6 things to consider before choosing an overseas wedding
Getting married overseas can be an attractive proposition for many couples, but it is not without its drawbacks.
A growing number of couples are choosing to get married abroad, with overseas weddings rising by 14% in the last year alone. It’s easy to see why people are attracted to overseas weddings – guaranteed weather, stunning scenery and a ready-made holiday all help to make it an attractive proposition. However, getting married abroad does have its drawbacks. If you are considering tying the knot in a different country, here are some things you should consider.
It limits your guest list
Getting married abroad may seem like an ideal option, but it’s likely that some of your family and close friends may not be able to make it, due to cost, difficulty travelling or inability to get time off work. Of course, you can always throw an additional celebration when you get home, but if there are certain people that you really want at your wedding who you don’t think will be able to travel overseas, you may want to consider tying the knot a bit closer to home.
Finding suppliers
One of the biggest issues couples run up against when organising a wedding abroad is finding reliable suppliers. You basically have to put your trust in someone you’ve never met and getting your instructions across clearly on the phone or email can be difficult, especially if there is a language barrier. With this in mind, you need to be aware that, when using foreign suppliers, you may not always get exactly what you were looking for, so be prepared to shift a little on your vision.
Tropical temperatures
Great weather is one of the key advantages of an overseas wedding, but this can also have its downside. Getting married in blazing sunshine and high temperatures can be uncomfortable for you and your guests. It will also seriously limit your choice of dresses; an ornate lace gown or heavy princess dress will simply not be practical in the heat of the tropical sun.
Making it official
Many couples don’t realise that, often, overseas weddings are not legally binding. If that is the case, you will need to arrange a legal civil ceremony when you return home in order to make things official. Even in countries where you can get married officially, you will be issued with a foreign marriage certificate which could cause issues further down the line.
Extra costs
With a smaller guest list and fewer of the typical ‘trappings’ of a UK wedding, an overseas wedding can save you money initially. However, many couples who get married abroad decide to throw a big reception bash when they return home so that they can celebrate with all the people who couldn’t make it to the wedding. If you decide to do this you could end up shelling out as much as, or even more than, what you would have paid to get married in the UK. However if you’re financially minded, always remember the tax perks of being married!
Sharing your honeymoon
Getting married abroad means having a ready-made honeymoon, but the downside of that is that you could end up sharing it with your family and friends if they decide to make a holiday out of their trip and stay on after the wedding. This can be frustrating if you’re looking forward to a private and relaxing honeymoon with your new spouse.
Getting married abroad may sound like a dream, but the reality can be more complicated, and all of these factors should be considered before you make your final decision.
If you do decide to stay in the UK, we’d love to help you to plan your big day. As one of the premier wedding venues in Essex, we have a beautiful banquet hall, scenic surroundings, and a friendly and experienced team who will help you to realise your dream wedding.