Image via floridianweddings.com, photography by J Layne Photography
Monday. Hatching an escape plan? Us too.
While we’re obviously huge advocates of Northern couples staying true to their roots and getting hitched in the upper areas of the UK, we know there are those brides and grooms that crave a total change of scenery for their big day.
This desire paired with a better chance of dry, warm weather is what often leads couples to pack-up their plans and head overseas. While it may feel like they’re embarking on one of the most exciting holidays of their lives, destination couples will find opting a wedding in a foreign country means planning to perfection and from a distance.
Image via dustjacket-attic.com
In order to make it work research and organisation are key. If executed well, the result can be a fabulously laid-back big day in a dreamy destination that makes all the hard work worthwhile. If not, it may resemble an episode of some holiday horrors type programme.
So for those flirting with the idea of being a
jet-set-bride
, here’s a few tips to help make the journey less turbulent.
Image via bridalmusings.com, photography by Ruby Yeo Photography
name your place
The location of your wedding should reflect something about you as a couple – whether it be the destination where you got engaged, a country with a culture you both adore, or a beach resort because you both love the sun, sea, sand and erm, sangria. The chosen destination is also likely to influence the mood and themeing of your big day. Distance is important to bear in mind too. A European destination for example will be a lot easier and cheaper for you to visit in the run up to your wedding than say an American location. It will also be quicker and cheaper for your guests to travel to.
Image via theknot.com, photography by Eye Wonder Photography
timing is everything
Look into the peak and off-peak times to travel to and stay in your chosen area as this will help you figure out what costs both you and your guests will be facing. Also, be aware of changing weather conditions that different countries encounter throughout the year – the last thing you want to do is book a wedding in Mexico in the midst of hurricane season.
Image via weddingomania.com
hire a helping hand
When it comes to tying the knot overseas think of a wedding planner as a fairy godmother – you need someone you can trust to help your dreams come true. A planner should know the area like the back of their hand and therefore can advise you on everything from locations and venues to marriage laws and local cuisine. Hopefully they’ve also got a bulging contacts book of recommended suppliers that they have built up great relationships with so can get you great services at competitive prices. Bottom line is it’s highly comforting and less stressful to have a direct point of contact at the place of the wedding who can answer those niggling questions at the drop of a hat.
Image via stylemepretty.com, photography by Lisa Poggi
take a trip
This really is a must, and several trips would be ideal. On your first visit you could meet with your wedding planner to make sure you feel comfortable leaving part of the planning in their hands. You could also visit different locations, venues and suppliers to help make key decisions about your day. Going once at the time of year you plan to wed is also helpful to experience the climate firsthand which may sway your decisions on food, drink and outfit choices. On any further visits you could check in with your planner, revisit suppliers for tastings/design updates and source local hair and beauty stylists.
Image via oncewed.com, photography by Jose Villa
consider extra costs
Apart from the obvious travel and accommodation costs for a wedding celebration that will span beyond a single day, there may be a few other costs to take on board. It may be the case that the destination you chose only allows certain types of ceremonies that you don’t qualify for and therefore you will need to do the legal part in the UK before or after. While for some couples this might just consist of a quick trip to the registry office, others might also want to add on a wedding party back home, particularly if many family and friends were unable to make trip. There’s also likely to be extra baggage costs to squeeze in all your attire and décor, plus you might choose to take a UK supplier, such as a trusted photographer, along with you. In which case there is their travel and accommodation to factor in.
Image via everylastdetail.com, photography by Meg Baisden
Image via stylemepretty.com, photography by Amy Bennett Photography
give guests plenty of notice
Booking people for a few days rather than a few hours requires some forward planning. Send out save the dates 12 months in advice if possible and be aware that some of your nearest and dearest may have to decline as their finances just won’t stretch to an overseas trip. Plenty of forewarning also makes it easier for your guests to book the necessary time needed off work.
Image via stylemepretty.com, photography by Peggy Picot
make it a holiday
The best thing about a destination wedding is that it’s an adventure and getaway for all involved. Arriving a few days ahead of the main event means guests can kick-back and enjoy their surroundings so they’re laid-back but up for a good time when the wedding arrives. Following the big day it’s nice for newlyweds to have time alone together as Mr and Mrs, so if your guests chose to stick around for a few days why not book a little break in a different location to ensure your honeymoon isn’t hi-jacked.
