Six stages, in this order

Stage one is the ceremony format. At sea, dockside, or ashore in a port of call — and legally binding or symbolic. This decides which ships are even eligible, so it comes before anything romantic.

Stage two is the port. Your guest list mostly lives somewhere specific, and the port that most of them can drive to will deliver the highest attendance for the lowest total cost. Everything about the itinerary follows from that choice.

Stage three is the ship and the date. Within a port and a season there are usually several credible options, and they differ in atmosphere far more than price. We shortlist against your guest profile: children or not, busy or quiet, all-inclusive or à la carte.

Stage four is the cabin block, and it is the one that matters most. Holding a group of cabins protects the rate and keeps your guests near each other. Do this before invitations, not after.

Stage five is the wedding package itself: ceremony slot, venue on the ship, officiant, photography, flowers, cake and reception. The cruise line's wedding department runs this, and we work to their deadlines on your behalf.

Stage six runs from invitation to embarkation. Documents, deposits, final payment dates, dietary requirements, guests who book late and guests who cancel. Your guests email us rather than you, which is the part couples say they valued most.

One honest caveat: cruise line wedding programmes, eligible ships and legal requirements all change, sometimes at short notice. We confirm current rules against your exact ship and date rather than working from last year's brochure.