Weddings Abroad - Tip of the Day - Outdoor Wedding Weather

Outdoor Wedding Locations

There are many lovely outdoor wedding locations - beach weddings, lakeside weddings, rainforest weddings, mountain weddings, garden weddings...the options are endless! With any outdoor wedding, it is vital that the bride and groom work with their wedding planner to establish a backup plan in the event of bad weather. If the wedding location is in the grounds of a hotel, coordinate ahead to have a room ready for you in the event of inclement weather. This option may cost a little more, but it will save you worry and potential heartache later! Another option is to plan to have only the ceremony outdoors and the reception inside (or inside with an outside section). In the event of inclement weather, you can simply hold the entire event in the room you planned to have the reception in - without incurring extra costs! 

Weddings Abroad - Tip of the Day - Beach Weddings

Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are lovely, but be sure to plan for windswept hair, squinting eyes and potential shadows if the wedding is too early, possible rainfall, and uninvited beach visitors in the background if it is not held on a private beach.

Often brides will spend many hours in the salon getting their hair done, only to be disappointed when windy conditions at the beach ruin it all. We recommend up-do's and lots of hairspray. 

Weddings Abroad - Tip of the Day

Arrive Early

If time and money allow, arrive at your destination at least a few days early - (in some locations you may have to arrive early to complete necessary legal requirements). This could be nice alone time for you and your fiancé. You can also have more time to finalise any last minute details, get a good look at your ceremony site if you haven’t already seen it and get to know the local customs and people. This extra time will allow you to relax before guests start arriving, ensuring you are all prepared and the charming host.

Weddings Abroad - Tip of the Day

When writing your wedding itinerary for your destination wedding guests....Make sure to include those times that you and your new spouse have set aside for just the two of you (for instance, a romantic dinner) so your guests can plan their own activities.

I Love.........

Don't let it rain on your parade.............Wedding Wellies!

Designed by Jen Hewlett, Weddington Boots are pretty wedding wellies, to be slipped on whilst you enjoy the 'outdoor bits'.  Ensuring your delicate wedding shoes will remain dry, clean and unmarked.

Bespoke diamante service available to personalise your wellies

Get yours here....Weddington Boots

Weddings Abroad - Tip of the Day

Carry your wedding dress on

Many brides take their wedding dress on the plane as carry-on luggage, but DOUBLE CHECK it is an approved size, as some aircraft do not have extra room for oversized carry-on pieces.

It is advisable to contact your airline to make arrangements in advance. Some airlines allow the large "closets" in the first-class cabin area to be used for wedding gown storage.

 

Photo: Maggie Sottero - Destination Collection

 

Weddings Abroad - Tip of the Day

Don't Assume All Of Your Guests Have Passports

Provide invited guests with a "Save the Date" card to ensure they have enough lead in time to get passports 

Weddings Abroad - Tip of the Day

The Destination Itself:

Check that if the wedding is in a hotel or resort that resort guests are not wandering by in their swimwear.  Also ensure that weddings are not, what I would call, conveyor belt style, no bride wants to see another Bride on her special day! Also ensure if you are having an outdoor wedding, should the weather change there is an alternative venue you can use.

The destinations should be a place that everyone would love to spend a week or two, a place that offers enough attractions and fun for both the wedding couple and guests. Research thoroughly, and if you are using a specialist wedding planner use their local knowledge.  A registry office in England is not the same as a Registry Office in Italy. 

Top Tips for Weddings Abroad

Destination - The destination should be a place that everyone would love to spend a week or two, a place that offers enough attractions and fun for both the wedding couple and guests.

Planning - By choosing a specialist destination wedding planner, you can be sure they are dedicated to the coordination and planning of weddings only. They offer exclusive and affordable wedding services with professionalism, commitment and expertise.

When - Think about the time of year you want to get married as this may affect your choice of destination. Research the local climate and make sure you avoid cyclones or the rainy season.

Budget - The whole wedding is dependent upon your budget; first, create a budget for what you think allows for an ideal, yet reasonable, destination wedding. Highlight those expenses which are top priorities. For example, the location may be the most important element for you. Or perhaps the dress or dining is more important than the location. Whatever your preference is you need to budget for it.

Save the date - With a destination wedding, save-the-date cards are crucial. Send them off as early as possible, preferably at least eight months in advance. These are cards sent out well before your wedding invitations in order to inform guests of the upcoming wedding date and, in most instances, the location.

Keep in touch - A wedding website is the perfect way to keep your guests informed of travel and accommodation options, wedding details, dress codes and schedules. You can also include information such as expected weather plus links to amenities and attractions in the area.

Arrival - Plan to arrive at your wedding destination a few days prior to the actual wedding to avoid any last minute glitches. Often there is paperwork and appointments to attend to so meet with your wedding planner on site. This will ensure you iron out all the fine detail and best of all you can relax and enjoy your dream destination wedding!

Article by International Wedding Planner Karen Thornton-Brown