Yacht Wedding in Florida
By Connie Motz, Marinefuel.com Travel Expert
September 3, 2009
Imagine your intimate wedding ceremony conducted by the Captain onboard his ship or exchanging your vows on a palm tree-filled beach in the Florida Keys. Sip champagne as you later stroll the deck, gazing into the sunset as a newly married couple. A yacht rental for your wedding in Florida can provide all of these plus memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re exploring the option of a yacht rental for your wedding in Florida, here are some guidelines to help make the process go smoothly. A yacht wedding can provide everything you’d expect in a traditional wedding from the ceremony, flowers, photographer, catering, to entertainment.
As with any big event, a yacht rental for your wedding in Florida can be customized to suit your needs and budget. Many companies offer the services of a wedding planner who can help you with pre-planned wedding packages that include decorations, cake, hors d’oeuvres, and a reception buffet or dinner.
With over 30 years of event and wedding planning experience, creating ‘the most memorable event’ is the goal of Boat Miami, who accommodates wedding parties from 12-500 passengers. According to Boat Miami, expect to pay between $100 and $200+ per person per day for a yacht rental for your wedding in Florida including the ship rental, fully catered reception meal, and an open bar.
Boat Miami also features a Wedding Essentials store online where themed wedding favors, jewelry, and even lingerie can be purchased for that special day. Personalized sea shells, sailboat tea light holders, flip flop coasters, and natural sea shell place card holders are amongst the favorites.
Requests for an estimate for a yacht rental for your wedding in Florida should include information about the U.S. Coast Guard Certified capacity, fuel cost, dockage fees, crew salary, catering and beverages, service charges, and any applicable taxes.
Michelle Sandy
Better yet, utilize the services of a professional wedding planner. Michelle Sandy, owner of Your Travel Concierge of Naples, highly recommends a yacht rental for your wedding in Florida. “Keep in mind that many yachts sail to the Mediterranean/Europe over the summer months. It will be more difficult to find a yacht in Florida from May to October,” says Sandy.
As a Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialist, Sandy also advises to plan your yacht wedding at least six months to one year in advance, to remain flexible, and to always use a reputable wedding planner that has knowledge of the yachting business. Following these tips will help to ensure that a yacht rental for your wedding in Florida will be smooth sailing all the way.
Sources:
Boat Miami
Michelle Sandy, Your Travel Concierge of Naples
Florida Keys
Florida Association of Convention/Visitor Bureaus