Seriously... a cruise ship wedding?

I must say, I have heard that phrase and variations of that phrase multiple times throughout our planning process. I think most people are not aware that you actually CAN be married on a cruise ship. Chris and I are not ones to do things by the book anyways. :)

I just realized that, aside from saying we will be married on a cruise ship, I haven't provided much details! I'm a bad blogger.

If you go on your given cruise lines website (our case, Carnival) they will somewhere have a section for weddings. Carnival offers weddings both on the ship or at their port of call and they pretty much set everything up for you and allow you to pick the details. I am a no stress bride because regardless, it will be a blast.

For onboard weddings, Carnival offered three choices. We ended up selecting the Deluxe Romance package. Here is the description that they provide:

For an unforgettable celebration, this package offers the ceremony with a one and a half-hour reception. Package includes: A dedicated Wedding Agent assisting you with every detail from selecting your package to "Ido". On the day of your wedding, Priority check-in for the bridal couple and their guests, a local Wedding Officiant, A Wedding Coordinator to work solely with you and your guests, Photographer (Wedding photos/packages available for purchase separately onboard) Photography service includes the ceremony, reception, with various portraits taken around the ship and studio, Ideal wedding location, Romantic wedding set up, Selection of Wedding Vows and Poems/Readings, Recorded ceremony music, 8-Rose Bridal Bouquet with matching Rose Boutonnierre for the groom *(Flowers may vary based on some locations, where tropical arrangements will be substituted for roses. Additional flower options are available, as an upgrade). One and a half-hour Open bar with selection of hot and cold hors d' oeuvres, Ice Carving, Champagne Toast, (1-set) of etched "Our Wedding" champagne flutes, 2-Tiered Wedding Cake* with keepsake topper. Cake Server and Coffee/Tea service provided. A bottle of Sparkling Wine and Chocolate Covered strawberries for the bride and groom's stateroom. (Additional items available upon request, such as unity candle lighting ceremony, additional flowers, etc. Inquire with your Wedding Agent for more details) *2-Tiered Wedding Cake provided up to a maximum of 50 guests. Based on number of guests, a 3-Tier or 4-Tier Wedding Cake will be provided.

We decided that the hors d' oeuvres (I choose to pronounce them as whore-de-vores.. cause I'm amazing like that) would be enough for our reception cause really, we are all paying for a cruise, with included buffet meals AND sit down dining service, what is the point of paying for more food? Our guests (and me!) will appreciate the open bar much more than MORE food.

We paid for the wedding back in February, so all is pretty much taken care of. Once we paid for the wedding, Carnival sent via email a wedding contract, add-ons we can purchase, the readings they have, photography prices, cake choices, EVERYTHING. It has been so fun going through this stuff (like a menu) and picking and choosing what we want. I have no concerns about the food or the cake, everything I have ever had on any of my cruises has been better than food at home. I have complete trust in that area. Our invitations have not even gone out yet and we have over 25 people booked to join us! We feel so loved. We also get to brag that our wedding is a whole week affair, not just one day. :)

Our wedding day is also formal night on the ship. This will work out splendidly because I will be able to wear my wedding dress to dinner. There is a club onboard, we are discussing having an 'after party' of sorts after dinner. Everyone would just meet in the club and have fun.