Improvizing a "non-official" renewal of vows during a cruise - ideas please!

[mevelandry]

Hi!

DH and I had an idea. We would like to renew our vows during our next cruise. But no Disney Fairytales, no paperwork, no officiant, no guests... just the two of us and the beach (Probably Castaway Cay...) or Worst Case Scenario... our stateroom balcony! Take selfies or ask a stranger to take 2-3 pictures of us maybe...

I'm looking for ideas... I am also wondering what I should do about the rings. We'll keep our original wedding bands at home and would like to exchange rings during our symbolic "event".

I've seen beautiful Mickey Mouse rings on a website that would be about 60$ each but I'm wondering if we should just buy very simple rings on the cruiseship instead... if they are selling any?

Also, I'm pretty sure flowers won't be allowed so I am looking for ideas about that too (fake flowers? paper flowers?) ...

I need to find a very simple white dress too...

What else? Any suggestions on how we should celebrate that day?

Thanks in advance!

 

[MunFam]

Flowers are allowed on...you can't take them off as far as I know.

The Wonder had a nice selection of fine jewelry for sale in May.

You can let your wait team and SR host(ess) know that you are renewing your vows and they may do something special for you. Or you could bring on a bottle of champagne or order a celebration package from DCL with rose petals etc.

 

[mevelandry]

Thanks!

I will definitely let them know about our "Celebration".

Turns out the Mickey bands I had found online won't fit me. I'm a size 4. I'm scared I wouldn't be able to find something in our budget (or size) or have the time to shop it since Castaway Cay is our first stop.

Do DCL have a special package with rose petals? I did not see that on the website.

 

[Peggytc]

Thanks!

I will definitely let them know about our "Celebration".

Turns out the Mickey bands I had found online won't fit me. I'm a size 4. I'm scared I wouldn't be able to find something in our budget (or size) or have the time to shop it since Castaway Cay is our first stop.

Do DCL have a special package with rose petals? I did not see that on the website.

Would you have time to have the rings resized? They have nice jewelry in the ships but not guaranteed to have such a small size there either! Plus sounds like you found a good price
Vow renewal sounds really nice! Congrats! I'm hoping to do the same on our 10year wedding anniversary but that's still a couple of years away
I would definitely have someone take photo or video, and if you want to splurge you can get a Shutters photographer to do it. However if you don't go that route, definitely still seek a photographer out while you're still all dressed up and have a nice picture taken that you can purchase maybe even at a character meet!

They usually have someone playing live music in the Lounges, on deck, etc - you can always locate this performer and ask if they know your favourite song, then have a nice dance together. Of course you can also do this with an iPod on your balcony.
You can also order special celebration cakes to be delivered to you, if you would like a custom cake.

And of course if you're travelling with a friend, you can always task them with decorating your room or whatever spot you decide to do this, so it's a surprise to you. For instance, if I had a friend renewing vows on castaway cay, I would get a white runner or fabric, some flowers (or at least fake flowers) lantern holders, gather shells etc and set a nice spot for them. Write their names and dates in the sand with a heart. That sort of thing. Just to make it a bit of a special moment! I would also get a waiter to bring their favourite drinks or some champagne from the bar and be standing by for the moment the vows are complete, to serve them a glass for a toast. Even grab a couple of the famous chocolate chip cookies from the BBQ area, and have the couple feed each other that instead of a cake! Lol
Just some initial thoughts. But then I LOVE planning events!

 

[Peggytc]

Too bad you're not on the WBTA in September I would have fun arranging this for you

 

[lorimay]

To the OP, your idea of just you and your husband sound wonderful and personal. But if try to go with what the above poster is suggesting you will be stopped and embarrassed as you try to pull off a vow renewal like she suggests.
I am not trying to be a b*****, but DCL makes a lot of $$ on weddings and vow renewals. If you are seen with runners, flowers and lanterns on the beach they will stop you immediately and your day may be ruined for you. They will see you, theres no way to get away with something so elaborate. Cast Members are everywhere.

 

[mevelandry]

Wow, you gave me a lot of good ideas! Thank you!!!

Unfortunately the ring we wanted is made of titanium so it's difficult to resize... But we will keep looking for matching bands.

It would probably be easier to personalize our surroundings if we do it on the balcony ... (Which would happen if for some reason we could not stop at CC).

...but Serenity Bay is so magical to us... I'll definitely look around us on the beach for a photo op and stage something in the sand.

Not sure how having a private photograph from shutters would cost. I don't think we can afford it but we'll see.

It will be just the two of us... But I am sure we'll find a way to get nice pictures.

I thought about the cake. I want to look for reviews and see if they are good and doing a good job before paying 50$ for a cake.

 

[mevelandry]

To the OP, your idea of just you and your husband sound wonderful and personal. But if try to go with what the above poster is suggesting you will be stopped and embarrassed as you try to pull off a vow renewal like she suggests.
I am not trying to be a b*****, but DCL makes a lot of $$ on weddings and vow renewals. If you are seen with runners, flowers and lanterns on the beach they will stop you immediately and your day may be ruined for you. They will see you, theres no way to get away with something so elaborate. Cast Members are everywhere.

Yes, I see this coming and that is the reason why I want to keep it as low profile as possible. It's not going to be a "ceremony"... More like "a moment". Castaway Cay is a perfect natural decor and we don't need much.

 

[mevelandry]

When you think about it, it's not gonna be much different than a low profile proposal...

We'd just find a private spot on Serenity Bay (far from the other guests) , take 5 minutes to exchange vows and rings, a kiss... And that's it.

Afterwards we'll take a few pictures. Write stuff down in the sand... Go on with our beach day...

Then later, maybe have wine or champagne or cake... We'll see. Iit's a 4 nights cruise... I wanted to try all restaurants and keep Palo for the last night but I am thinking about booking Palo that night after all. (On the Dream or Fantasy I would have booked Remy).

 

[lorimay]

Yes, I see this coming and that is the reason why I want to keep it as low profile as possible. It's not going to be a "ceremony"... More like "a moment". Castaway Cay is a perfect natural decor and we don't need much.

Definitely do it over on Serenity Bay. Its beautiful and so much quieter than Family Beach. I hope you can get someone to grab some photos for you.
They do have photographers out on CC, but I have never seen them on SB. But if you find one I'm sure they will meet you there and take some shots for you to have.
Be sure to mark on your reservation that you are celebrating your anniversary.
Have a wonderful time.

 

[mevelandry]

Definitely do it over on Serenity Bay. Its beautiful and so much quieter than Family Beach. I hope you can get someone to grab some photos for you.
They do have photographers out on CC, but I have never seen them on SB. But if you find one I'm sure they will meet you there and take some shots for you to have.
Be sure to mark on your reservation that you are celebrating your anniversary.
Have a wonderful time.

Definitely. During our last cruise, we were surprised to see how non-crowded Serenity Bay was for a sold-out Dream cruise. This time we'll go on the Wonder so we expect it to be very quiet as well.

Next time I will call them, I will add that celebration to our reservation.

 

[mevelandry]

After a bit of research, I don't think Shutters private session is what we are looking for.

Selfies and asking someone to take our pictures should be sufficient.

 

[bfamily5]

I ran into Capt Jack in Serenity Bay - maybe he would do the honors? He is a Captain afterall!

 

[Peggytc]

To the OP, your idea of just you and your husband sound wonderful and personal. But if try to go with what the above poster is suggesting you will be stopped and embarrassed as you try to pull off a vow renewal like she suggests.
I am not trying to be a b*****, but DCL makes a lot of $$ on weddings and vow renewals. If you are seen with runners, flowers and lanterns on the beach they will stop you immediately and your day may be ruined for you. They will see you, theres no way to get away with something so elaborate. Cast Members are everywhere.

I know they try to make money with this, but can't see them actively stopping people as long as they are not intruding on anyone else's vacation, and not asking for any assistance that they wouldn't pay for as needed, or disrupting any Disney property. It would be poor customer service to physically stop or do anything short of congratulate.

 

[Peggytc]

Wow, you gave me a lot of good ideas! Thank you!!!

Unfortunately the ring we wanted is made of titanium so it's difficult to resize... But we will keep looking for matching bands.

It would probably be easier to personalize our surroundings if we do it on the balcony ... (Which would happen if for some reason we could not stop at CC).

...but Serenity Bay is so magical to us... I'll definitely look around us on the beach for a photo op and stage something in the sand.

Not sure how having a private photograph from shutters would cost. I don't think we can afford it but we'll see.

It will be just the two of us... But I am sure we'll find a way to get nice pictures.

I thought about the cake. I want to look for reviews and see if they are good and doing a good job before paying 50$ for a cake.

There was a thread about the cake recently. Many people said the cake served on board is just as good and sometimes better... But that's more when you're looking for an individual slice for say a birthday or something. For an occasion like this you may decide you want something more elaborate. Either way whatever you do, it will be special and memorable! bonne chance et felicitations!! (Lol assuming you speak French based on username

 

[mevelandry]

I am french canadian.

 

[mevelandry]

I ran into Capt Jack in Serenity Bay - maybe he would do the honors? He is a Captain afterall!

Jack Sparrow?

That would be something.

 

[Peggytc]

I am french canadian.

Me, too

 

[lorimay]

I know they try to make money with this, but can't see them actively stopping people as long as they are not intruding on anyone else's vacation, and not asking for any assistance that they wouldn't pay for as needed, or disrupting any Disney property. It would be poor customer service to physically stop or do anything short of congratulate.

No trust me, they will stop you. They have stopped many a people in the parks.
They have such strict rules regarding weddings. Customer service is excellent but they will not take the day away from a paying bride and let an unofficial wedding happen.
I have dealt with Disney Fairy Tale weddings for 2 occasions.
They only allow 2 to 3 weddings per cruise depending on how many sea days and the length of the cruise. One wedding on Castaway Cay per cruise. They make each wedding custom to one bride. They will not allow 2 brides to see each other, they make you feel that you are the only bride that day. You pay for that service and they make sure you get it. I had a vow renewal in 2012 on The Magic and we chose to do it onboard on a sea day. I was the only one that day and then there was one CC wedding on the Friday.
Go to the wedding boards on this forum and ask, they will tell you.
I am not trying to make trouble, I just know how Disney is with their weddings. They will stop you on CC if you try to have a beach wedding you didn't plan and pay for thru Disney.
Their Best service is always given as we know. But if you try to pull of an unofficial wedding with things you suggested they will stop you.
Lurkyloo, who is on this board was married in Disney the same month my daughter had her Disney wedding wanted to meet up with a bride getting married the same day as her had to get all kinds of permission for them to be seen together in their wedding attire.
Disney takes their weddings seriously.

 

[professorandmom]

No trust me, they will stop you.

I am unsure this plan could possibly be identified as a wedding: no officiant, no witnesses. no formal wedding dress....