The dream of having a wedding abroad is fast becoming a reality for many couples. Not only are you practically guaranteed glorious weather, the growing number of planners and tour operators organising weddings means that the legal side of things can be taken care of, leaving you to concentrate on the fun bits.
Hire a wedding planner
Find out who organises weddings in your chosen destination and ask them about the different types of service they offer, and talk about how much you have to spend.Find out if they will handle all the legal elements for you. They should be able to liaise with local suppliers and get you the best deals. Ask for references and photos of their work. Many of the bigger hotels will have an events co-ordinator or wedding manager who will be able to help you too.
Visit your destination
If your budget allows, make a preliminary visit to the place where you’re hoping to marry. Meet up with your planner and visit the suggested ceremony and reception venues. Meet suppliers too where possible.
Take your documents
Don’t forget any important documents when you travel. In most cases you will need to present the following, original documents on arrival:
• birth certificates
• valid 10-year passports
• affidavit/statutory declarations confirming single status
• Decree Absolute (if you are divorced)
• previous spouse’s death certificate (if you are widowed)
• parental consent if you are under 18 (21 in some countries).
You also need to check the period of
time you have to be present in the country before you can get married. Some countries require you to have visas, and it is your responsibility to get these. For the most up-to-date information contact the relevant embassy. In some countries you’ll also have to wait for the documents to be translated. Check with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for more information.
Arrive early
Try to avoid arriving a day before the wedding. Allow at least four days to visit the local Public Registry Office if needed, and have your hair and make-up trials. This will also give you time to sort out any last-minute changes.
Pack carefully
Consider buying a protective box or covering for your dress so it doesn’t get damaged in transit. The same goes for
your jewellery and shoes.
HONEYMOONS
Your honeymoon should be as personal as your wedding, so really spend time thinking about which destinations would be best for you and your interests. Remember to ask your travel agent what the destination is like at that time of year – you don’t want two weeks in the middle of the rainy season!
Three months before the wedding you should check if your passport is valid and talk to the passport office if you want to change it to your married name. You should also have your flights, hotel, transfers and some activities booked. Also get any vaccinations done and get some travel insurance if that’s not included in the package.
A few weeks before, you should finalise your itinerary and have your hotels confirmed in writing. You should also order your currency, and make sure you have all the relevant travel documents. Also ask a friend or relative to look after your wedding presents when you leave on the wedding night, and organise someone to take your dress home and return the groom’s suit, if hired.
TOP TIPS
Wedding Ideas’ travel writer, Rowena Carr-Allinson says…
• “Even if you’re a sporty couple, don’t overdo it on honeymoon. The stress and excitement of the big day will catch up with you, so build in time to relax. And remember there’s no better time to upgrade – you are on honeymoon after all!”
