Marriage & Wedding Information Information Research

Tell a Friend about this Site

Weddings Abroad - Does Paradise Come At A Price?


For some couples, jetting off to their dream location would be the most romantic way to tie the knot. And with weddings abroad being generally much cheaper than having the big day at home, it would seem that this would be the ideal solution for every bride and groom. Well, not quite. The main problem with pledging your vows abroad is that you are giving up much of the control of the wedding preparations, simply because you can't go along and check out things beforehand. Therefore it's crucial that you choose your travel company carefully.

Many tour operators can now arrange everything for your big day as part of a wedding package. Typically, the ceremony prices can start from as little as £50, rising to over £500 if extras such as a steel band or native dancers are included. The wedding operator will arrange all the extras such as the cake, the decorated location, the marriage certificate and the registrar's fees. Some companies will also give you the option to tailor your wedding to your own preferences, which gives you more freedom over the order of the day such as choosing the exact location and time of the ceremony. This is particularly useful if you want to be more actively involved in the planning process.

If getting married abroad may seem like the perfect choice for you it is important to do your research thoroughly. Find out exactly what is included in the wedding package, where the wedding will happen and at what times of the day ceremonies can take place. Usually weddings are conducted Mondays to Fridays, excluding Public Holidays, but its important to remember that some hotels restrict the number of weddings that can take place each day. If your heart is set on getting married on the beach, you will need to check that this is legal in the country that you have chosen, as this is not always the case. It is always worth asking if there is a discount if you bring family and friends with you, whether the ceremony will be in English and whether the hotel will provide you with a separate room that you can each get changed in. Also, what happens if it rains? Can the wedding be moved to an indoor location, or will the date of the wedding have to be changed?

One of the most important considerations is whether the legal side of the marriage abroad is properly covered. It is not possible to register the marriage in the UK as this can only happen in the place where the marriage is solemnised. This does not affect the legal status of the marriage, however, and in some instances it is possible to keep a record of the wedding at the General Registrar's office in Southport (0151 471 4200). It is vitally important that you check which legal documents you will need to bring with you. Always bring your original documents with you, not photocopies. Usually you will be required to bring both birth certificates, which must show both parents' full names. If these are not shown on the birth certificate, you will need to attach details separately. You will also need a valid passport and an affidavit stating that both parties are single and free to marry. If you are divorced, you will need a Decree Absolute and if you are widowed, you will need the death certificate of your former spouse.

Another important consideration that you will need to address is the climate of the country that you intend to be married in, as this will influence what you wear to the ceremony. For hot weather, a short sleeved or sleeveless dress is preferable. Choose cool, light fabrics and consider having a detachable train, which can be removed after the ceremony for added comfort. For the groom, consider a lightweight linen suit with perhaps a short sleeve shirt. When it comes to transporting wedding outfits, most airlines advise that outfits be placed in hard backed suitcases. If you are worried about the possibility of losing your luggage, suit and dress carriers can be purchased for around £25 and are allowed on most aircraft.

Thousands of couples are happily married abroad each year. Many believe that by having the ceremony abroad, they can invite just a small handful of family and friends that they really want to cerebrate with. However, be warned that this can upset people who would love to attend but are unable to do so because of financial constraints. Ultimately, the choice is yours and with the right research and planning your big day in the sun should go off with a bang!

Caroline Smith is a successful freelance writer who has written many articles for http://www.discount-wedding-dresses.com your one stop source for finding the best deals on the internet for informal wedding dresses, favors, bridal gowns, accessories and more!


MORE RESOURCES:

'The Bachelor' finale: Tenley or Vienna? Or neither of them?
Entertainment Weekly
I woke up with a sick feeling in my gut. Tonight's the night that, if the rumors are correct, Jake will propose to Vienna. ...

and more »


Zac Kao Waited on God for Marriage, Wedding this Month
Gospel Herald
Hong Kong-based Christian celebrity Zac Kao has recently announced his wedding plan with his girlfriend Jacqueline, which will be held on March 7th. ...



Virginia Is for Lovers. But How About Gay Ones?
TIME
(Watch a gay-marriage wedding video.) The back and forth came after more than 1500 students and supporters rallied Wednesday at Virginia Commonwealth ...

and more »


Stuff.co.nz

Best quality? He peels potatoes
Stuff.co.nz
By BECK ELEVEN - The Press Bert and Patricia Archbold talk to Beck Eleven about the secrets to a 76-year marriage. HAPPY TOGETHER: Bert, 93, and Patricia ...

and more »


Daily Mail

Ashley Cole: My life has been ruined. Cheryl Cole looks forlorn
Daily Mail
The X Factor judge was pictured being driven away from Spring Studios in north London clutching a bottle of ...

and more »


News of the World

Jordan's marriage is illegal
News of the World
JORDAN'S month-old marriage to Alex Reid is not legally valid, officials insisted last night. ...

and more »


Entertainmentwise

Cheryl Cole Leaves The UK Still Minus Her Wedding Ring
Entertainmentwise
Cheryl Cole has been spotted at Heathrow airport looking thin and miserable as she gets ready to board a plane to Copenhagen. The Girls Aloud beauty has ...

and more »


Rockford Register Star

Dozens of couples renew wedding vows
Rockford Register Star
Couples decorated with years of marriage and those betrothed more recently renewed their vows Sunday at Third Presbyterian Church. ...

and more »


Fardeen's sis to marry Pooja Bedi's ex-hubby
Bollywood Mantra
Feroz Khan's daughter and Fardeen Khan's sister Laila Khan is going to marry actress Pooja Bedi's ex husband Farhan Furniturewala, in April. ...



Good morning, Buffalo: a quick look at what's happening today
Buffalo News
... "Green Zone," with Matt Damon as an Army officer hunting for weapons of mass destruction; "Our Family Wedding," a mixed marriage wedding comedy starring ...


Google News



MaineBannerExchange

home | site map
© 2006