Getting Married Abroad

Your wedding is probably the biggest event you'll ever plan in your life and it takes time and dedication to get every detail just right. A large part of your planning time when getting married abroad is taken up with trying to find the desired country, the perfect venue, arranging flights, and sourcing local suppliers, and of course sorting out the legalities associated with marrying in a foreign contry. Here's our top tips for planning the perfect wedding in paradise...

1. Grab some brochures and decide on which country you and your partner want to get married in. Your wedding co-ordinator or tour operator can present you with lots of ideas of paradise wedding settings. Think about the time of year you want to get married as this may affect your choice of destination. For summer weddings try Europe and the Seychelles and for winter go for a Caribbean resort or Thailand where you're almost guaranteed sunshine.

2. Once you've decided on your wedding destination, work out your budget including air fare, accommodation and wedding package fees. Don't forget to include your wedding outfits, rings, gifts, etc within your budget.

3. Plan and book as early as you can. Weddings overseas are becoming more popular and just like in the UK, the best venues and dates get booked early. Once the booking has been made ask the venue who your contact will be and establish email communication to plan your desired wedding package and book suppliers. A basic wedding package usually includes marriage licence, fees and certificates. Also book wedding insurance to ensure peace of mind as it will cover any damaged wedding photographs, attire and if wedding rings or gifts are lost.

4.Check the number of days you legally need to be in the country of your choice before your wedding can take place. It's worth checking with the relevant embassy the exact requirements and make sure your wedding will be valid when you get back to Britain!

5. Create a folder containing all your original documents such as birth certificates, decree absolute and death certificate of former spouse if relevant. Make sure your passports have at least 6 months left before they expire.

6. Your guests will also need to organise flights, accommodation and holiday from work so try to give them as much notice as possible by sending your wedding invitations out early. If you're travelling with a large wedding party, many tour operators will also find you the best group discounts available. Ask when making your booking.

7. Start shopping for your wedding dress but keep in mind the climate at your destination when you're trying on outfits. In most cases it will be warm, so consider dresses in a cool, natural fabric, like chiffon or silk and a light linen suit for the groom. Hang you wedding garments in a steamy bathroom as soon as you arrive at your hotel to help minimise any creases.

8. If a wedding co-ordinator isn't included in your wedding package, get yourself one! They will take you through every aspect of the ceremony and with their local knowledge will offer all the expertise to make your special day go smoothly. You can discuss the finer points of your special day such as wedding decorations, photographs, videos, music, wedding cake and flowers with them too.