10 things to think about when considering a wedding abroad
After you say "yes" to the proposal, immediately you think of where and when. Ok maybe you have thought about it for even years before! When you choose a wedding destination you can star by asking yourselves why go abroad or stay at home. List your pros/cons. Think about the venue you imagine, the importance of weather, having a smaller, more intimate wedding that usually arises from a destination wedding, enjoying a different culture that is interesting to you both and the needs of your family.
These ponderings help you decide what location is right for you.
A common misconception is that getting married abroad is a cheaper alternative. This is not necessarily the case (sorry!).As with any wedding, your total cost will depend on your preferences and the number of guests you would like.Don’t be disheartened though, there is always something for every budget, just be realistic with your expectations.
3. Send the "save the date" early
As exciting as they are, destination weddings are also be a big commitment for your guests.Make sure you send out a Save The Date early on in the planning process to ensure as many of your guests as possible can make the trip.
First thoughts can go to the flowers, the dress, the great venue. But first think of they type of ceremony you would like. If you want a legally valid ceremony abroad look into the local laws, where civil or church weddings can be held, what paperwork is required and the timing, what celebrant options are there and what assistance you may need.
There are a number of traditions associated with weddings; it’s important that you consider which of these (if any) you would like to factor into your wedding; does the fact that you’re getting married abroad affect any of these? Find out what traditions there are in Italy, you may want to include some of these into your day to give it a unique and authentic difference. For example, if you’re getting married in Italy, perhaps swap a bagpipe player for a mandolin player when you’re walking down the aisle.
You will surely choose Italy for its amazing, hot, sunny days. But you may not realize just how high the temps can get and the humidy. Traditionally the ceremonies are no earlier than 4pm during the summer months. You choice of wedding attire should be light weight and high heels could be swapped for flats or wedge heels for when you walk on hot cobble stone streets on the way to the ceremony. Having said that, be realistic about a possible rainy day or chilly nights in the countryside. As you have a back-up plan at home for your big day, it is imperative to have a big enough room or tenting for your wedding dinner in case of bad weather even in Tuscany.
Considering creating a simple website for your wedding to help guests prepare and be more autonomous. One of the big stress factors for destination weddings is guests needing help and asking you for everything. You want them to be excited and prepared so the more you can tell them up front, makes for a better trip for them and you. Give information on:
– Wedding details
– Accommodation suggestions
– Car hire companies, links to train and coach sites
– Things to do in the area
- Restaurants
– Attire and suggestions on what to bring
This will save each of your guests asking you the same question and prevent you from feeling like a tour guide!
8. Hire a wedding planner
You know we would say this, but we are sure it makes or breaks the success of your wedding. An experienced local planner is familiar with not just the area but also the paperwork required, have tried and tested venues and know which suppliers are reliable.
A planner will cost a similar amount or less than your other suppliers but will save you many hours of time and stress.
This may not always be possible for couples who live on the other side of the world so thank goodness for internet - Skype, blogs, photos, reviews. However if you can come over at least for a venue day, you can do site inspections and choose the venue and area that best suits you. Better yet, if you can come back to Tuscany for wine and wedding meal tasting, a hair and makeup trial and possibly meet up with some of your chosen suppliers.
This is your wedding day - you have saved up, planned and no doubt you have thought about it many times over the years so now that it’s here, enjoy every minute of it! What is wonderful about destination weddings too is that they are not just one day, but often times a full weekend of fun with your close family and best friends.
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