TAkathy

At the end of the day, it's your wedding and whatever is going to help you relax and enjoy your event is what is most important. Some other aspects to consider are: the chance that weather (rain, strong wind) could impact the ability to have the ceremony on the beach or impact the comfort or safety of you or your guests. So, it's always a good idea to have a "Plan B" even if the beach ceremony is Plan A. Happy Planning!

Better to start the process sooner than later. Best to have lots of time to arrange the details. Thankfully all the funds for a cruise are not due in advance, rooms can be held with a deposit and the final payments are paid closer to (+/- 75 days prior to) departure. That gives everyone lots of time to save up! And it gives you plenty of time to prepare.

Congratulations on your engagement! An Alaska cruise vacation would be very memorable for you and your guests. Princess cruise line (the "LOVE BOAT") shines in Alaska. The Alaska cruise season runs from mid-May to late Sept. Cruise itineraries range from round trips out of Seattle, San Francisco and Vancouver, BC to Northbound cruises from Vancouver, BC to Anchorage (Whittier) or Southbound voyages from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, BC. Any of the cruises will present amazing sights and adventures for you and your guests. It is a bit easier to arrange a R/T rather than a one-way cruise for a wedding - it is less expensive for travelers to arrange R/T flights and there are fewer connections to make to arrive at the departure location. Wedding ceremonies can be arranged onboard the ship or at a port stop. Cruises are great multi-generational events because there is so much to do and see regardless of the age of the traveler. All your guests can be fed and entertained and you can relax knowing they are being well cared for. The details and payments are arranged in advance so you can focus on your wedding. Your guests will be thrilled - Alaska is one of the most desired trips of all cruise destinations!

Arranging a regular cruise trip can be very confusing because the terminology and cruise line booking rules are foreign to most people. So, it is very helpful to have someone who understands the process - and a good travel agent will be able to guide you through it. There should not be any "hidden fees" when everything is clearly explained and properly arranged. Weddings are especially important events and the event details can be overwhelming. You have enough to handle - do you want to be the one responsible for helping your guests figure out whether to have their stateroom on the LIDO or PROMENADE deck? Or explain 50+ times what documentation is necessary for them to board the ship? Beyond helping you secure a "great group price", a good travel agent will save your sanity and very likely be instrumental in helping your group arrive properly prepared for your destination wedding.

Maui has some beautiful locations and is not so crowded. There are several wonderful options with moderate pricing for beachfront weddings: take a look at the Royal Lahaina. They have a gorgeous lawn area overlooking the ocean If you send me your email I will send a photo I took of a wedding happening there when I was visiting last year. There are other options but this property is very nice and moderately priced. They do lots of weddings.

Where in Wailea are you planning the ceremony and reception?

When and where is the wedding ceremony? What type of reception are you planning? I'm happy to help if I can.

Congratulations on your engagement! Have you set a wedding date? It tends to be windier in the Northwest coastal areas of Maui where both these properties are located. Why are you considering these locations? Are you open to other locations? I am traveling to Maui in March and am happy to provide you with any information/photos that may help.

Congratulations on your engagement! If you are trying to keep costs controlled, you may want to consider a different location for the wedding. There will always be costs that you don't expect planning a wedding, and this is not a budget property. Even if you could afford to do a wedding there without budget concerns, some of your guests may have a challenge with the cost of staying there. It may be worth considering honeymooning there as it is a fabulous property - one of several on Maui in the Wailea area. I will be traveling to Maui in March and would be help you with information/photos.