Cost of Cruise Wedding Vs. Traditional Wedding
The rising cost of getting married results in a growing number of destination weddings, according to CNNMoney.com. Destination weddings have become more popular than ever, and getting married on a cruise ship has quickly become a favorite destination wedding for couples.
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Traditional Wedding
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The cost of weddings in the United States in 2008 averaged between $21,000 and $24,000, according to Richard Markel, president of the Association for Wedding Professionals International. That figure does not include the cost of an engagement ring or honeymoon. The cost of your wedding may vary based on location: Marrying in a big city such as New York will cost more than holding your nuptials in a smaller city such as Tampa. Also consider the size of your wedding: The longer the guest list, the greater the cost.
Traditional Wedding Cost Factors
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To keep the cost of your wedding down, Carley Roney, editor in chief of TheKnot.com, suggests avoiding the high season, March through October. She recommends that you consider marrying on a day other than Saturday because venues tend to charge more for Saturday functions. Also think about downsizing your dream cake to a smaller version.
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Cruise Ship Wedding
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The cost of a shipboard wedding starts at an average of $1,500, and includes an officiant, cake, bridal bouquet, cake cutting service, champagne toast and photography services--but not the cost of the cruise. Cruise lines offer wedding packages with more features for an additional cost. Research different cruise lines: Prices vary.
Cruise Ship Wedding Cost Factors
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If you don't already live near a cruise port, the cost of travel--airfare and hotel--will drive up the cost of your wedding, as will the price of the cruise itself. Cruise prices depend on your destination, the season and the length of the cruise. Contact your cruise line to best determine the most cost-effective cruise for your wedding budget.
Considerations
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Traditional weddings require the additional cost of a honeymoon. Cruise weddings build in the honeymoon, but remember that your closest friends and family members will be sharing your wedding trip. Cruise weddings may limit the number of guests because of the cost, but planning a traditional wedding can be more stressful.
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- Photo Credit Wedding bouquet the bride on background of wedding dress image by Aliaksandr Zabudzko from Fotolia.com
