Tip: Tying the Knot at Sea...How fun!! When the going gets
tough, the tough get going. Anytime wedding planning gets overwhelming,
there are always more alternatives. We talked about destination
weddings. Now let's take it a step further and think about a Wedding
at Sea.
Cruise
Ships are a great place to spend your honeymoon so why not start
all your details with a vacation in mind--sounds like alot more
fun than wedding planning. Increasingly, couples are opting for
the convenience and cost savings that shipboard weddings can provide.
There are companies that specialize in Weddings on Cruise Ships.
You, of course, book your cruise for your particular destination
and before casting off, you can host guests at a reception with
an open bar and disc jockey. Perhaps the best thing of all is that
you don't have to do the planning.
Typically cruise ship weddings take place in port--onboard in a
library, lounge, or chapel; or shoreside on a Caribbean Beach, a
Hawaiian Volcano, even an Alaskan Glacier. Many take place on embarkation
day so the couple's family and friends can attend before the newlyweds
sail off into the sunset together.
Some
cruise ships can have the captain perform the ceremony at sea thanks
to a special arrangements on certain ships and at certain locations
Whether on the waves or in port, cruise ship weddings can make
lasting memories. Some are arranged with your guests sharing your
cruise with you. It feels like it extends the wedding to last longer
without you doing all the work.
A basic package includes recorded music, a bridal bouquet and boutonniere,
a small cake, a bottle of champagne, a photographer, and the services
of a wedding coordinator and a legal officiant. Most cruise ship
nuptials are preformed by civil officiants or nondenominational
ministers.
What's not included? The voyage itself and the marriage license.
The couple must obtain a license at the port where the service is
to be performed, which could require flying to the embarkation city
a couple of days before the ship sails.
Lines advise booking a minimum of three months, but preferably
six months, before sailing.
Lots of ideas and fun times await you when you are planning a wedding.
Think it thru and select your style.
