Most of us think we have a fair idea of how we want our dream wedding to be. However, it’s so easy to be blown away by the excitement of the proposal –  then suddenly everything is thrown into disarray when it comes to the reality of planning the wedding you both want – Tying the Knot Abroad – Everything you need to know

So Many Questions

You’re unsure of what you want…Where do you want the big day to be held?  Who should be invited?  What kind of dress would you like?  Do you even like traditional wedding cakes?  What about the flower arrangements?  How are you going to arrive?

The list of things that you need to plan is seemingly endless and you’re finding it difficult to decide on anything. But don’t worry. This is all totally normal!  It’s easy to feel lost with such a daunting event in the pipeline. So, let’s make a start. The first question that needs to be addressed is whether you want to be wed on home turf or abroad. The answer to this will help to determine a whole host of other aspects of wedding planning. For now, we’ll focus on planning a wedding abroad, which is perhaps the most difficult of the two options.

Is a Wedding Abroad Right for You and Your Partner?

The first thing to question is whether a wedding abroad is right for both you and your partner. Hosting your wedding abroad can result in a true fairytale day. Whether that’s getting wed on a beautiful beach or the top of a snow sprinkled mountain. You can make your day truly exquisite and majestic. But is it the best option for you? One of the main things that affect people’s choice of home or abroad is their wedding guest list. Generally speaking, if you go abroad, you will forgo a huge wedding and have only your nearest and dearest at hand. You can’t expect casual acquaintances to fork out for flights and accommodation.. For some people, this will be ideal. It makes for an intimate moment shared between you and your partner and those you truly love. You can always have a wedding party once you’re back home with everyone else to celebrate. A second problem, however, is if some of your nearest and dearest are unable to travel. Perhaps a sister is heavily pregnant or a grandparent is old and frail. In these situations it may be better to stay closer to home, allowing everyone to be involved in the experience.

Choosing a Destination

If heading overseas is right for you, you now need to choose a country. There are so many romantic locations around the world that you’re pretty much spoilt for choice. An easy way to narrow things down is to decide on whether you want to get married in a city or near the sea. Cities are a go-to option for many. Think of Paris, the city of love. Venice, renowned for its romantic gondolier journeys and dimly lit waterways. New York, the big apple, bustling with energy as you start out your new life together. If you prefer seaside vibes, you will probably like to head closer to the Caribbean, Hawaii or Pacific Islands. These will have beautiful white sand beaches, looking out to crystal clear waters as you say “I do” while basking in the sun’s rays.

Also take into consideration the legalities – More and more couples are choosing to sign their ‘legal’ paperwork at home and register their legal marriage before they fly, and this opens up the options to far more destinations around the globe….A symbolic ceremony allows you to experience your wedding just as you would if you were being married civilly/legally, and most couples do not share with their guests that they are having a symbolic ceremony; because to you, it is the OFFICIAL ceremony and as real to you as it would be if were legal.

Organising Yourself

Once you’ve opted for a country, you can start organising key features of the wedding. It is essential that you have everything in place well in advance. For many, hiring a professional wedding planner is an easy decision to make – pulling off a perfectly planned and beautifully styled wedding can be quite stressful, especially if you haven’t got any experience of planning. A planner will have experience of the industry and will know what venues will and won’t work, know what to book and when to book it and know to cross check everything to ensure nothing is missed. In addition to a stress-free engagement, they’ll also take responsibility for coordinating the whole day itself, meaning you can relax and fully enjoy the day, without having to sort out anything that may crop up.

If you go for the DIY option then organisation is the key – Book a venue with enough seating for all of your guests. This goes without saying. You will also need to hire someone who is qualified to legally bind you in holy matrimony. Don’t forget smaller details too, like wedding photographers. You may think that your guests can capture the moment, but a local photographer will know the best spots and moments for stunning end results. Just take a look at our extensive selection of preferred partner photographers in our directory. This knowledge will give you the kinds of shots that make lasting memories and are definitely worth the investment. Find local flower vendors to arrange your bouquet and do arrangements for the tables. If you find yourself coming up against language barriers, hire a translator to help you make your arrangements. This will help avoid errors or misunderstandings and make sure that everything is perfect and as you want it.

Organising Your Guests

You will need to give your guests plenty of notice so that they can sort the financial aspects of travelling abroad. They may also need to renew passports and (depending on your location) might need to apply for VISAs. Some may need to arrange childcare or pet care for the duration that they are away. Most will also need to book vacation leave from work. If possible, try to get everyone to book their flights together so you can all leave from the same airport on the same plane. This will give a celebratory feel to the whole experience. You can start celebrating as you take off with champagne and you can all check into the hotel at the same time. This will make sure that you all get there smoothly without so many problems. If someone is unable to attend, don’t take things personally. Some people might not have the means or be able to get time off to be able to make it. It isn’t anything against you or your partner, and you can always celebrate when you get back on home ground.

Parties at Home

Home receptions following a destination wedding are increasingly popular with couples who want to celebrate their nuptials back home with all of the people who weren’t able to make the destination event.  With destination wedding locations reaching across the globe, some couples may wish to incorporate some regional or traditional aspects from their wedding in their home reception.

Typically, a home reception will be shorter than a traditional wedding – similar to an evening reception than a full day’s celebration – but which elements you choose to include are entirely up to you and your partner! You may choose to forgo traditional wedding aspects, such as a vow-exchange or tossing the bouquet, but still opt to wear your wedding dress, have a live band and the cutting of the cake. Similarly, you could simply choose to host a party with dinner and dancing.

Ultimately, whatever you choose, it should offer your friends and family the opportunity to join you in celebrating your marriage and serve as a thank you to them for being part of your lives together.

WeddingsAbroad.com is ever changing, providing the means for couples to find the most romantic, unique setting for their special day.  Check out our International Wedding Directory for our preferred partners across the world.

Want to chat with like minded brides and grooms, or ask some expert advice from our wedding professionals worldwide? Then join our private group on facebook www.facebook.com/groups/weddingsabroad