Inexpensive Beach Wedding

slm278 · 08-30-2008, 12:42 AM

So I feel my situation is somewhat unique on this site, and maybe in general. My fiance and I booked a week cruise down to Mexico, and one of the stops is in Cabo. We would like to get married on the beach while we are in port for the day. We are not looking for anything fancy, simple ceremony on the beach with a small cake. I have e-mailed about 5 different planners in the past two weeks and only one has gotten back to me with a wedding worksheet. I don't know if my wedding is going to be small so they don't want to waste thier time, or if it usually takes them a couple weeks to come back with a quote. At this point I am feeling nervous becasue the cruise in March 2009, only like 6mo away. Does anyone have any suggestions of companies that do these types of weddings? I really don't want to book it through the ship, but if no one is returning my phone calls and e-mails, I may not have a choice.
Thanks,
Stacy

yamille · 08-30-2008, 07:49 AM

Hi Stacey,
I think many of the brides here have had issues with email responses in the beginning with wedding coordinators. I have learned that they really have their hands full. You may have better luck calling and speaking to someone to expedite the process and see if they can even offer you what you want.

Most resorts have packages even if it's just for the two of you so I don't really think that should be a problem. I am not a CABO bride but search around on that "accomodations" forum and you may find soome helpful info.

good luck!

Morgan · 08-30-2008, 07:50 AM

it may not be because you have a small wedding. we all experience deleys in hearing back from out wedding coordinators.

will you have guests or is it just the two of you?

slm278 · 08-30-2008, 11:37 AM

Thank you for your reply. I guess I just thought planning a smaller wedding would be a lot less stress. Anyway, we have about 17 people booked on our cruise right now, and probably about 10 to 12 people still unsure. My guess is we will be close to 25 people. Which is perfect for us.
Stacy

Davematthews16 · 08-30-2008, 11:46 AM

So would you be getting married and getting back on the ship the same day? Or would you stay a few nights in Cabo after you get married? Are you wanting to have your legal wedding in Mexico, or just the ceremony?In Mexico, the WC at all the resorts are always busy with weddings. It's kind of like flying by the seat of your pants some of the time. A lot of the time you plan your wedding the best you can, and make a lot of decisions once you get to Mexico. Alot of resorts recommend you arrive 3 business days in Mexico before your ceremony. (And that's not even for legal ceremonies) For legal ceremonies I think they want you to be there 4-5 days PRIOR. BUT, if you just want a completely simple non-legal ceremony you may be able to cut it a little closer. Honestly though, it may be a little tough trying to have a wedding, and make it in time for your cruise to take off. Maybe you could have the cruise first and then buy a plane ticket from Mexico home? You definetely don't want to feel stressed or rushed...

MalibuBarbie · 08-31-2008, 12:18 AM

Hi Stacy-
We are doing the same thing as you...going on a cruise to the Mexican Riveria. After much thought and research, we decided the best way to handle it was to get married on the ship (our legal ceremony)on embarkation day in Long Beach and then have our "beach" ceremony on the beach in Cabo. We felt it was the easiest way (although we are having to pay for two ceremonies---it is still way cheaper than a traditional wedding in AZ) and we couldn't be happier with our decisions so far. We are doing a trash the dress photo shoot while there also. Photos were very important to us so we will have our formals on the ship and then some beach formals and then the fun TTD photos as well. I did contact several of the WC in Cabo and some of them were too expensive for what we wanted but there was a couple of them that had pre-made packages which were reasonable....and they have handled cruise brides so they are aware of the time constraints that we have. What cruise line are you going on? We are going on Carnival so we are only in Cabo til 3pm so it will be a little tight but very do-able! Good luck---I am sure you will find a WC in Cabo that can help you out. There is another website that is cruise related and there is a great wedding forum there----great info/recommendations/reviews for cruise brides on there. If you would like the website, just let me know. I don't know if I am allowed to post it here.
Barbie

slm278 · 08-31-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalibuBarbie

Hi Stacy-
We are doing the same thing as you...going on a cruise to the Mexican Riveria. After much thought and research, we decided the best way to handle it was to get married on the ship (our legal ceremony)on embarkation day in Long Beach and then have our "beach" ceremony on the beach in Cabo. We felt it was the easiest way (although we are having to pay for two ceremonies---it is still way cheaper than a traditional wedding in AZ) and we couldn't be happier with our decisions so far. We are doing a trash the dress photo shoot while there also. Photos were very important to us so we will have our formals on the ship and then some beach formals and then the fun TTD photos as well. I did contact several of the WC in Cabo and some of them were too expensive for what we wanted but there was a couple of them that had pre-made packages which were reasonable....and they have handled cruise brides so they are aware of the time constraints that we have. What cruise line are you going on? We are going on Carnival so we are only in Cabo til 3pm so it will be a little tight but very do-able! Good luck---I am sure you will find a WC in Cabo that can help you out. There is another website that is cruise related and there is a great wedding forum there----great info/recommendations/reviews for cruise brides on there. If you would like the website, just let me know. I don't know if I am allowed to post it here.
Barbie

We too are going to do the legal part before Cabo. I looked into and you have to have blood work done. And since I have a horrible fear of needles, that would be the last thing I want to do on the morning of my wedding. So we are looking for a simple beach ceremony for about 20 people with no reception. We are going to be going on NCL in March.
Do you mind me asking which wedding coordinator you are going through? And how much you guys are paying for a beach ceremony? I feel like some of the prices are kind of high, but then again I have never planned a wedding like this either.
Thanks for your help,
Stacy
I send you a private message as well with my e-mail.

Morton-Woods · 08-31-2008, 08:13 PM

I we are using April at Baja Weddings and she said they do resort weddings and cruise weddings..... PM me if you want her direct contact information.... the web site is bajaweddings.com

nicoleandscott · 08-31-2008, 08:26 PM

Hi Stacy!

We are using Katie Thompson for Weddings in Paradise in Cabo. Our wedding is about 30 people (including us!!), and she is treating us like any other "big" wedding. Let me know if you need her information. Good luck, and you will love Cabo!

franeve · 09-01-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morton-Woods

I we are using April at Baja Weddings and she said they do resort weddings and cruise weddings..... PM me if you want her direct contact information.... the web site is bajaweddings.com

Stacy, I am using Baja Wedding too (we're planning on 30ppl) and so far they have been great, My WC is Gaby and she always replies to my emails or phone calls within a day. If I email her and she is super busy she let's me know that it might take her a few days to get back with an answer... It's nice to know my wedding is as important to her as the others she's working on! Baja Wedding fees seems to be more affordable too. Remember to negotiate...GOOD LUCK :)