All aboard! While destination weddings at gorgeous tropical locations are nothing new, more and more couples are actually marrying en route. Indeed, cruise weddings were cited by the Cruise Lines International Association as one of the industry’s top growth areas for 2013 and it’s easy to see why! Not quite sure it’s for you? Here are the top 10 benefits of having your big day at sea – a cruise wedding!
Image courtesy of Jennifer Werneth Photography
1. Beautiful scenery
Perhaps the most attractive prospect of a cruise wedding are the beautiful surroundings. Sunsets, sparkling turquoise water and a soft breeze to cool those pre-ceremony nerves – that’s about as idyllic a setting as you could ask for.
2. Everyone’s in holiday mode
With a cruise wedding, you’re not politely asking guests to give up a night of their weekend – you’re inviting them on the holiday of a lifetime! The result? Everyone’s in high spirits and ready to party.
3. The party goes on and on
Unlike a traditional wedding, you won’t be needing to hail taxis for anyone as the night comes to an end. With a cruise ship as your venue, the celebration can just keep sailing on, as everyone stays on with you to continue the holiday.
Above, clockwise from top left, at the Confetti Shop: mini folding beach chairs | starfish cake topper | starfish wine stopper favour
4. There’s something entertaining for everyone
Kids, cousins, in-laws, your great aunt Myrtle – they all get what they want on a cruise. These massive ships specialise in catering to all demographics. With cinemas, bowling alleys, kids’ play areas and adult-only pool decks, nobody will feel left out and you won’t have to worry about providing entertainment for all.
5. It’s all-inclusive
In addition to everyone joining in the fun, the wedding itself will likely be ‘all inclusive’ as part of the cruise line’s wedding package. With some wedding packages starting as low as £1,500 (according to The Telegraph), a cruise wedding can certainly give you more bang for your buck.
6. Keeps things on budget
Recent reports put the average cost of a UK wedding at a whopping £21,939. While the cost of traditional weddings can easily spiral out of control, a cruise wedding can actually help you stick to a budget. With the cost provided upfront as part of an inclusive package, you don’t have to worry about accidentally going overboard.
Image courtesy of itskona
7. It’s a wedding and a honeymoon
Another cost-saving element of getting married at sea is that it doubles as a wedding and a honeymoon. The sheer size of the ship allows you to enjoy the company of friends and family as well as some more romantic time alone with your new spouse. Your honeymoon continues when you arrive at your destination.
8. High class customer service
The growing demand for cruise weddings has turned cruise lines into wedding planners, so you can rest assured knowing your big day is in the hands of experts. Plus, while it may sound silly, it helps to know nobody has any excuse for not arriving on time. With all your guests, bridesmaids and groomsmen together in one place, there’s often less stress the morning of the ceremony.
9. Makes you feel like a VIP
Once only for the rich and famous, cruises today are far more affordable to the mainstream traveller and they have a way of making you feel like a VIP. In fact, some cruise liners even offer weddings officiated by the ship’s captain!
Above, clockwise from top left, at the Confetti Shop: shell-shaped silver place card holders | deck chair laser cut place cards | double fish place card holders with silver finish | starfish laser cut glass place card
10. Starts A Nice Tradition
It’s not just cruise weddings that are increasingly popular, but anniversaries and vow renewals are also on the rise. Marrying on a cruise and the memories it creates can lead to a lifelong tradition of celebrating your love at sea.
With so many advantages to marrying at sea, it’s no wonder why so many couples are jumping aboard this rising trend – it simply sets set the course for a lifetime of wedded bliss.
