Disney Cruise Brides - Let's Chat about our Weddings/VR's!

[JBeanBunny]

JBeanBunny-

I had my reception in there...I had 59 people. I was afraid of what it would look like as well and it actually was perfect. They would have let me try to squeeze everyone it Outlook since our wedding was on Castaway Cay but I wanted everyone to have room. I have pictures posted on my TR if you want to see what it looked like during the reception. I am SO excited for you. My onboard coordinator was Andy and he was absolutely fantastic! From what he was saying, they switch them around quite a bit.

Lisa

I looked at your pictures, and I agree, it looks good for a reception space... but remember that we're also getting MARRIED onboard, so it will count as both my wedding space AND reception space... I don't exactly know how they're going to pull that off... in my mind, a ceremony is supposed to be very romantic (like in a chapel or on the beach) you know- two sets of chairs and a center aisle... then the reception is set up for a fun and festive "after party" so to speak... So, you were fortunate enough to get married on CC, then you got to join the ship, have your party gathered in D Lounge, then make your grand entrance...

The major difference between CC weddings and onboard weddings is that onboard weddings are only an hour from start (wedding) to finish (end of reception)... So immediately after being pronounced Man & Wife, we'll be cutting our cake and having a champagne toast, then immediately diving into the dances and reception... (I'm not much of a dancer, so that's going to seem like a very awkward transition to me since I'd rather skip that part altogether) With all the gorgeous places on the ship, it just seems like they could find a more romantic setting for a wedding than D-Lounge (Even Evolution would be better, because it's already set up with a dance floor and sound/ light systems). The District Lounge was also very pretty AND has a grand piano... I really would've liked the Outlook, but it's just SUCH a small space and it would be so cramped... Honestly, I would love a quick ceremony in the Atrium, making the grand staircase my 'center aisle'- then I would be perfectly content having a reception in D Lounge!! haha


ahh, I have so many mixed opinions!!! I know that no matter where I end up, it'll be beautiful and I'll be to blissfully happy marrying my DF that I won't even notice the little things that my mind is nit-picking now!

Funny, I was just about to tell her "I think Lisa had her reception in there!" lol It looked really nice for your reception!

JBeanBunny- Anything you can tell me about how the CC wedding timing works would be great! I got a lot of help on that from Lisa's blog already but anything else would be good. Did she say when her turn as coordinator is over? Just curious since I have only 2 months until my wedding if it might be her!

Lisa probably has a LOT more knowledge about CC weddings and their timings than I do, but I can relay what little knowledge I was told and witnessed from afar. Also, the wedding I witnessed had only 6 adults, a child, and a baby, so I'm not sure if any of this changes with a larger party and the addition of bridesmaid(s) and groomsman(/men)...

From what Laura (onboard coord) tells me, they get ready, then collect the wedding party onboard, walk them off the boat all together, then transport them to the ceremony spot over near the water slides and Heads Up Bar (it overlooks the snorkeling area and the boat). Once the groom and party are settled, the pianist will be playing whichever songs you requested (on a keyboard) for the guests. The bride will ride over in the Floral-Decorated "Just Married" Pargo (golf cart) with the coordinator.

Now, since this couple had NO wedding party, Laura wound up acting as the MOH, straightening out the bottom of her dress and veil as she exited the Pargo and walked down the aisle. (She also stepped in a time or two to fix her cathedral length veil that was blowing wildly in the wind) but otherwise she stepped back to let the photographer do his work. (The Bahamian officiant was the same as your officiant, Lisa- so you may remember more than me, since I couldn't hear it that well) The ceremony was pretty short. They way this couple had it, they did welcome to the wedding sort of introduction, then jumped right into the vows. After they pronounced them Husband & Wife, then he started a short "sermon" (not actually a sermon, but it was a small speech about love and marriage) and then he sent them on their way to hug their guests and take more photos. After the officiant was done, Laura took over and led them exactly where they needed to go (and discreetly turned around at one point to ask if we enjoyed it) and after some photos, the bride and groom were loaded onto the Just Married Pargo and drove off.

I don't know if they took additional photos on the island, but presumably they escorted the guests onto the boat and into their reception location to do that cake cutting, champagne toast, and dancing.

I do hope that was helpful. There's photos of that wedding in my photobucket album that I shared in my last post and again in my PJ. We tried to be discreet about viewing their wedding, but privacy is NOT a word to describe CC weddings- there were people watching from all directions. Beach chairs were set up about 15 feet away from the ceremony space!

I booked my stuff last year, so things may have changed. No, you don't have to put down a deposit on the wedding, but they won't book the wedding until you have a booking number and have put a deposit on the room too, I think. Def ask Shanda about it. I booked my whole wedding exclusively through her because I kept getting a run-around from everyone else. I'd call and someone would tell me I couldn't book until 8 months out. Well, the date I wanted was on the Dream in April of 2012 and there was NO WAY I could wait until 8 months out because I didn't know if the ship would be sold out by then (almost was). Luckily I told this to Shanda and she helped me book mine the next week. She's very helpful (DF talks to her about 2-3 times a month getting wedding surprises booked), but don't get worried if she takes a little while to get back to you. I hope you get the date and everything you want!

Perhaps I was bullied by the DCL booking agents to pay a $500 deposit to reserve my wedding, but perhaps things have changed since last year? I booked everything in September 2011 and they wouldn't let me book the wedding OR talk to a wedding coordinator until I'd paid them. Perhaps if I'd had Shanda's contact info beforehand I could've booked it through her without paying the deposit. I'm not exactly sure because Disney policies can change at any time without notice. (Travel Agent Lisa R. would probably know the most recent policies) But the way I see it now: That's $500 less I have to pay later on! I'm already TOO aware of the 152 days until my final payment is due!!!

 

[proudestmunkie]

Thanks everyone for your input! I just emailed Shanda so we'll see what she says...it turns out my sister (and MOH) was just accepted into school in KY and is leaving next month so the date that's being held while this all gets sorted is going to end up changing anyway. We're going to try and figure out a sailing that won't interfere with her curriculum..my only concern is the dates that work for the cruise are peak times on property for the honeymoon

Everybody's plans/ceremonies look great by the way, this thread gets me excited for what's to come

 

[lpizzuro123]

My DH and I were married November 2008 in WDW. We are planning on a 5 Year Anniversary on the Disney Dream (November 2013). We just booked this over the weekend. We are planning on inviting some friends and family to share the cruise with us. Not sure if we will try to do a private dinner or anything. Probably not - as long as we all get the same dinner time and they can get us a one or two tables.

Anyway, we want to send our friends some sort of invitation telling them about the cruise - not like a formal wedding invitation - just something fun and Disney beachie. Anyone have any pictues of their invitation that you can post to give us some ideas?

Thanks,
Linda

 

[disneyrookie84]

When in September are you getting married??? My wedding is onboard the Dream on the 13th-16th sailing. It's exciting to hear from more DCL brides getting married in the same month



Hello!! We are getting married onboard also. Sept 2-6
I'm so excited! We were on the Dream last Sept 2011 and we both decided this is where we want to be married! I feel the same way about the D Lounge. I was hoping to avoid having it there, but we already have 30 ppl booked to come with us and I am afraid that we won't fit into the other locations. I just hope it doesn't look like a night club wedding.
Its nice to hear from you, good luck with your planning. Its so awesome we will be getting married in the same month!!

 

[disneyrookie84]

My DH and I were married November 2008 in WDW. We are planning on a 5 Year Anniversary on the Disney Dream (November 2013). We just booked this over the weekend. We are planning on inviting some friends and family to share the cruise with us. Not sure if we will try to do a private dinner or anything. Probably not - as long as we all get the same dinner time and they can get us a one or two tables.

Anyway, we want to send our friends some sort of invitation telling them about the cruise - not like a formal wedding invitation - just something fun and Disney beachie. Anyone have any pictues of their invitation that you can post to give us some ideas?

Thanks,
Linda

We did passport invites to close family and friends. They turned out amazing! If you want I can can email them to you. I was lucky to get them from another DCL Bride, so I will share also
Good Luck.

 

[PixieDust1969]

I looked at your pictures, and I agree, it looks good for a reception space... but remember that we're also getting MARRIED onboard, so it will count as both my wedding space AND reception space... I don't exactly know how they're going to pull that off... in my mind, a ceremony is supposed to be very romantic (like in a chapel or on the beach) you know- two sets of chairs and a center aisle... then the reception is set up for a fun and festive "after party" so to speak... So, you were fortunate enough to get married on CC, then you got to join the ship, have your party gathered in D Lounge, then make your grand entrance...

The major difference between CC weddings and onboard weddings is that onboard weddings are only an hour from start (wedding) to finish (end of reception)... So immediately after being pronounced Man & Wife, we'll be cutting our cake and having a champagne toast, then immediately diving into the dances and reception... (I'm not much of a dancer, so that's going to seem like a very awkward transition to me since I'd rather skip that part altogether) With all the gorgeous places on the ship, it just seems like they could find a more romantic setting for a wedding than D-Lounge (Even Evolution would be better, because it's already set up with a dance floor and sound/ light systems). The District Lounge was also very pretty AND has a grand piano... I really would've liked the Outlook, but it's just SUCH a small space and it would be so cramped... Honestly, I would love a quick ceremony in the Atrium, making the grand staircase my 'center aisle'- then I would be perfectly content having a reception in D Lounge!! haha


ahh, I have so many mixed opinions!!! I know that no matter where I end up, it'll be beautiful and I'll be to blissfully happy marrying my DF that I won't even notice the little things that my mind is nit-picking now!



Lisa probably has a LOT more knowledge about CC weddings and their timings than I do, but I can relay what little knowledge I was told and witnessed from afar. Also, the wedding I witnessed had only 6 adults, a child, and a baby, so I'm not sure if any of this changes with a larger party and the addition of bridesmaid(s) and groomsman(/men)...

From what Laura (onboard coord) tells me, they get ready, then collect the wedding party onboard, walk them off the boat all together, then transport them to the ceremony spot over near the water slides and Heads Up Bar (it overlooks the snorkeling area and the boat). Once the groom and party are settled, the pianist will be playing whichever songs you requested (on a keyboard) for the guests. The bride will ride over in the Floral-Decorated "Just Married" Pargo (golf cart) with the coordinator.

Now, since this couple had NO wedding party, Laura wound up acting as the MOH, straightening out the bottom of her dress and veil as she exited the Pargo and walked down the aisle. (She also stepped in a time or two to fix her cathedral length veil that was blowing wildly in the wind) but otherwise she stepped back to let the photographer do his work. (The Bahamian officiant was the same as your officiant, Lisa- so you may remember more than me, since I couldn't hear it that well) The ceremony was pretty short. They way this couple had it, they did welcome to the wedding sort of introduction, then jumped right into the vows. After they pronounced them Husband & Wife, then he started a short "sermon" (not actually a sermon, but it was a small speech about love and marriage) and then he sent them on their way to hug their guests and take more photos. After the officiant was done, Laura took over and led them exactly where they needed to go (and discreetly turned around at one point to ask if we enjoyed it) and after some photos, the bride and groom were loaded onto the Just Married Pargo and drove off.

I don't know if they took additional photos on the island, but presumably they escorted the guests onto the boat and into their reception location to do that cake cutting, champagne toast, and dancing.

I do hope that was helpful. There's photos of that wedding in my photobucket album that I shared in my last post and again in my PJ. We tried to be discreet about viewing their wedding, but privacy is NOT a word to describe CC weddings- there were people watching from all directions. Beach chairs were set up about 15 feet away from the ceremony space!

JBeanBunny-
When you get on the ship and meet with your coordinator, that is when you tell her exactly what you want during your ceremony. If it is important for you to have the chairs arranged a certain way, tell them and they will tell you exactly what they can and cannot do. My thing was that if it rained and I could not be on CC, I didn't want my wedding in Outlook because of the number of people that were there. It is a beautiful location, but I wanted people to be able to move. I actually wanted the atrium and they said that would most likely not be a possibility. But, they did say we would talk about it that morning if we were unable to dock at CC.

CCBride412-
The timing of my Castaway Cay wedding was perfect, I thought. My entire group 59 people had to be in Evolutions bar at 9:15. Andy, my absolutely fabulous wedding coordinator was there and organized everything. While they were in the lounge, they passed out the flowers and made sure everyone was there. Andy checked the list... I guess about 9:40 he loaded everyone onto a tram and they went to the wedding site. Andy then came up and got me and my dad and gave me my flowers. I started getting ready at 7:30 with hair and make up and my photographer had some time to take some pictures of me before he left with the wedding party.

At 9:45, Andy knocked on my door and we went down to the golf cart. As I said in my TR, Donald came over to me and then Stitch but at no time did anyone ever say to me Hurry up or we have to go...nothing. We got on the golf cart and went to the site. If you look at my pictures, you can see there was plenty of time before we walked down the aisle to have some pictures taken. Andy lined everyone up, according to our meeting on the first day. After the ceremony we took pictures and hugged everyone. Andy had us do a mini receiving line. Then we took our wedding party and family pictures and our big group shot. Andy had everyone walk towards the tram and he told my photographer to take about 15 or 20 minutes to take some pictures and then head back to the ship. We took lots of pictures and then got on the golf cart and headed back. Keisha the golf cart driver was awesome and stopped us along the way to take some more pictures.

We got back to the ship and Andy had everyone waiting with their ribbon wands to welcome us as we were announced. We came in and everyone got seated and they immediately served champagne. My brother in law did a toast and then we cut the cake. After we cut the cake we did our first dance and the cake was served during that. We did our Father/Daughter, Mother/Son dance together and then mingled for just a bit. At this point, it was a little after 12 and I wanted people to get to go and enjoy CC so I asked Andy if I could thank everyone and request they stop with us on their way out for a picture with us. This is what we did and I love having a picture with each family that came. (I didn't post all of those on my TR) When everyone was gone, we walked around the ship and took more pictures of just me and Geoff. It was the perfect, stress free day!

 

[ccbride412]

Thanks Lisa! I've been reading your TR, but I'm a little bit ocd when it come to planning things. DF says I'm ruining all my surprises! Did everyone (including your hubby and bridal party) leave at the same time or did your MOH stay with you and your dad?

 

[PixieDust1969]

Thanks Lisa! I've been reading your TR, but I'm a little bit ocd when it come to planning things. DF says I'm ruining all my surprises! Did everyone (including your hubby and bridal party) leave at the same time or did your MOH stay with you and your dad?

I sent everyone. It was just me and my dad and Andy the coordinator. I even made my dad sit in the front of the golf cart with Andy and Keisha, the driver. It seats 6. I wanted the time to just get my thoughts together. People were so nice on my way there. You have to do what will make you comfortable and everyone is very accommodating. The time between everyone leaving to Evolutions and Andy coming to get me and my dad was about 20 minutes, easily. My dad and I just stood on my balcony and talked, it was very special. Andy was there to help me jump onto the golf cart (it is a big step), hold my dress, etc. He was AWESOME! I even sent my photographer so he could get some pictures of Evolutions and the wedding site before I got there.

 

[ccbride412]

Lisa, you have been SOOO helpful! I know I'll probably have more questions, so I hope you're up for answering!

 

[PixieDust1969]

Lisa, you have been SOOO helpful! I know I'll probably have more questions, so I hope you're up for answering!

Absolutely! I loved my wedding and would be happy to answer any of your questions!

 

[Skylarr29]

As far as the deposit goes there is a simple way to figure out what it will be. The wedding package is added into your cruise fare bringing your total cruise cost up and you need to pay a 20% deposit to secure your cruise. In most cases it will bring your deposit up by $600.00 because 20% of $3,000.00 is $600.00. They aren't treating it as a separate deposit for the wedding, rather a deposit for the total sailing. Plus the cancellation policy is much more lenient than WDW.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

so they ARE requiring a deposit now?? I only had the actual cruise deposit to pay when I booked and they just added the VR fee to my total bill..plus, I put it on my Disney Visa so I got an extra 6 months after the wedding to pay it at 0% interest!!

 

[Anne0813]

Hi girls! I am the matron of honor for an amazing bride getting married on the Disney Dream in October 2013. She received the original packet from Shanda and it says the wedding is on the Nassau day. There was a snorkeling excursion that she would like to do with everyone and can book 90 days out (cc member). However she won't get the time until 45 days out. The question we have is, should she book the excursion or is there a chance that the entire day will be a wash and we won't get to leave the ship?

 

[Skylarr29]

so they ARE requiring a deposit now?? I only had the actual cruise deposit to pay when I booked and they just added the VR fee to my total bill..plus, I put it on my Disney Visa so I got an extra 6 months after the wedding to pay it at 0% interest!!

Technically yes. Since your cruise fare goes up when you add the wedding the deposit for your cruise also goes up since they tie it all into one lump sum. Just like if you had a cruise booked and you upgraded to a higher room category an additional amount would be due since the price went up.

For example:

Cruise fare $3,000.00
Wedding package $3,000.00
Total cruise cost $6,000.00

Deposit is 20% of cruise fare so deposit is $1,200.00

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I think they only do 2 times in Nassau..4:30 and 5:30..at least they were doing it that way.
If it was a morning excursion, she probably would have time. I personally didn't get off the boat that day..I enjoyed the empty pool and rainforest spa then a pedicure.

 

[ccbride412]

Hi girls! I am the matron of honor for an amazing bride getting married on the Disney Dream in October 2013. She received the original packet from Shanda and it says the wedding is on the Nassau day. There was a snorkeling excursion that she would like to do with everyone and can book 90 days out (cc member). However she won't get the time until 45 days out. The question we have is, should she book the excursion or is there a chance that the entire day will be a wash and we won't get to leave the ship?

I would go ahead and book the snorkeling IF it's through Disney. They let you cancel excursions up until 3 days (I'm pretty sure it's 3) before the cruise leaves. DF and I are booked for it now, but may cancel to spend time with family and to avoid getting sunburned. The one we have booked is from 915-115 so if they do the wedding in the evening like DinseyDmbNut said, she *should* be fine. Just beware of getting sunburned! Nobody wants to be a lobster bride!

 

[lorimay]

OK Past brides what kind of album did you put your wedding photos in?
The ones they gave me on the ship are well just not really the look I want.
They are solid black and look like a book.

I didn't even think to check out what options they had at the stores on the boat, even though my husband told me there were photo albums there....

Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks, Lori

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Lori - I put mine into a Kodak Gallery leather album but a photographer friend is taking them and putting them into a Creative Memories book for me at cost..I am excited because I sorta rushed and put them in before I actually had all the pictures

DCL has a release that you can use to reprint your pictures..I had to show the release to Target

https://www.image.com/html/guest-postcruiseCopyrightReleaseForm.cfm

 

[lorimay]

Thanks so much Betsy.

As always, I appreciate your help.

Lori

 

[PixieDust1969]

OK Past brides what kind of album did you put your wedding photos in?
The ones they gave me on the ship are well just not really the look I want.
They are solid black and look like a book.

I didn't even think to check out what options they had at the stores on the boat, even though my husband told me there were photo albums there....

Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks, Lori

I did a 12x12 book on Shutterfly. David's Bridal has a coupon for a free one (20pages). I had to add pages to it since I had so many pictures but I did just the wedding. Our whole trip and our Honeymoon I will do in a Creative Memories album.