back to Duval St., where we will commence and unofficial pub crawl back to the ship; casual and very island-esque, perfect.

 

I hope planning is going well for everyone! Tomorrow's task for me is to address our STD cards and get them out in the mail. I can feel some writers cramp coming on just thinking about it. :-)

[grooveynurse]

Hey everyone! We just booked our wedding today for 3/27/15 on the Carnival Liberty! DustinandStacy2015- that is just before your date. Have you guys gone on a tour. I would love for us to get down there and take a tour of the ship. Since we just booked today, I have not even been in contact with a wedding planner yet, hopefully she will contact me soon. I am currently looking for save the dates to send out:)

 

I look forward to chatting with you ladies over the next several months :)

[DustinandStacy2015]

Hey everyone! We just booked our wedding today for 3/27/15 on the Carnival Liberty! DustinandStacy2015- that is just before your date. Have you guys gone on a tour. I would love for us to get down there and take a tour of the ship. Since we just booked today, I have not even been in contact with a wedding planner yet, hopefully she will contact me soon. I am currently looking for save the dates to send out:)

 

I look forward to chatting with you ladies over the next several months :)

 

 

YAY! We are not setting up a tour on the ship for a few reasons. 1. We did the same itinerary in 2012 and we liked 2/3 port stops. and 2. We want the ship itself to be kind of a surprise. The fiance thinks it would be fun this way! :) I agree. We are still up in the air on which vendor to book with. The licensing is so confusing in the Bahamas ( we get the general 24 hour rule) but with Carnival it just seems the packages aren't as good and you need to pay it all up front. Certain on Island vendors allow you to pay certain portions and they take care of your license for you so you just show up. There is so many choices and I just got back yesterday from being a Bridesmaid in a friends wedding in Las Vegas so now it's go time for me. We were just waiting to get back to really break everything down. So far we sent out the STD's (I posted them a few posts back) and we have booked our room (Aft View Extended Balcony) Now the next stop is to figure out the vendor and what we want for a reception. The hardest part is, there are so many options!!! I have added a few of you as friends on here so hopefully we can really start venting to each other! It will all be here before we know it!

[arwerth]

So where are you all in the planning process?

 

So far we have sent out our save the dates and set up a facebook group that has been super super helpful. It has helped get people excited about the cruise and is just another place for people to get information about it other than our wedding website.

 

We currently have 25 people for sure going on the cruise and around 10 confirmed non-cruising. We are thinking it will be around 50 total once everyone confirms but we aren't getting married until January so there's a little bit of time still.

 

I SO wish we lived close enough to tour the boat and attend someone's wedding from afar like people have talked about but we live in Chicago so that isn't really possible :( I've loved reading other's reviews though!

[mrstriceasnice]

We are having just our parents, siblings, and children at the ceremony. So instead of save the dates I simply sent invitations to cruise out to everyone except those people. I am getting ready to address and mail our RSVP packages for our parents so they have plenty of time to get the information back to us. We had our engagement party this weekend, the wedding is paid for, cruise is almost paid for.

We are in Indianapolis, IN so not close enough to tour either without taking a trip. However I was fortunate enough to find a website with a lot of recent interior pictures of our ship including the most likely site for our wedding.

[grooveynurse]

So where are you all in the planning process?

 

So far we have sent out our save the dates and set up a facebook group that has been super super helpful. It has helped get people excited about the cruise and is just another place for people to get information about it other than our wedding website.

 

We currently have 25 people for sure going on the cruise and around 10 confirmed non-cruising. We are thinking it will be around 50 total once everyone confirms but we aren't getting married until January so there's a little bit of time still.

 

I SO wish we lived close enough to tour the boat and attend someone's wedding from afar like people have talked about but we live in Chicago so that isn't really possible :( I've loved reading other's reviews though!

 

We booked our cabin (Ocean Suite) and have ordered our Save The Dates. As soon as they come in, I will be sending them out. I have also started a website on the knot.

 

We chose a cruise wedding because it will be MUCH easier to plan. I can't imagine all the planning that goes into a traditional wedding as I feel that we have a lot of work to get done. Atleast we have time :)

 

dustinandstacy2015- You are SO lucky to have so many people cruising with you. I would love for all of my close people to come with us, but that is just not going to happen. We do have atleast 3 cabins going, but none of them are confirmed yet :( We too almost went with an aft wrap balcony, but decided the extra room for getting ready would be awesome....and we prefer being midship anyways.