cruisebride2016

@LADYJUSTICE1 We are also using our own planner in Jamaica, instead of going through the cruise line. We splurged by getting the Royal Suite during the cruise, so we are planning to have our "reception" in our room once we get back on the ship. We will have toasts/speeches, cake, first dance, etc. at that time. Only negative for this is that it would be very expensive to have a bar in the room because it would be private. We will probably have everyone bring 2 bottles of champagne/wine (allowed by the cruise) and have them bring the bottles to the room for the group to share. Our final reservation date is not until November, so we have to wait until then to find out what group points we have earned. I'm hoping to get a free specialty dinner, but not sure if that will be possible. We might be able to earn a free cocktail hour, but we will wait and see. We will get credit for at least 1 "free" guest and possibly 2 based on the one free per 16. Are you using a travel agent to book the cruise? How many guests are you expecting?

@@LRosario very cute!

Even though you are not doing save the dates or invites, you could send an announcement afterwards to let people know you guys got married and have a keepsake,

This is wonderful to hear. I am working with her right now for my wedding at the same location next year. So far, it has been a positive experience. Congratulations and thanks for sharing!

@LADYJUSTICE- congratulations! We haven't gotten married yet. Our date is in April 2016. What are your plans so far?

We have already given a verbal save the dates to all the guests. Our TA gives us free save the dates. We are using them as our invites since we already know the dates and venue. It will direct people to our website. Guests will RSVP on the website and book with the travel agent. Then, after the final payments for the guests, we will send out a passport with all the final details/information for the trip. We wanted guests to have a keepsake, but didn't want to spend tons of money sending multiple items. This required multiple conversations between the FI and I to decide on our plan of attack!

@smileitseb- Thank you for the info!

@smileitseb- Your passports are beautiful. They have the front and back only and no extra pages, right? How long was it from the time you started working on the passports to the time your received them? I am just trying to figure out how much time in advance I need to start working on them. Thank you for sharing!

We have decided not to have a bridal party. I feel it has relieved a lot of stress- not dealing with different opinions or worrying about hurting feelings or picking outfits, gifts, etc. I hope everyone who I would have asked will be able to attend, but since they aren't a part of the bridal party, I won't be heartbroken if they can't attend. Since you have already invited your 2 sisters and 2 cousins, I don't think you should take back the invitation if they are able to attend. And, if the number of females to males is uneven, I think it will still be fine. Hope everyone comes through for you!

I am having my first dress shopping trip in a few weeks. When I was looking at dresses online, Maggie Sottero definitely caught my attention. It is great to read these comments that others would recommend her!

Instant cameras are a great idea!!

Here is a website you could show your fiance to show him that it is expected to give gifts: http://www.askmen.com/money/how_to/the-groom-s-guide-to-gifting-etiquette.html

I love the idea of the photo albums!

Congrats! Welcome

@ChristienEarnest- I am planning a cruise wedding also. What are planning to put in your bag right now? When are you planning to give it to the guests?

Sorry I can't be of help because I am not using an all inclusive resort, but good luck in your search!

@@calgarybride2015 I agree with the previous comments. "Thank you" for gifts should mention the gift and what you will do with it. "Thank you" for money should include a comment about what you will use it for. And, a thank you should be sent for all gifts along the way, even if it is a generic thank you card! Congrats on your wedding!

Thank you! We are very excited

@breezie- Men usually have trouble remembering one date, so having to remember two would be especially difficult. We will celebrate the destination wedding date.

Thank you for the responses! @Samantha2015- No, I haven't heard of Trident. Where exactly is it located? @rachelchic81- We don't want to get married on the beach. Otherwise, it probably would be very easy to find a place.

We are not having a wedding party, so essentially all of our guests are the wedding party. We are planning to ask everyone to wear blue because it will look nice in pictures. We will not be picky about what shade of blue.

Are there any other cruise brides out there? We just put the deposit down for our group booking on the cruise. Woohoo! We will be on Royal's Navigator of the Seas and getting married in Jamaica. Any words of wisdoms?

I am still early in my planning, so still deciding what I will do. But, I have been working on our website and leaning toward not sending out invites because all the info is on the website. That might be one way for you to save some money.

I lost 50 pounds using MyFitnessPal. Then, I maintained it for a year without it. Now that I have gotten engaged, I got back onto MyFitnessPal and lost 4 pounds in the first two weeks just by tracking calories. When I am tracking, I make better choices when it comes to small things. Since the small things add up, cutting those out makes the difference between maintaining and losing for me. I aim to eat my goal calories every day, no matter whether or not I workout. Therefore, the calories I burn with exercise leads to overall being below goal.

Taking a cruise with family and friends, then getting married while in port in Jamaica on April 13, 2016. We are still deciding on the venue in Jamaica.