15 Essential Tips for Planning Your Cruise Wedding

When you celebrate your wedding on a cruise, ocean breezes infuse the air with romance. Whether your ceremony takes place onboard, on a picturesque beach, or in a lovely garden, wedding cruises beautifully blend your love for each other with your passion for travel. Dinogo Cruises is here to assist you in planning every detail, ensuring that your special day creates lasting memories. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when organizing your cruise wedding.

1. Your Wedding Can Be Held at Port or a Destination Venue

A legal marriage is governed by the laws of the country, meaning your ceremony can’t take place in international waters. Holding it onboard at your home port before the cruise departs allows you to select your officiant and invite guests who can’t join you on the cruise. Alternatively, you can have a shipboard wedding at a different port, or opt for a destination beach or resort venue to enhance your photos with the exotic landscapes of Mexico, the Caribbean, The Bahamas, or Hawaii.

2. Ensure Your Marriage Is Valid

A marriage license is required no matter where your ceremony takes place. Your wedding coordinator will assist you in understanding the necessary requirements at the port where the wedding will occur, but you’ll need to manage the details yourself.

3. Choose a Ship That Reflects Your Style

Every cruise ship has its unique vibe! Select one that aligns with your style and offers the dining, entertainment, and amenities you’ll appreciate during your honeymoon. Dinogo cruise ships feature fantastic amenities that you and your guests will love.

4. Consider Booking in Advance

Cruise weddings are highly sought after, so it's wise to make your reservations early to avoid a fully booked sailing and be aware of potential holiday fees. Be mindful of the weather and the season when planning your wedding. Arriving at the port a day early is a great idea to ensure everything is ready and to explore the city!

5. Inform Your Guests Early

You don’t have to send out invitations immediately after booking your cruise, but be sure to notify your guests well in advance so they can arrange time off work.

6. Create a Wedding Registry

Create a wedding website and honeymoon registry to share details with your guests, allowing them to contribute to crafting the ideal honeymoon experience as you embark on your new life together.

7. Choose an Appropriate Cruise Duration

Select a cruise itinerary that allows for a smooth transition into married life without being too brief or overly expensive for your guests. A four- to seven-day cruise offers ample time for the ceremony while not demanding too much of their vacation time.

8. Group Rates Make Cruise Weddings Budget-Friendly

Arrange accommodations as a group to secure better rates for your wedding guests. You can also organize group shore excursions, transforming your wedding into an economical getaway for your friends and family!

9. Simplify Planning with a Comprehensive Package

Dinogo alleviates the stress of organizing your wedding with a comprehensive package. From the outset, a wedding planner will assist you, and on the big day, you'll have a wedding coordinator to guide you. The packages cover everything from the officiant to decorations and cake.

10. Choose a Package That Reflects Your Style and Budget

Dinogo offers a variety of wedding packages with different inclusions, allowing you to tailor your choice to your vision. Opt for an elegant seated dinner, cocktails with hors d’oeuvres, or enjoy a casual buffet with your guests aboard the ship. Different tiers enable you to select your preferred menu items. You can also personalize your wedding package with flowers, favors, entertainment, and other special touches.

11. Choose Attire Suitable for the Occasion

While life on the ship tends to be casual, it's important to dress appropriately for your ceremony. The bride and her bridal party should ensure their dresses are easy to put on, especially if the ceremony occurs at the home port before departure. The gentlemen can achieve a polished look without bringing a tuxedo; many ships offer formalwear rentals, ensuring suits are ready in their cabins upon arrival.

12. Preserve Your Memories with a Wedding Photographer

Your cruise ship can provide a professional photographer who will capture your special moments through photos and videos, creating beautiful keepsake albums. Prints will be available before you return home, allowing you to start reliving the memories right away!

13. Embrace Quality Family Time Alongside Personal Space

Cruise weddings with guests onboard create a wonderful balance between shared experiences and individual moments. A large ship offers a plethora of activities, ensuring that everyone can find something enjoyable to do.

14. Perfect for More Than Just Newlyweds

Cruises are an excellent opportunity to gather friends and family while also celebrating vow renewals!

15. Take Time to Relax and Savor Your New Journey Together

After the ceremony concludes, the stress fades away. Take advantage of the ship’s amenities and shore activities, and be sure to discover cozy spots on deck where you can simply relish your time together as a newlywed couple!

Remember to unwind before your wedding cruise as well. Collaborating with Dinogo's expert wedding planners ensures a smooth and enjoyable wedding experience.