Disney Cruise Brides!!! Part Deux!!

[CaliMermaid]

Congratulations, Joa! Thanks for sharing your feedback. Can't wait to see photos!

Ashley

 

[sorceressk]

Is there time for a father/daughter and mother/son dance? Anyone know?

 

[bats]

Is there time for a father/daughter and mother/son dance? Anyone know?

There is, but it all eats into your reception time. Your ceremony of 10-15 mins is included within the 1 hour slot, so you really don't have much time at all to speak to people, have photos with your friends/family.
We didn't have any special dances, just music of our choice in he background as we had photos done and spoke to our guests. We did have 56 though, so if yours is smaller, you may well have more time than we had.

I didn't get around to speaking to half of our guests until the next day!

 

[Linda67]

Thanks for the update Joa and huge congratulations
I bet the photo with the whole group and Daisy will be fabulous !

 

[kbast]

So, a few people have asked me about the welcome reception. It all started because not all of the guests attending the wedding have met one another. Since our cruise is only 3 days, with our wedding on the 2nd day, I wanted to have an organized reception where everyone could get together. We thought about doing it on land before the cruise, but quit a few people are flying in the night before and honestly, I'm stressed out enough with worrying that everyone makes it on the boat on-time that I didn't want to figure out the logistics for another event.


So, I emailed Disney and asked if there was any availability to have a private reception on-board before the wedding. Now, just like any special request I have made, it took some back and forth emails to get them to agree with what I really wanted. The problem was, at that time, my guest list was only about 20 people including myself and Matt. I was told that the private receptions that they offer are a minimum on 25 people and would take place in one of the bars with a selection of appetizers and drinks. Since my guest could was less than that, I was told they they could maybe do something in Outlook with some basic veggie trays and such. This didn't really satisfy me. Our guests are spending a lot of money and time to come to our wedding and since we are not having a big traditional reception, I wanted this to be really special. After a bit of teeth pulling, the coordinator gave me the estimated price per person for the reception. I discussed it with my fiance and we decided that we would be willing to pay for 25 people,even if we only had 20. I ran this by the coordinator, and she said yes! A few days later, the coordinator sent me the reception menu.


This was back in June, now we have 30 people including myself and Matt. I included our choices for the welcome reception when I sent my planning guide in. I am so glad that I pushed for this to happen! I am planning on handing my favors out during the reception. The only thing I am concerned about is the size of Skyline. From the pictures, it looks kind of small and I hope we wont be too cramped with 30 people. I'll be sure to let everyone know how it goes!

 

[bats]

As promised, here is our group photo on the atrium stairs. Daisy happened to be walking past as we prepped for this photo and as we all shouted for her to join us, she had little choice!
I love everything about this photo .. everyone is smiling and laughing so naturally, not a forced smile anywhere. Having it black and white just adds to it. Our fantastic photographer and friend is behind Daisy!

 

[Disneyducks12]

As promised, here is our group photo on the atrium stairs. Daisy happened to be walking past as we prepped for this photo and as we all shouted for her to join us, she had little choice!
I love everything about this photo .. everyone is smiling and laughing so naturally, not a forced smile anywhere. Having it black and white just adds to it. Our fantastic photographer and friend is behind Daisy!

Your wedding picture looks so great I agree everyone looks so happy to be there that's a picture that has to go on the wall and a free character photo that's unheard of so congrats on that I can't wait to see more wedding photos especially this being the new magic! can't wait to hear and see more and again congratulations!

 

[Disneyducks12]

Hey this is a question for past and present brides!

I wanted to know what people get for mother of the groom and father of the bride and groom? I am so stumped I don't know what to get them?! SO I was hoping people could share past ideas!

Thank you so much!

 

[sorceressk]

Hey this is a question for past and present brides! I wanted to know what people get for mother of the groom and father of the bride and groom? I am so stumped I don't know what to get them?! SO I was hoping people could share past ideas! Thank you so much!

I saw a necklace that was pretty on etsy and it came w an inscription "thank you for raising the man of my dreams". I think I've also seen it in bracelet format. A little gushy but sweet.

 

[CaliMermaid]

Hey this is a question for past and present brides!

I wanted to know what people get for mother of the groom and father of the bride and groom? I am so stumped I don't know what to get them?! SO I was hoping people could share past ideas!

Thank you so much!

I have seen people buy really nice picture frames or albums for the selection of wedding photos of their choice.

 

[bats]

Hey this is a question for past and present brides! I wanted to know what people get for mother of the groom and father of the bride and groom? I am so stumped I don't know what to get them?! SO I was hoping people could share past ideas! Thank you so much!

I bought my mum a cocktail!!!

 

[laughinplace2]

Hi everyone,
I am in the VERY early stages of planning a DCL wedding. We want to have the ceremony on Castaway Cay. I have quite a few questions but I'll just start with the most pressing ones and hopefully you guys can help

1). They mention needing "special permission" to have over 50 guests. I plan to invite around 80-100. I'm sure there won't be close to that many but there's that possibility it could be over 50. How do I get permission and do I have to do that BEFORE booking our wedding?

2). What if we can't dock at Castway Cay (due to weather etc...or if it just pours)? I'm sure they could have it onboard but do you know if they would reimburse the extra $1000? (If not, I might not risk it, and just have it onboard)

3). When should I expect the April/May 2016 cruises to be released?

Anyone who can help, its greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[CaliMermaid]

Welcome, Olivia!

From what I recall from the contract, venues are subject to change at anytime due to weather or otherwise and you are not promised a reimbursement. However, I am getting married in April on a day which historically has about 10% chance of precipitation (you can't really search data for Castaway Cay, but you can get close).

As for having more than 50 people, I told them upfront I was expecting around 50 but inviting 80+ and they never raised an eyebrow. Just be clear in your communication with them and this should be fine.

Happy planning!
Ashley

 

[laughinplace2]

Thank you!
Another question I have is about guests booking rooms----can you block out a group of staterooms for guests to book? I am hoping so because I plan to have the wedding May of 2016 and I've been looking at the cruises this coming May and they are already mostly sold out and its only October!! How does it works for guest booking?
THANKS!!

 

[Disneyducks12]

I saw a necklace that was pretty on etsy and it came w an inscription "thank you for raising the man of my dreams". I think I've also seen it in bracelet format. A little gushy but sweet.

my mother n law doesn't wear a lot of necklaces but she does wear bracelets I will have too look into that thank you!

I have seen people buy really nice picture frames or albums for the selection of wedding photos of their choice.

That's a really cute idea she loves pictures

I bought my mum a cocktail!!!

I love that idea so simple and something they love!

 

[Disneyducks12]

Thank you!
Another question I have is about guests booking rooms----can you block out a group of staterooms for guests to book? I am hoping so because I plan to have the wedding May of 2016 and I've been looking at the cruises this coming May and they are already mostly sold out and its only October!! How does it works for guest booking?
THANKS!!

Hi everyone,
I am in the VERY early stages of planning a DCL wedding. We want to have the ceremony on Castaway Cay. I have quite a few questions but I'll just start with the most pressing ones and hopefully you guys can help

1). They mention needing "special permission" to have over 50 guests. I plan to invite around 80-100. I'm sure there won't be close to that many but there's that possibility it could be over 50. How do I get permission and do I have to do that BEFORE booking our wedding?

2). What if we can't dock at Castway Cay (due to weather etc...or if it just pours)? I'm sure they could have it onboard but do you know if they would reimburse the extra $1000? (If not, I might not risk it, and just have it onboard)

3). When should I expect the April/May 2016 cruises to be released?

Anyone who can help, its greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Welcome Aboard! and congratulations on a Disney Cruise Wedding they are the best

to answer your first question like Ashley said you just need to communicate how many guest you have for the most part they say that because the outlook can't fit that many people and some clubs can not accommodate 50 or more so they have to put you in a special area one bride I saw (an old pj I believe 09') had her wedding in the atrium really cute she walked down the stairs and her reception was in a restaurant so they can make accommodations as long as you let them know and pay the 20 per guest fee.

for the question in regards to booking on Castway cay and a reimbursement when you book they go over that if it rains they move you inside but no money back I ended up booking inside because I didn't want to risk it and I wanted to be inside my hair does not do well with humidity and the weddings are 9-10am so for me it flowed better to do onboard and get a first or second day wedding but it really it is a personal preference!

and dates have been released slower and slower my wedding is may 2015 the dates were released march 2014 so barely a year out just to give you an idea I would start looking mar-april this year for as late as may 2016 cruise dates! of course that could change who knows lol

and to book rooms they do not do room blocks unfortuanlety I wish that would be easier I would let your guest know right away and to book asap to get the best rate and then make payments and cruises do book fast I booked a may date and two other brides had booked before me on platinum day and I booked silver day but one fell off its so crazy! I would be ready to go right away

Best of luck and Happy Planning make sure you start a PJ I would love to follow along!

Melissa

 

[laughinplace2]

Thank you for all of your help! I was afraid they didn't block rooms---I can't believe they won't do that. I feel kinda bad for all of the people I'm inviting (especially the ones who aren't immediate family and won't know the dates right away)---and I hate the thought of people not being able to come because the cheaper rooms sold out too quickly.
As far as the Castaway Cay ceremony, I think I've decided NOT to do it....I did think about how it wouldn't be til the last day of the cruise and I don't think I could wait that long!!! I'd be too anxious the whole cruise waiting for it to come. And I also don't want to worry about the weather the whole time....so probably going to go with onboard!
I think a PJ is a GREAT idea....I am so busy working multiple jobs but that would be such a great thing to look back on! I will try to do it!!!!

 

[pixarprincess7]

Thank you for all of your help! I was afraid they didn't block rooms---I can't believe they won't do that. I feel kinda bad for all of the people I'm inviting (especially the ones who aren't immediate family and won't know the dates right away)---and I hate the thought of people not being able to come because the cheaper rooms sold out too quickly.
As far as the Castaway Cay ceremony, I think I've decided NOT to do it....I did think about how it wouldn't be til the last day of the cruise and I don't think I could wait that long!!! I'd be too anxious the whole cruise waiting for it to come. And I also don't want to worry about the weather the whole time....so probably going to go with onboard!
I think a PJ is a GREAT idea....I am so busy working multiple jobs but that would be such a great thing to look back on! I will try to do it!!!!

We are using a travel agent so she is working on getting us all together/around each other. However it isnt as simple on a cruise as it is in a hotel as there may not be inexpensive rooms in the area everyone else has chosen to stay due to the fact pricing is based not only on type of room but also location on the boat. However, using a travel agent is great for helping with this, and with fielding some of the questions so you dont have to.

As far as rooms selling out before people have a chance to book, we just sent invitations super early (almost a year out) immediately after we had booked, confirmed with family and confirmed and paid the deposit on the wedding.

 

[CaliMermaid]

We are using a travel agent so she is working on getting us all together/around each other. However it isnt as simple on a cruise as it is in a hotel as there may not be inexpensive rooms in the area everyone else has chosen to stay due to the fact pricing is based not only on type of room but also location on the boat. However, using a travel agent is great for helping with this, and with fielding some of the questions so you dont have to.

As far as rooms selling out before people have a chance to book, we just sent invitations super early (almost a year out) immediately after we had booked, confirmed with family and confirmed and paid the deposit on the wedding.

We are working with travel agent Lisa Reese who was a DCL bride and she's been doing a great job of keeping our party together.

We also sent out invitations super early (7 months with an RSVP date 5 months out) and haven't had any problems. I would, however, recommend strongly urging anyone in your party who will be booking a room for 4 people to book as soon as you have your date. The cheaper rooms for 4 sold out very quickly so we've had to split up kids onto different reservations to keep costs down.

We opted for Castaway Cay only because our party wants to scuba dive on Nassau Day, the only day you can get married onboard during the 3-day itinerary. I was really underwhelmed by the wedding location on the island, mostly because I don't have any tolerance built up for small children. The venue, located on the family beach, is nicely appointed but less than a cartwheel away from lounge chairs of other guests. Disney did tell us that if we pay for Nassau Day we can request an onboard location that day, but we still have to pay the $1,000 extra.

Happy Planning!
Ashley

 

[Disneyducks12]

Thank you for all of your help! I was afraid they didn't block rooms---I can't believe they won't do that. I feel kinda bad for all of the people I'm inviting (especially the ones who aren't immediate family and won't know the dates right away)---and I hate the thought of people not being able to come because the cheaper rooms sold out too quickly.
As far as the Castaway Cay ceremony, I think I've decided NOT to do it....I did think about how it wouldn't be til the last day of the cruise and I don't think I could wait that long!!! I'd be too anxious the whole cruise waiting for it to come. And I also don't want to worry about the weather the whole time....so probably going to go with onboard!
I think a PJ is a GREAT idea....I am so busy working multiple jobs but that would be such a great thing to look back on! I will try to do it!!!!

Your welcome I sent you a PM if you need help or have other questions let me know! and I so wish they would room block it would be 100% easier I would just do a mass email blast of what to except that's what we did and then send out formal invites early just to give people time to plan, save etc and then we are sending out a 6-month newsletter just to stay in constant communication with our guest! and PJS are so fun its a great way to stay organized putting all your ideas down and I love getting feedback the disbrides and grooms are great!