Planning
Are you tired of all the planning and stress that comes with the stereotypical UK white wedding? Praying that they’ll be no family busts ups, whether Aunty Nelly will be able to get to the venue, if Uncle George will mind the loud disco or hoping the dismal British weather will hold out for your all important big day? Then how about escaping it all to a relaxing, warm, idyllic paradise where you can wine and dine, soak up the sun in spectacular beauty and still end up marrying your very own Mr Right then keep reading, this is no dream!
Here at One Wedding we will give you our top tips on leaving the doom and gloom of the U.K behind and having that once in a life time wedding abroad that you will remember for years to come!
You will need a good year to start planning your wedding abroad do not leave things until the last minute. Guests will need ample time to save and book time off of work so bare this in mind. When choosing your destination; ask yourself, where do you want to be? You might want to get married in pure tropical paradise somewhere like Mauritius or Fiji, or a fancy romantic getaway in Italy with the history and idealistic notions of Venice and Rome. Perhaps a once in a lifetime Safari in South Africa or the luxurious setting of a boat wedding in Cyprus with its blue seas and all year sun. The choice is yours so think carefully what suits your personality best.
If you find it all a bit too daunting arranging a wedding that is going to be in a different country then it’s probably wise to invest in a wedding planner, someone who lives in the area and speaks the language and knows the lingo! Wires can get crossed and for a small fee it will take the pressure off of you. You will be their client and they will put your interests first.
Research is the key to a wedding abroad. Different countries have different regulations and legalities, so check marriage rules and all legal requirements online before booking anything. Find out how many days you need to be in the country before hand, if you need to be a resident, if you need any blood tests or shots before going and what paper work you might be required to bring.
Think about the date; what month you want it to be in? Weddings abroad are usually carried out in the winter season through to March. Think of the children’s school holidays though, flights will cost up to double in term time.
Look at different hotels around the area you want to get married in that will cater for different guests with different budgets and think about a pre drinks event or meal where your party can get together before hand so everyone can meet and greet and get friendly with each other before the big day. For those that can’t be there on your special day don’t despair with today’s wonderful technology it is very easy to set up your video camera so it can be streamed live back home.
One of the advantages of marrying abroad is that you can get married anywhere! Unlike the U.K where it has to be a certain place. You can opt for a beach, a hillside, a mountain you name it! Get involved with the culture you are immersing yourself with there’s no point getting married in Turkey and having an English Buffet at the reception! Try local delicacies or support local restaurants that will offer competitive rates and amazing deals for big groups with delicious food and drink that everyone will enjoy!
Think about what you, the groom and your bridesmaids will wear. Remember it is going to be a lot hotter so think light breathable materials and a dress hoop for fancy dresses so your skin can breathe. Hair and makeup can be kept to a minimum you can still look beautiful without all the heavy war paint! Make subtle changes a tinted moisturiser instead of foundations, and so forth. Remember essentials booking transport if your wedding is not near the hotel and to book a reputable photographer.
Don’t forget the little things like a box for your all important dress, Life Memories Box Company make travel boxes that are made to measure. And don’t forget your guests. They will be spending a lot coming out to share your big day so little gift bags for each of them including maps, sun lotion a fan and perhaps a first free drink etc will be a nice surprise for them on their arrival.
Most importantly enjoy your day! A cocktail in the sun will ease your worries away and you can have the holiday and wedding of a lifetime with your nearest and dearest! For all to remember for years to come!
