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

[dolphingirl47]

Well, I'm leaving tomorrow and my ticker says 4 days until my wedding (which is CRAZY!).

So before I go I wanted to sincerely thank everyone on this thread. From the old cruise brides to the current cruise brides and groom, I appreciate all of the information. I look forward to sharing pictures when we return.

Thanks for everything!!!!

I hope you will have a wonderful time and a really magical wedding.

Corinna

 

[Goofy4Ever]

I too booked right with the cruiseline. I called Disney Weddings first to find out if the day we wanted was open. It took a few days for Shanda to call back, but when she did she said there was an opening. She put it on hold for us and that was in July 2010 for our wedding next month. I didn't book our cruise until August. One we had our reservation I gave the number to Shanda and we were planning our wedding.

If you are Cast Members of Disney I would find out if you can get a discount on the cruise you select or even the wedding. I hear that sometimes they offer deals.

We chose the 3 night sailing for two reasons: cheaper for our families, with hopes that more would join us (we have 22 guests coming), and it sails Thursday-Sunday. We figured they wouldn't miss as much work or could use the beginning part if the week to go to the parks. I would have much rather done the 7 night sailing, but I knew that would reduce how many people would join us.

Hope this helps!

 

[Goofy4Ever]

Well, I'm leaving tomorrow and my ticker says 4 days until my wedding (which is CRAZY!).

So before I go I wanted to sincerely thank everyone on this thread. From the old cruise brides to the current cruise brides and groom, I appreciate all of the information. I look forward to sharing pictures when we return.

Thanks for everything!!!!

Good luck and congrats!!! Can't wait to see pics

 

[JBeanBunny]

Thanks for your input thus far! I look forward to more advice from everyone!

I would really like to book the 4 day cruise because you're not so rushed and have the extra day at sea- I might actually get a second to relax and enjoy myself I'm only concerned that the extra $400 (2 guests/ least expensive room category) might put additional strain on my guests wallets, so I'm very torn there... I guess I could suggest that people "bunk" together to make it cheaper, but is that a tacky suggestion to make?

I also know vaguely about "cast member cruises" BUT the huge downfall on those, is that it's usually LAST MINUTE cruises, rooms that haven't yet been filled and the boat's sailing soon... I need much more notice than that to get married! So when I call to book, I'll just ask and see if they have any discounts...

I really really want the outlook lounge on board the Dream, but the website says it can only hold 28 people... How accurate is that? How hard can it be to squeeze a handful more people in there? Also, do kids under the age of 5 count for that number? Our immediate families alone are 26 adults and 5 kids, and I feel like I'd be insulting some dear friends if I can't invite them.

As for photography... How much are the Disney packages? They say the first package is only 30 minutes? I want to explore the entire boat and take pictures EVERYWHERE, and that'll take much more than 30 minutes! Is it really worth the money to pay the cruise fare for a photographer to join us? It seems like that might cost as much, if not more, in the end...

We're probably going to start booking within a week or two! Yay!

 

[PixieDust1969]

Thanks for your input thus far! I look forward to more advice from everyone!

I would really like to book the 4 day cruise because you're not so rushed and have the extra day at sea- I might actually get a second to relax and enjoy myself I'm only concerned that the extra $400 (2 guests/ least expensive room category) might put additional strain on my guests wallets, so I'm very torn there... I guess I could suggest that people "bunk" together to make it cheaper, but is that a tacky suggestion to make?

I also know vaguely about "cast member cruises" BUT the huge downfall on those, is that it's usually LAST MINUTE cruises, rooms that haven't yet been filled and the boat's sailing soon... I need much more notice than that to get married! So when I call to book, I'll just ask and see if they have any discounts...

I really really want the outlook lounge on board the Dream, but the website says it can only hold 28 people... How accurate is that? How hard can it be to squeeze a handful more people in there? Also, do kids under the age of 5 count for that number? Our immediate families alone are 26 adults and 5 kids, and I feel like I'd be insulting some dear friends if I can't invite them.

As for photography... How much are the Disney packages? They say the first package is only 30 minutes? I want to explore the entire boat and take pictures EVERYWHERE, and that'll take much more than 30 minutes! Is it really worth the money to pay the cruise fare for a photographer to join us? It seems like that might cost as much, if not more, in the end...

We're probably going to start booking within a week or two! Yay!

The Disney packages are 349.99 to 999.95. The only package that comes with the CD is the 999.95 one. The CD added to a package is 399.99. I think the photographer is just included for the event. You can purchase additional time for photography but they don't list a price in the planning guide I have. For me, I have a friend that is a wedding photographer and his cruise was 1100.00 for him and his wife. I paid for the whole thing and he did my engagement pictures at Port Orleans, will be at every dinner, and will take whatever pictures I want getting ready, at the wedding, after the wedding, etc. He will even be at my ceremony in port taking pictures. Shanda said he could go with us to meet the onboard coordinator too so he would know the flow of everything. I think it depends on what you want whether you think the cruise fare is too much to pay for your photographer. First, see if you can find a photographer willing to go, then see what they would include for you. Reading through the boards, people have had great experiences with the Disney photographers (who are contracted for Disney from an outside company) and a few have had not so good experiences.

I have several cast members going on the cruise with us and there were no discounts, I think because the ship is so new and has been selling really well.

 

[PrincessTinker11]

Thanks for your input thus far! I look forward to more advice from everyone!

I would really like to book the 4 day cruise because you're not so rushed and have the extra day at sea- I might actually get a second to relax and enjoy myself I'm only concerned that the extra $400 (2 guests/ least expensive room category) might put additional strain on my guests wallets, so I'm very torn there... I guess I could suggest that people "bunk" together to make it cheaper, but is that a tacky suggestion to make?

I also know vaguely about "cast member cruises" BUT the huge downfall on those, is that it's usually LAST MINUTE cruises, rooms that haven't yet been filled and the boat's sailing soon... I need much more notice than that to get married! So when I call to book, I'll just ask and see if they have any discounts...

I really really want the outlook lounge on board the Dream, but the website says it can only hold 28 people... How accurate is that? How hard can it be to squeeze a handful more people in there? Also, do kids under the age of 5 count for that number? Our immediate families alone are 26 adults and 5 kids, and I feel like I'd be insulting some dear friends if I can't invite them.

As for photography... How much are the Disney packages? They say the first package is only 30 minutes? I want to explore the entire boat and take pictures EVERYWHERE, and that'll take much more than 30 minutes! Is it really worth the money to pay the cruise fare for a photographer to join us? It seems like that might cost as much, if not more, in the end...

We're probably going to start booking within a week or two! Yay!

Looks like I am the only one who used a travel agent but hey it is free for you and your guests so I say why not!! lol

I booked the 4 day as I wanted the extra time too, didn't want to rush BUT I booked mine for the 1st week of November, it is the same price as the 3 day in April (our original date).

I say use a travel agent (if you want) b/c they get back to them much faster AND they let me book earlier out then if I called on my own! I was booked at 19 months out!

I am also bringing my own photographer and not many do BUT she will be taking pics at our special dinner that we are providing for our guests the night at sea in Palo's private room (another perk of a travel agent booking this With that being said my photographer was about 1K which was the cost of the CD package which is what we would have gotten anyway! I have found from looking at the photo's they are hit or miss BUT it appears they are getting much better!

I also agree do not wait to the last minute for this cruiseline...other's the closer you get the cheaper they are but this is the total opposite!! Our last minute guests (if they got a room at all!) paid MUCH more...like 600 more!

 

[PrincessTinker11]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBfmGdJj4lg

Do we know this bride? She took her own photographer as well and I LOVE this video...wonderfully done!!!

 

[bdps2011]

Hi Everyone!!

I would really like to bring a professional photographer along for our wedding, but the few I've contacted are turning out to be really expensive =( What is everyone else doing for photography? Going with Disney or bringing a professional photographer? Any suggestions on photographers I could contact? Thanks so much!!

We took our own photographer and assistant on our cruise! We havent seen teh photos yet, since its been 2 days, but they were AMAZING. We used a Tampa based company since thats where we live. I'm sure they would love to talk to you.

http://lifelongstudios.com/ is who we used. We had Jorge, but Mike and Buffy are teh owners. Talk to them if you can. Tell them Brian and Pam sent you! (sadly, we dont get anything for that but a smile.. but I would recommend them even without seeing my finished shots.)

Brian

 

[Goofy4Ever]

Welcome back Brian! Hope everything went well.

 

[PixieDust1969]

Hey Brian! Congratulations and welcome back! I cannot wait to see your pictures and hear about your wedding!!

 

[Freckledginger]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!! =) I've contacted a few more photographers, and hopefully I'll find something that works out.

Welcome back Brian!! Hope your wedding was absolutely wonderful!!

 

[bdps2011]

Wedding was AMAZING!!! Cruise was PERFECT (from what we saw....)

So I'll post pictures and a commentary on my PJ, assuming I can find it and here as well. I'm packing for the Honeymoon, which starts tomorrow at 7AM, so it wont be for a week or so. Spent 2 days at WDW in Port Orleans to relax and now off to Puerto Rico.

My Thoughts:
3 days is not long enough.

If you do Castaway on a 3 day you do NOT get to enjoy your wedding NIGHT as planned. You have to pack and get all your stuff into the hall before 10:30. Which sucks if you have late dinner.

Tom - the Dream onboard wedding guy, is AWESOME!!! Tell him Brian and Pam say HI if you're on soon!

If you are thinking about the Castaway site, DO NOT PICK FULL SUMMER! October through May are OK.. September was WAY hot.

BOOK YOUR ANNIVERSARY CRUISE ONBOARD!! We did. September 2-12 to Nova Scotia!

Above all - HAVE FUN!

Brian

 

[jenbear25]

Wedding was AMAZING!!! Cruise was PERFECT (from what we saw....)

So I'll post pictures and a commentary on my PJ, assuming I can find it and here as well. I'm packing for the Honeymoon, which starts tomorrow at 7AM, so it wont be for a week or so. Spent 2 days at WDW in Port Orleans to relax and now off to Puerto Rico.

My Thoughts:
3 days is not long enough.

If you do Castaway on a 3 day you do NOT get to enjoy your wedding NIGHT as planned. You have to pack and get all your stuff into the hall before 10:30. Which sucks if you have late dinner.

Tom - the Dream onboard wedding guy, is AWESOME!!! Tell him Brian and Pam say HI if you're on soon!

If you are thinking about the Castaway site, DO NOT PICK FULL SUMMER! October through May are OK.. September was WAY hot.

BOOK YOUR ANNIVERSARY CRUISE ONBOARD!! We did. September 2-12 to Nova Scotia!

Above all - HAVE FUN!

Brian

Welcome back and congratulations Brian! Can't wait to see pictures and read your update. Have fun in Puerto Rico!

Jen

 

[JBeanBunny]

Congrats, Brian!

Does anybody know about how many people you can squeeze into the Outlook on the Dream? The site says 28, but my mom says she read that some have fit around 40 guests in there... I'm trying to work on my guest list and if it's only 28, I'll have to tell some of my guests that the ceremony/cake cutting is immediate family only I'm going to be booking my cruise this week and immediately afterward, I'm assembling my invites to be sent out ASAP so people can book and start planning themselves! Very exciting!

 

[PrincessTinker11]

Just checking in with everyone!! I am so excited we picked up DF's suit and sent it out for alterations today AND we picked up our flowers for the wedding!! I will try to put the pics in my PJ later today/tomorrow!!

Happy wedding planning all!

 

[Guineveree]

Hey Everyone! I'm looking for a PJ or TR I saw months and months ago, and can't seem to find it. Did anyone elope alone on a DCL? I remember seeing alot of photos of a couple who did, and I wanted to check it out again now that my time is getting so close. Anyone have any idea of who this could have been?

Yay!! and I thought I was the only one with no guests!! I was wondering if any of you have heard of how DFTW handles a bride/groom only wedding...

Here are some questions:
a) does the ceremony follow the same step-by-step as what is listed in the documentation sent by Shanda (ex: processional/etc etc)
b) how does it work for the toast and cake cutting? I mean is it just the 2 of us with the servers? Can we skip the first dance? Could we have the cake brought out to the Cove pool? (our Disboards Meet Thread is super active and many Disboards Friends have kindly offered to "gate crash" the wedding "party" and help with unloading this too big cake for 2 people!)

Sorry for all the questions...if you know of a PJ or an older thread, just let me know...don't want to waste anybody's time rehashing the same stuff over and over.

Finally....PrincessHeather, your pictures were fabulous! I teared up just looking at them...am not surprised that little girl wanted a picture with you, you truly looked like a Princess who is "Living her Happily Ever After!!"

 

[Goofy4Ever]

Congrats, Brian!

Does anybody know about how many people you can squeeze into the Outlook on the Dream? The site says 28, but my mom says she read that some have fit around 40 guests in there... I'm trying to work on my guest list and if it's only 28, I'll have to tell some of my guests that the ceremony/cake cutting is immediate family only I'm going to be booking my cruise this week and immediately afterward, I'm assembling my invites to be sent out ASAP so people can book and start planning themselves! Very exciting!

I know another bride had mentioned she had around 40 guests in the Outlook bar and said there was plenty room. I think that if you want an onboard ceremony, disney will find a place for you n your guests. It just might not be in the Outlook bar.

 

[Goofy4Ever]

Just checking in with everyone!! I am so excited we picked up DF's suit and sent it out for alterations today AND we picked up our flowers for the wedding!! I will try to put the pics in my PJ later today/tomorrow!!

Happy wedding planning all!

That is super exciting!! Can't wait to see pics!

 

[Freckledginger]

Yay!! I found a photographer!! Jessica Cumbie, whose photos are just gorgeous, is going to take photos for us. I'm so excited!

Now on to getting my save the dates ready...

 

[PixieDust1969]

Just checking in with everyone!! I am so excited we picked up DF's suit and sent it out for alterations today AND we picked up our flowers for the wedding!! I will try to put the pics in my PJ later today/tomorrow!!

Happy wedding planning all!

Cannot wait to see pictures!

Yay!! I found a photographer!! Jessica Cumbie, whose photos are just gorgeous, is going to take photos for us. I'm so excited!

Now on to getting my save the dates ready...

Start a PJ so we can all follow along with you! I am so excited that you found a photographer that you are so excited about!