Carnival Liberty Wedding Review - "Let Us Serve You"

[AprilBride2016]

NOTE: I will also be posting photos, OOT Bag info, decorations and other stuff in this thread. This is just an overview to begin with...

 

We got married on Carnival Liberty in Galveston on April 23, 2016 and chose the "Let Us Serve You" package. Most of us are in our 40's-60's so the dancing/disco wasn't a big pull. We preferred a sit down meal and it was a perfect choice for us. We had 61 RSVPs (which included 2 under age 7 that were free and 4 under age 12 that were discounted). 5 of our guests cancelled at the last minute. 19 total sailed with us (half friends, half family).

 

Firstly, this forum was a HUGE help in preparing for this wedding. We had never been to a cruise wedding and had no idea what to expect. My advice would be to search, read, research, ask questions and read some more! Start planning early - we started in September for an April wedding and really cut it short on time.

 

We went with the basic package as far as decorations and flowers go. Bouquet, Boutonniere, Aisle Runner, 2 columns with flowers, cake, etc. The only upgrade was a purple orchid boutonniere for my Dad and a long stem purple orchid for my Mom. If you haven't gotten the outline from Carnival yet, go on their website and they have all of their wedding packages and descriptions available. We chose the package we wanted and had a couple of dates picked out before calling. Because we wanted to have our ceremony on a Saturday, the 5-Day cruise was our only option - it worked out though as a 4-Day wouldn't be long enough and a 7-Day too long. The destination wasn't as important as the date - we made the destinations work for us by choosing awesome excursions.

 

Most of our family/friends came from Houston but many chose to stay in Galveston the Friday night before the wedding for convenience. I definitely recommend that as I-45 traffic can be quite iffy and your guests might be late getting to port. My nail appointment was on Friday afternoon but I should have made it Friday morning as I was rushed for time and couldn't get the French manicure on my toes like I wanted. So, do your nails early Friday and they will still look good for your ceremony. Saturday morning you only have time for make up and hair before heading to the port.

 

Since many of us were already on the island Friday, we planned a Friday Night Dinner at Fisherman's Wharf to kick off the celebration. We reserved The Wharf Room upstairs (seats 50) - we had exactly 50. The food was AMAZING! Everyone commented on how great it was. We also ordered champagne for everyone and had a toast. The room has its own bathrooms for your guests and a great patio overlooking the Tall Ship Elisa. Fantastic choice! Many of our guests were able to go ahead and sign our "Guest Book" and leave cards/messages for us so they didn't have to do that on the ship Saturday. Some guests couldn't make it to the ceremony Saturday so they Friday dinner option was great for them. Some didn't come Friday but did come Saturday... some did both.

 

The morning of the wedding: My hair/make up appointment was at 6:45am. They opened the spa early for me (extra $30 charge). I HIGHLY recommend getting your hair & make up done professionally if you can. The pictures came out great! I even got the eyelash extensions (that I never wear) and am so glad I did! They came off right after the ceremony! :) After my spa appointment Saturday morning, I had just enough time to change into my pre-wedding outfit and head to the port.

 

Because there were 2 ships unloading, it was CRAZY at the port that morning. We dropped off our checked luggage, drove a bit further up to the entrance/check in and unloaded all of the carry-on items we had. I stayed with the carry-on's and waiting outside for guests to arrive while hubby took the car over to the parking area and walked back. We had a LOT of boxes with decorations for the ceremony and had a group of people lined up to help us get them all through security. Each box has to be smaller than 16" X 24" to get through the scanner so I went with banker boxes because they have handles and are easy to carry. IMPORTANT: If your guests arrive before you and go into the building... they cannot come back out to help you carry your boxes! We learned this the hard way. Thankfully, someone from Carnival security let a few of them come back out to carry some of our boxes back in with them. It was an added stressor you don't want. Tell everyone to wait outside for you to arrive if you need help like we did.

 

Once we got inside, my DH and I met with the officiant and 2 coordinators. I handed them my timeline, copy of our guest list and the instructions for decorating the rooms (which included photos). I had lots of volunteers/family/friends assigned to each room as well as a few assigned to help me in my cabin. Everyone knew where they needed to be and what they were doing before we got there. We went over everything with the Carnival reps and then they started instructing our guests on what was going to happen next. The officiant took charge of the ceremony room, one coordinator took the dining room and the other was in charge of getting me to my cabin and directing guests. The only problem was that in the rush to get me and the groom to board first, several of the carry on bags I needed for my cabin got delivered to other rooms (even though they were clearly labeled with my cabin number). When I got to the cabin, I had to call around looking for the bags/boxes and then wait for them to arrive before getting ready (my shoes, jewelry, hairpiece, veil, etc. were inside). We had requested another cabin be opened for the groom to get ready - so, once we got onboard, I didn't see him again until I walked down the aisle with my Dad. It was perfect!

 

While in my cabin, I had a friend embellish my bouquet with some silk flowers, a picture of my Father that has passed and bling for the stem. So glad I did that - it turned out great. My nephew came in and took some pics of us getting ready then headed to the Grooms cabin to capture his preparation experience. Those are great! However... a lot of the photos were blurry - choose someone that is really good with a camera and familiar with the camera they are using. There could have been a lot more great shots of this part of the day. Mom buttoned my dress and my niece touched up my hair. I did a little make up touch ups and that was it.

 

I had my little brother roaming around the ship with his GoPro taking pictures of everyone decorating the rooms and pics of what the guests were doing while waiting for the ceremony to start. I haven't seen these pics yet but am sure they are great! The Carnival photographer & videographer came in while I was getting ready and while it was a distraction for me personally, I am glad they did. The photos they took and especially the video footage was great! Don't ask questions, just do the poses they suggest and trust they know what they are doing. I didn't understand their fascination with my shoes but it all came together when I saw the video. :)

 

When it was time, my coordinator led me to the ceremony. My niece was with me taking pictures of me walking down the hallways - and another dear friend holding my purse so all I had was my bouquet - great shots! When I got there, my Mom, Dad, ring bearer and flower girl were waiting outside the Cabinet Room (where we had our ceremony). The groom was at the alter waiting with the Officiant. They started the music and 15 minutes later... it was all done! Super quick but absolutely BEAUTIFUL! The poem and prayer we chose, the Remembrance Ceremony, the vows, ring exchange - was all from Carnival's choices. None were custom. All were perfect!

 

We walked back down the isle together as husband & wife and out of the door. Waited for a moment and then came back in for a group photo with everyone. All non-family members went to the dining room and we stayed for pics with family. Then the family members went to the dining room and we took some pictures of just the two of us.

 

Entering the dining room... We were on the upper level with all of our guests seated below. The officiant announced us as Mr. & Mrs. ____ and we walked down the staircase together. It was amazing! And made for a great photo! We immediately headed to the cake for photos and our toast, then were seated for our 4-Course lunch. We had to wait a bit for the food but it gave me time to walk around and say hello to people. In between each course, I got up and went to another table to talk to people and thank them for coming. There would be no time for this after the lunch is served. The photographer went around capturing candid shots of our guests and as did the videographer. DEFINITELY get the video! You have to pre-book that so do it early as they only have one per ship and if there is another wedding that day, he/she might already be taken.

 

I had asked the coordinators to give me a 15 minute warning before they started to direct our guests to the exit so I could get my volunteers to pick up the decorations. They had to be carted off the ship by exiting non-sailing guests. I also wanted to say goodbye to everyone. This whole part of the day is a blur. The next thing I remember is the photographer grabbing me and the groom for more photos. She took us around the ship and got some great shots!

 

However... I had typed up a list of photos I absolutely wanted to have and had given that to the photographer in my cabin earlier. It had sample photos I had found in my hours and hours of research. She still wanted to do what she wanted and I had to keep re-directing her to do what I wanted. This became a HUGE problem towards the end and I got pretty upset about it. I finally had to put my foot down and tell her to follow me - refusing to stop for anything else she had on her list. I am so glad I did as the last few photos are some of my favorites! Be firm! You will pay a LOT of money for these photos and you should get what you want. The photo package we got cost more than the wedding! They cost more than the cruise! Demand what you want.

 

Once all of the photos were done, we headed to our cabin to change out of our wedding clothes. I saw some reviews that said photos were taken after Muster but that was not our experience. I was quite done with our photographer at that point and she seemed to have something else to do anyway. The videographer had parted from us earlier to do another "job". Everyone else was already at their Muster station and we changed as quickly as we could (the stewards kept knocking on our door to hurry us along). I am so glad we did change as it was very hot out there and even being the last ones to arrive (they were already doing the count)... we still stood out there for a long time.

 

After Muster, we went back to our cabin and I wanted to lay down for a little bit. I didn't wake up until 10:30pm that night when my new husband came in from the casino. We went to the pizza place, got some ice cream and went back to the cabin... back to bed. I really needed the sleep since I had gotten very little sleep the 2 weeks prior to the cruise. I had missed the sail away, dinner and all of the evening events with our group. So, my advice is to get everything done days before the cruise, rest good BEFORE so you can enjoy every minute onboard!

 

More to come...

[AprilBride2016]

I got the Save The Date's, Envelopes and Stamps on Zazzle. The envelopes didn't have enough glue on the back so I had to get a glue stick and swipe each one, let it dry and then feed it through the printer. Love the boarding pass type Save the Date and the stamps... but wouldn't recommend the envelopes.

 

For our invitations, we went with Messages in a Bottle. Everyone LOVED them although a couple didn't know there was an actual message (our invitation) inside until we told them. LOL. We ordered the kits which included everything we needed (including the shipping boxes) on Invitationsinabottle.com. I threw a little party at my house and we had a blast making these. Then another day was spent printing labels and putting the postage on. I put a tracking label on each that I got from the post office so I could see that all of them were delivered.

[AprilBride2016]

I bought the backpacks on Amazon. We went with Purple & White as they are 2 of our wedding colors. They came 2ct per order. We got extras for family that came to the wedding but couldn't cruise with us. Everything inside except the mugs and blankets were also ordered on Amazon. I just googled travel size items and chose the ones I wanted. The blankets were ordered from an online vendor as well as the mugs. We boxed up the backpacks and labeled for Guest Services. I had called Carnival before the cruise and already paid to have them delivered to everyone's cabin ($1 per cabin). Once we got through security, a couple of our volunteers dropped them off with a list of cabin numbers and the receipt for payment. Each bag also had a tag with the cabin number. Everyone LOVED them. Our Welcome Cards were also delivered to the cabins. The lanyards were great and the cruise kits came in handy. I don't think anyone used the blanket but the cups were a big hit! Some guests walked off and left theirs at a bar onboard so you might want to take a few extra just in case that happens.

[AprilBride2016]

I ordered these through Amazon. The photo said the printed anchor on the front was dark blue but it is purple. My colors were blue & purple so it didn't matter. I sent a photo and email to the FavorWarehouse but they never responded. I used them anyway and they worked out great. I stuffed them with white lifesavers and put one in each plate in the dining room. The lifesavers were purchased in 5 lb bags off Amazon.

 

For another favor, I made little Message in the Bottles for our guests with their table number on the tag. I printed famous inspirational quotes and put those inside. The print on the tag was a bit small and a lot of our guests were up in age so I glued a bunch of shells to a magnifying glass and left it on the table with the bottles. We had a small table set up in the dining room for these (requested by me to Carnival Weddings prior to ceremony). Everyone read their message while waiting for our food to be served. They were a hit and went along great with the theme and other bottles with messages: Invitations & Guest Wish Bottle (I will cover later in the thread).

 

My attachments are not loading for some reason so I will try another way to share the photos.

[Shemicdes]

Do you have any photos of the wedding & luncheon. I'd love to see them.

[violetmoon1979]

Hi!

 

Thanks for the review! Love the invitations and the gift baggies! Still haven't decided if I'm going to do that for mine. LOL I'm lazy and cheap.

 

Hoping to see more pics!

 

Isabel

[Chirp_96]

Who did you have do your hair and makeup?

[AprilBride2016]

Who did you have do your hair and makeup?

 

I got it done at the Spa at Hotel Galvez. Amazing job! Very pleased with the outcome. I showed her a pic of my dress and the hair piece and let her do her thing!

[Chirp_96]

They opened up for you that early with only a small fee? I looked into them, didn't call because their salon hours start at nine. That's great info if they are willing to open up that early! Thank you

[AprilBride2016]

They opened up for you that early with only a small fee? I looked into them, didn't call because their salon hours start at nine. That's great info if they are willing to open up that early! Thank you

 

Yep! I went on Friday for a mani/pedi and met the make up/hair gal. I had a 7am appointment but she said I could come as early as 6:45am. I was there at 7 and got out of there by 9am. Went up to our room to change, checked out and was at the ship before 10am. I would plan on buying the lipstick they use so you will have it for touch ups. It cost $18 but I don't know it that is all of them or just the one she used for me. I'll post pics soon.

[Chirp_96]

I would love to see pics and possibly the name of the stylist that worked with you!

[AprilBride2016]

I believe her name was Denise. She was great! Unfortunately, I am having a hard time attaching pics. I sent a request to help on here and they told me it is a problem they know about but cannot fix. I am trying to find another alternative to share all of the pics on here and will do as soon as I can!

[Augustbride2016]

Hey there, I am new on these boards, but wondering if anybody knows where a good place to get Jair and makeup done in Galveston,TX? I have my wedding set for Sunday, Aug. 21, (Carnival Breeze), and being from Michigan I have no idea what the salons down there are like. I have had problems with also finding any that are open early on Sunday mornings.

Any advice?

Thanks!

[phabric]

Enjoyed reading about your wedding with all the details.

[AprilBride2016]

I got mine done at Hotel Galvez. We stayed there Friday night as our ship sailed on Saturday. They opened the spa early for me (6:45am) and I was at the port at 9:30am. There was an extra $30 charge to open early. The girl that did my make up was Denise. I also got my mani-pedi done that Friday afternoon so they were fresh. LOVED the outcome and got lots of compliments. Also, the pics turned out GREAT!