As pure and sacred as weddings truly are, the experiences involved make them even more special and memorable. One of the latest and hot trends in this space includes cruise weddings—ones that are opulent and grand in stature but also amalgamate the simplicity of weaving thoughtful elements in a personalised way with a tranquil oceanic view.
The customary thought is for couples to dabble between having a traditional venue or a cruise wedding. While both formats have their own set of opportunities and challenges, a cruise wedding seems to be a unique way to make a couple’s wedding experience not just a delight for themselves but also for the attendees.
Everything Experiential (EE) spoke to industry mavens about the evolution of cruise wedding experiences, the distinction of cruise weddings as compared to traditional wedding venues, the costs involved and more.
The Evolution of Cruise Wedding Experiences
Cruise wedding experiences have seen an evolution across a period of time. Before the pandemic, cruise weddings were relatively uncommon. However, Anjali Tolani, Assistant Vice President – Weddings, Tamarind Global understands that now, as cruising has become more accessible to Indians as a vacation option, it has also gained popularity as a venue for weddings and events.
“We’re noticing a steady increase in this trend. Cruises offer a really glamorous and memorable destination for weddings. They even hold a significant appeal for hosts because the guests are fully committed to all events as they remain onboard for the duration of the celebration. The immersive nature of cruise weddings is a major driver of their growing popularity,” she mentions.
Cruise weddings have truly changed over the past few years, particularly as more couples are seeking unique and memorable settings for their big day. Harshal Ganjawalla, Co-founder, Lavish Knots outlines that before Covid, cruise weddings were a niche option, but now they’re becoming more mainstream, especially with the accessibility of cruising for Indians.
He seconds Tolani, “What’s really driving this growth is the appeal of hosting a wedding that offers both luxury and adventure, all in one package. The exclusive, all-inclusive nature of a cruise, where guests are fully invested in the celebration, makes it an attractive choice for modern couples who want something distinct from traditional land venues.”
Cruise Weddings or Traditional Wedding Venues
Cruise weddings and traditional wedding venues, needless to say, have their own set of takers.
Comprehending its benefits, cruise weddings offer tremendous flexibility. Tolani understands that these can be as traditional as desired or take a completely non-conventional route, it’s solely the couple’s choice. One of the advantages is that there is no pressure for guests to wear heavy traditional attire for all functions, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.
She elaborates, “The opportunity to dock and host events on land also adds to the variety of activities available for guests. The possibilities are endless with activities such as a sundowner event on the upper deck, a James Bond-themed casino night or even water sports challenges between the bride’s and groom’s sides. Cruise weddings are not restricted by land-based rules like music decibel levels or event timings, so the celebrations can go on almost 24/7.”
Ganjawalla, too, notes that with cruise weddings there is an opportunity to break away from the usual and introduce completely unique elements. The experience can be elevated with tailored events like an underwater-themed ceremony or similar activities.
He recalls, We’ve executed weddings where the entire top deck was turned into a chic, outdoor casino night or where each event had a unique theme. It’s interesting how we can take advantage of both the water and the port destinations for truly diverse experiences.”
Costs involved
The costs involved in making a cruise wedding memorable, from photographers to decorations and lighting, are something which are usually of concern to many prior to opting for one.
Surprisingly, accommodation on cruises may be more economical than land-based venues, but certain aspects, such as photographers or performers, remain consistent regardless of location.
Tolani underlines that the cost of décor will depend on the extent and type of customisations desired, but overall, cruise weddings offer flexibility, with opportunities to splurge or economise based on the couple's preferences.
Ganjawalla recognises that the key is in curating an experience that feels lavish while staying true to the couple’s financial comfort.
Enhancing the Experience at Sea
Cruise wedding ideas that can augment the serenity of the sea exuding creativity and momentousness, can be done in more ways than one.
Tolani cites a few such ideas:
Cruise weddings offer myriad possibilities for extraordinary creativity. Ganjawalla states that one memorable idea he worked on was an underwater-themed wedding, complete with live performances and marine-inspired décor.
Unmistakably, a cruise wedding offers a unique blend of romance, adventure, and convenience, creating memories that last a lifetime. The ability to combine the wedding and honeymoon in one journey adds value and excitement, as an unforgettable experience.
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