Newbie to this forum! VR/DCLwed ??s

[disneymagicgirl]

Hi everyone!
Just decided this weekend that we want to throw together a DCL wedding in September. We are shooting for the 9/12 sailing on the Magic.
I called today to check availability with DFTW dept. How long until I hear back? Time is ticking. I'd like to get the invites out by 6/12 so people can ask off work, save a little $$, etc.

How popular are DCL weddings? It doesn't look like there are many threads on them? I sure hope we get our date!

Also, I read that you are already married when the ship leaves port, so I was thinking we could go to the Justice of the Peace at home the day before we go down for our cruise, and that way just do the VR. It saves about $1000! Anyone have experience doing this? Is the wording of the ceremony much different?

TIA

 

[Bride-to-be]

Welcome!

First of all it usually takes a few days to hear back. They only do 1 castaway cay wedding and two onboard weddings per cruise, but hopefully you can get your date.

DCL weddings/VRs are very simple. You can pick your cake and your flowers from a few options and you can also choose your ceremony music from a list. Other than that there are not many options and you can't really customize much.

My understanding (which I learned from this board and not from disney) is that once you are booked and confirmed they don't contact you about any of the details until 60 days prior to your sailing date and the majority of decisions are made within 30 days of your sailing date.

Some people have heard that you can order addtional enhancements such as floral decorations and what not from the disney florist.

As far as being married before you board - there is a lot of confusion here about the process. I had heard it was done in the cruise terminal - other brides have had it happen on board in front of the walt disney theater. Basically you say your vows and sign your marriage license before you sail. Also if you do a VR you can have the captain perform the ceremony where as if you do a wedding the ceremony has to be done by an officiant who is brought in from one of the other islands. I think its basically up to you as to which you wish to do. Everyone seems to have different feelings about it and having multiple wedding dates to later celebrate.

If you have a group of between 12 and 14 adults then you may be interested in trying to book the private room in Palo for dinner that evening. In order to book the room you have to have at least 12 adults but no more than 14 and they don't allow children. The price is the same as if you were to eat in Palo normally - so it makes for a very economical reception.

I think dcl weddings are becoming more popular and there are a few trip reports here - I can try to find the links for you.

As far as save the dates, free of charge DFTW will mail out a postcard for you, you get to choose between two postcards. I personally thought they were both kind of boring - but hey they are free. Many brides here choose to make and mail their own save the dates.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Welcome!

First of all it usually takes a few days to hear back. They only do 1 castaway cay wedding and two onboard weddings per cruise, but hopefully you can get your date.

DCL weddings/VRs are very simple. You can pick your cake and your flowers from a few options and you can also choose your ceremony music from a list. Other than that there are not many options and you can't really customize much.

My understanding (which I learned from this board and not from disney) is that once you are booked and confirmed they don't contact you about any of the details until 60 days prior to your sailing date and the majority of decisions are made within 30 days of your sailing date.

Some people have heard that you can order addtional enhancements such as floral decorations and what not from the disney florist.

As far as being married before you board - there is a lot of confusion here about the process. I had heard it was done in the cruise terminal - other brides have had it happen on board in front of the walt disney theater. Basically you say your vows and sign your marriage license before you sail. Also if you do a VR you can have the captain perform the ceremony where as if you do a wedding the ceremony has to be done by an officiant who is brought in from one of the other islands. I think its basically up to you as to which you wish to do. Everyone seems to have different feelings about it and having multiple wedding dates to later celebrate.

If you have a group of between 12 and 14 adults then you may be interested in trying to book the private room in Palo for dinner that evening. In order to book the room you have to have at least 12 adults but no more than 14 and they don't allow children. The price is the same as if you were to eat in Palo normally - so it makes for a very economical reception.

I think dcl weddings are becoming more popular and there are a few trip reports here - I can try to find the links for you.

As far as save the dates, free of charge DFTW will mail out a postcard for you, you get to choose between two postcards. I personally thought they were both kind of boring - but hey they are free. Many brides here choose to make and mail their own save the dates.

WoW!
Thanks for all the info!
I had read about the Palo private dining room, but I didn't realize how specific they are on the # of people! I think we will have 15, give or take a few, so it may work out...if not already booked!

I think I just assume go to our J of P since we would have to do it ahead on the ship anyways! Good way to save $1000!

Seems crazy that they do the same amount of ceremonies on a 3day cruise as a 7day cruise! Oh well, what can you do!? Keeping my fingers crossed for some pixie dust on our date!

Do you know if the wording is much different for the VR compared to the wedding?

 

[Bride-to-be]

Honestly, I don't know about the wording. I am truthfully unsure about the wording of VRs in general.

I would think that the captain or the officiant would always have the same routine speal. I bet if you asked they could send you copies of what they say to help you make your decision.