Tips to Plan a Wedding Abroad

A normal wedding can be tricky to plan, but what about a wedding abroad? Planning a destination wedding has several different requirements, in addition to the typical domestic wedding anxieties. You may dream of having an exotic wedding in the tropics or a fairytale wedding in a historic French castle. Having a destination wedding can provide memories that can last an entire lifetime. In the end, it takes a little more careful planning in order to properly execute the ideal wedding overseas.

Step1--Select a wedding destination. Consider various factors, such as exchange rate and climate. Research various sources, from online wedding sites to travel books.
Step2--Choose a specialist destination wedding planner, tour operator or travel agent. Outsourcing destination wedding plans to a professional can be a huge relief to the bride and groom, especially when dealing with unknown territory.
Step3--Contact the Consulate or Foreign Embassy. Confirm the legal and residential requirements to get married in the country of your preference. If you have hired a specialist, discuss if this is her responsibility.
Step4--Make sure that you have the proper documentation needed. See if you have passports and any other needed identification ready for use.
Step5--Select a wedding date. Take into account the time frame and the steps that are required in order to ensure that the wedding can occur. Research climate and try to avoid a busy tourist season. If you plan on having your wedding at a resort, be sure to avoid an onslaught of guests that could potentially be stuck in the background of your wedding shots. Also, find out if your wedding will be the only wedding that will occur. After all, you may not want to be competing against several other brides for scenic space.
Step6--Create a budget. When budgeting typical wedding needs, such as the venue and catering, also consider the exchange rate and how it will impact your wallet.
Step7--Find dependable wedding suppliers within the area. Look for dependable service when seeking wedding suppliers, such as florists and caterers.
Step8--Decide whether you would like to stay in the same hotel as your guests. Decide if the wedding planner should book their rooms or if they should book it themselves. Also find out if you can get a group rate.
Step9--Plan transportation for the wedding guests. Research which airlines arrive to your wedding abroad. Find out if airlines offer discounts for group booking. Figure out how your guests will be transported from the airport to their hotel.
Step10--Send out invitations early. Send out the invites at least eight months in advance, especially if you plan to have a number of guests.
Step11--Do research on the local customs. You may want to even incorporate some wedding customs into your overall theme. For example, in Italy, many couples will have a traditional Italian wedding cake.
Step12--Arrive to your wedding destination early. Make sure that plans go smoothly and all the needed paperwork is completed.