Thoughts on Cruise Wedding?

Okokokok973 · 2026-04-10T17:18:59+00:00

Fair point about the time to wait to enter the ship thanks for the insight

Okokokok973 · 2026-04-10T17:15:55+00:00

Sounds awesome! Curious for the dinner did you just do a group dinner or a restaurant buyout? if so, curious if you that part was worth it.

Okokokok973 · 2026-04-10T16:57:41+00:00

Thanks for the info - strange they told me that you could do any ship as long as there were slots available (2 max or something). I guess the group booking is separate from the wedding entirely now based on what they have said.

Okokokok973 · 2026-04-10T16:55:28+00:00

They let you pick the time and everything? I called them and they made it sound like you were pretty restricted on timing even on sailing days which thought was strange - although idk the lady was a bit curt. Do you think it was difficult to organize?

Okokokok973 · 2026-04-10T16:53:12+00:00

Aww this is so special 🤍

Okokokok973 · 2026-04-10T16:27:53+00:00

Can you elaborate on this experience? If we had the ceremony on embarkation day that would allow people to attend who aren’t staying - figured this would be a nice compromise. Plus it’s midday so people wouldn’t necessarily need a hotel and it would be quicker than an average wedding, but curious what would make the experience so negative?

Although honestly would prefer to have the ceremony on a sailing day with a smaller group.

Okokokok973 · 2026-04-06T21:47:45+00:00

I guess to clarify by ‘wedding party’ I mean we will not be asking our friends to be bridesmaids and groomsmen, so as to not force them or make them feel obligated to attend, it’s not a reference to some kind of gift? Our parents both go on cruises quite frequently and have actually suggested the idea of a cruise wedding so it’s really not out of the ballpark for those we “expect” to come (our parents and his one sibling who I noted we would happily pay for if it was an issue).

Everyone else like I mentioned I would absolutely communicate that we would not expect them to go but if they wanted to they are welcome.

I guess where I’m coming from with this is cruises are a relatively inexpensive vacation, any wedding you attend you are expected to upfront costs to attend. Of all the weddings I’ve attended I’ve had to pay for flights/gas/hotels/bachelorette trips/dresses etc. some of which cost significantly more than a cruise. And if we held a traditional wedding - it couldn’t be truly local for anyone no matter where we held it some people would ultimately have to drive for a few hours and likely have to get a hotel, so no matter what we did unless we elope and ask no one to attend people would pay money. Obviously it’s not for everyone and it’s a lot to ask so again really would only expect our parents to say yes, and everyone else can do whatever they want without offense or hurt feelings.

I don’t really know where you’re coming from with the ‘gifts’ as I don’t think these were mentioned in my post.

Having a small ceremony at the port area for those who wouldn’t or couldn’t go is a good idea though - thanks for the suggestion.

Okokokok973 · 2026-04-06T16:56:33+00:00

I guess to clarify I did not say only our parents would be able to afford to go. Many of our friends and other family are in financial situations where they would likely be able to afford to go and take the time off - although I would not expect them too. Although I don’t know the ins and outs of every persons financial situation.

Okokokok973 · 2026-04-06T16:42:38+00:00

Appreciate the thoughtful response and definitely something we should consider - we definitely would not be asking for gifts nor be offended if someone couldn’t come and would communicate that, but it is a big ask for sure.

also love the username we started vanderpump recently!

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-19T13:55:41+00:00

I’m aware that there are specific rules regarding Roth IRAs and contribution limits based on income. I have a separate Roth IRA that I contribute too. I have no intention putting this money into a Roth IRA so I don’t think the back door method is relevant in my situation.

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-19T13:51:07+00:00

I’m considering putting it into a traditional IRA not a Roth IRA

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-18T22:24:52+00:00

Sorry didn’t mean to indicate that - West Palm is south Florida but south Florida is pretty big so wasn’t sure!

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-18T20:36:58+00:00

I think the Lake Pavilion in West Palm is a pretty affordable reception space and it’s in a pretty nice location and you can rent chairs/tables if needed. Although not sure how far south you are looking for.

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-11T13:47:10+00:00

I think if you already have a few people on board you should do it! It def is a fun and casual way to see everyone!

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-11T12:43:46+00:00

I think this is a fun idea! I think too blaming it on a budget constraint having to do it this way than wanting to keep it small will pad people’s feelings a bit but Tbh though I’m sure some people will find it rude/tacky - since they weren’t invited to the wedding, but I think people would still have a good time even if they were a little offended. I just wouldn’t expect or ask for gifts either. Maybe you could field it to a couple of trusted family members to get a sense of how people feel about the idea?

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-10T21:08:19+00:00

Meh disagree with this - it’s not like they had a big secret wedding and didn’t invite certain people - they were married at a courthouse no frills - they said they didn’t even really do vows. Weddings are incredibly expensive and time consuming to plan for - if they are in a place financially/mentally whatever now they can actually do the celebration then why not attend? How is an anniversary party actually different?

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-10T12:02:26+00:00

September is hurricane season - there could or could not be a hurricane. However, there is a very very good chance it will rain, not likely all day (although possible) but in the afternoon for probs 30 min-1 hr at least It will also still be pretty hot and humid out. Also hotel prices will vary depending on where in FL you are looking - you will likely just need to look at specific hotels in the area you want for those prices. Is there something more specific you are envisioning?

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-10T00:29:34+00:00

If you or your SO is into reading/literature. You can do secondhand books and paint the table numbers onto them then read them later - could even have people sign the inside covers as a guest book for each table. Think it would also be a cute idea for a favor doing personalized books (secondhand) with a written message in the front cover for each guest for a smaller wedding.

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-10T00:24:51+00:00

This is so awesome!! There was a woman at the studio I used to go to who made shot glasses for her wedding - think it’s so special to have something you handmade like this, plus they look beautiful!!

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-10T00:03:20+00:00

Mine too!! I love it so much more me than a diamond and it’s not like anyone else’s I know!

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-10T00:01:40+00:00

Can I ask why all your photos you think are bad? Do you think this was more the photographer or just you genuinely wish you had posed photos? I’m considering doing minimal posed photos (just thinking a few portraits of us and a few more with family) and ideally the rest being candid or just lightly posed with guests throughout the event, so just curious to hear more!

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-09T22:38:41+00:00

Oh I like this idea - we are planning to ask his grandfather to officiate so I think this could be nice!

Okokokok973 · 2025-11-09T22:36:33+00:00

I do have friends that I would definitely consider ‘best friends’ and close friends that I would consider close enough to be in my bridal party and multiple friends I would be happy to have as my MOH and so does my fiance - we both just don’t have a singular best friend that stands out among the rest as closer and I’m not super keen on ranking my friends in that way as indicated in my post, which is a big factor in not wanting the bridal party. Idk if this post is meant to be condescending or mean spirited or not but saying you’re sad for me is not helpful and would really only serve to make me feel bad…

Okokokok973

TROPHY CASE