Destination wedding ideas

[amc80]

Hi folks! Nope, not engaged...just waiting for the bf to get the money for the ring...which will probably happen in the next few months.

We have already started discussing possible wedding locations. We know we want it to be a destination wedding. A cruise wedding on Oasis/Allure of the Seas (new maga ships) is probably our #1 choice because we love cruising and really want to check out this ship. But, because the ships are new, they are pretty expensive (trying to be considerate to guests). I also don't want to have to work with the cruise line's wedding department, because they consistently get bad reviews. This is still our #1 choice though, unless we come up with an alternative.

Here are some factors to consider:

1) We would really like an international location.
2) No place ridiculously expensive (like Maui).
3) I love Sandals (which can be reasonable if you get a good deal), but they don't allow kids. A few if my best friends will have babies that will need to make the trip. But I'm not looking for a place that specifically markets itself to families.
4) Would prefer to not do it in Mexico. We just aren't big fans.
5) Not concerned about the random requirements some countries have- we would probably do the paperwork here at home, so the ceremony wouldn't need to be legal.
6) An all-inclusive would be ideal.
7) We aren't really looking for a full on reception, but I would like to host a dinner for all of the guests. We don't need dancing or things like that.
It doesn't need to be somewhere beachy- somewhere like Ireland or Scotland would be amazing.

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[JerseyGrl81]

I got married in Bermuda. We also love cruising so we sailed there on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas! It was a blast. We wanted a full reception so we planned our wedding at one of the hotels in Bermuda. The cruise we went on docked in Bermuda overnight so it worked out well for us. From what you are describing for what you want for your wedding I don't think you will have a problem using the cruise line's wedding department as long as you are willing to be flexible. You tell them which port you want to get married and the type of reception you like and pretty much they take care of the rest. I had a friend who got married in the Bahamas and had their wedding planned through NCL. They got off the boat had transportation to the beach, got married there, and had a cake and champagne toast on the beach. Later that night they hosted a dinner for all their guests in one of the specialty restaurants. Depending on when you travel you can get some very good deals on cruises now. Good luck with your planning and let me know if I can be of any further help Also where do you live? Just to get an idea of what you will need to pay for airfare.

 

[amc80]

I got married in Bermuda. We also love cruising so we sailed there on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas! It was a blast. We wanted a full reception so we planned our wedding at one of the hotels in Bermuda. The cruise we went on docked in Bermuda overnight so it worked out well for us. From what you are describing for what you want for your wedding I don't think you will have a problem using the cruise line's wedding department as long as you are willing to be flexible. You tell them which port you want to get married and the type of reception you like and pretty much they take care of the rest. I had a friend who got married in the Bahamas and had their wedding planned through NCL. They got off the boat had transportation to the beach, got married there, and had a cake and champagne toast on the beach. Later that night they hosted a dinner for all their guests in one of the specialty restaurants. Depending on when you travel you can get some very good deals on cruises now. Good luck with your planning and let me know if I can be of any further help Also where do you live? Just to get an idea of what you will need to pay for airfare.

Thanks for all of the info. I've thought about doing the specialty restaurant thing, I think that would be the way to go. I'm just looking for other, non-cruise alternatives, just so we have some options.

And this is why people elope

BTW- I live in Nevada.

 

[Jessie702]

I got married in Bermuda. We also love cruising so we sailed there on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas! It was a blast. We wanted a full reception so we planned our wedding at one of the hotels in Bermuda. The cruise we went on docked in Bermuda overnight so it worked out well for us. From what you are describing for what you want for your wedding I don't think you will have a problem using the cruise line's wedding department as long as you are willing to be flexible. You tell them which port you want to get married and the type of reception you like and pretty much they take care of the rest. I had a friend who got married in the Bahamas and had their wedding planned through NCL. They got off the boat had transportation to the beach, got married there, and had a cake and champagne toast on the beach. Later that night they hosted a dinner for all their guests in one of the specialty restaurants. Depending on when you travel you can get some very good deals on cruises now. Good luck with your planning and let me know if I can be of any further help Also where do you live? Just to get an idea of what you will need to pay for airfare.

Thanks for all of the info. I've thought about doing the specialty restaurant thing, I think that would be the way to go. I'm just looking for other, non-cruise alternatives, just so we have some options.

And this is why people elope

BTW- I live in Nevada.

AMC, i am in nevada, also, and, if you and most of your guest are from the dry heat like i am, have you thought about trying an alaskan cruise and possibly doing the wedding in a port in Canada. I only ask if you have thought of this because, its international, and is something different. Plus, you would not have to travel far to get to the ship, for instance, if doing an Alaskan Cruise, with stops in Canda, your port you would be leaving from would be LA, whereas if you go somewhere to South America, you would need to travel to either San Diego, Texas or Miami Fl/Fort. Lauderdale...which would save you and the guest money because you wouldnt have to worry so much about a flight and carrying your gown on a flight. Just an idea.... Or have you thought about possibly doing a Cruise to the UK or France, you can also choose one for the Medittarean, which would be so amazing. Also, how long of a cruise are you looking at, which also help decide where.

 

[amc80]

AMC, i am in nevada, also, and, if you and most of your guest are from the dry heat like i am, have you thought about trying an alaskan cruise and possibly doing the wedding in a port in Canada. I only ask if you have thought of this because, its international, and is something different. Plus, you would not have to travel far to get to the ship, for instance, if doing an Alaskan Cruise, with stops in Canda, your port you would be leaving from would be LA, whereas if you go somewhere to South America, you would need to travel to either San Diego, Texas or Miami Fl/Fort. Lauderdale...which would save you and the guest money because you wouldnt have to worry so much about a flight and carrying your gown on a flight. Just an idea.... Or have you thought about possibly doing a Cruise to the UK or France, you can also choose one for the Medittarean, which would be so amazing. Also, how long of a cruise are you looking at, which also help decide where.

I've thought about doing the Alaskan cruise...there are even some that go out of SF which would be really convenient.

Ugh. Another issue is with family members who are unwilling (not necessarily unable) to travel. I know we would have to pay for his parents to go. And honestly, they probably wouldn't even enjoy it all that much. Which, for lack of a better word, sucks.

Now I'm sort of to the point of a quasi-elopement. You know, "we're getting married in 3 weeks in Vegas. Join us. Or don't. Dinner will be on us." That just sounds SO easy. I would be all for an actual elopement, but he's an only child and my brother eloped...so I'd feel bad if my mom didn't get to see either of her kids get married.

 

[Jessie702]

AMC, i am in nevada, also, and, if you and most of your guest are from the dry heat like i am, have you thought about trying an alaskan cruise and possibly doing the wedding in a port in Canada. I only ask if you have thought of this because, its international, and is something different. Plus, you would not have to travel far to get to the ship, for instance, if doing an Alaskan Cruise, with stops in Canda, your port you would be leaving from would be LA, whereas if you go somewhere to South America, you would need to travel to either San Diego, Texas or Miami Fl/Fort. Lauderdale...which would save you and the guest money because you wouldnt have to worry so much about a flight and carrying your gown on a flight. Just an idea.... Or have you thought about possibly doing a Cruise to the UK or France, you can also choose one for the Medittarean, which would be so amazing. Also, how long of a cruise are you looking at, which also help decide where.

I've thought about doing the Alaskan cruise...there are even some that go out of SF which would be really convenient.

Ugh. Another issue is with family members who are unwilling (not necessarily unable) to travel. I know we would have to pay for his parents to go. And honestly, they probably wouldn't even enjoy it all that much. Which, for lack of a better word, sucks.

Now I'm sort of to the point of a quasi-elopement. You know, "we're getting married in 3 weeks in Vegas. Join us. Or don't. Dinner will be on us." That just sounds SO easy. I would be all for an actual elopement, but he's an only child and my brother eloped...so I'd feel bad if my mom didn't get to see either of her kids get married.

Maybe do an elopement wedding, but make it more like a real wedding. There are so many places in Vegas to get married( I live here, i know) and most places are really pretty. A lot of places also will do a wedding package with the reception for cheap. I saw maybe do the elope wedding, but inside of fly down, is it possible to maybe do a carvan with the people you really want to attend, but with a few capable drivers, so you and your FHB can leave from vegas and go on your hooneymoon? I dont know, im just throwing out some ideas. Also, maybe witht he carvan, you can spend some time with your family before the wedding, and it might make it a little more memorable. I think if you did something like this, your mom wont feel so bad, because she will see you get married, and be part of it, and feel include, whereas maybe she wont, if you just elope or even just do a cruise. I dont know, all moms are different. Also, if you did it this way, it wont be like a cruise that may be DAYS longer than if you drive down.

Also, if you do decide on an Alaskan cruise, you can find some pretty good deals.I was looking some up for you, and found a few good deals for 250 per person, depending on the cabin. Good thing about cruises, is everything is included, meals wise, whereas if you do vegas, you still have to pay for food for a few days.

Honestly, you have a few options and choices. Alaskan Cruise deals are good for April and May, and if you want to get married in Vegas, you should avoid July( Super Busy), June and August...those are the hottest months as you know, and i woudl avoid January...its our coldesnt month also( Its going to be 29 on NYE)....just keep me posted on whats going on.

 

[JerseyGrl81]

I don't know how far away you are from a cruise port in California, but one thing to consider is to have your wedding on the ship on the day the ship departs. You would plan it through the cruise line and all your non-sailing guests can come on the ship for your wedding and reception. Then you and your husband go on the cruise to wherever you want and if you want to invite others to sail with you you can. Visit cruisecritic.com and go to the forum for honeymoon and wedding cruises to get a lot of ideas and reviews!