We spoke to Lisa, a Wedding Consultant specialising in the service of couples looking towards distant shores to celebrate their wedding day. Being a busy professional herself, Lisa wondered how people ever found the time to organise something as big as a wedding, never mind the rest of their life. And when you add to the equation a destination wedding, you can have real problems, where do you start? How do you know it’s legal? How do you check the references of foreign suppliers?

Together with being a keen traveller, working abroad for 5 years herself after leaving college, to Lisa it just seemed like a natural progression and a dream job, talking about weddings everyday!! Lisa says she is always just as excited as the bride.

Lisa explains that people expect a more reliable and better standard of service now when planning their wedding, whether it’s in the UK or abroad, and why not? It’s just as special.
“You shouldn’t have to hope and pray that everything will go to plan just because you are having a destination wedding”. Lisa has taken some time out to help answer a few questions you may have about booking a destination wedding, based on her standards and practices.

How do I know my wedding is legal once back home?

Clients should be guided through the legal process, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed before they depart for their wedding, our qualified and experienced wedding planners take over this process once the clients arrive at their destination. If you are planning your own wedding abroad ensure that you contact your local registrar for current legal requirements and also consulate or embassy of the place you are getting married in, to ensure you meet their legal requirements.

It is possible to take wedding guests with us?

Certainly, we have couples who are eloping where we need to provide the witnesses and at the opposite side of the scale, weddings with over a 100 guests, you’ll be surprised how many people want to join you once you mention your wedding plans.

How do I transport my wedding dress?

Most brides take their dresses with them, it’s always advisable to check with your airline about their policy, some will charge you excess baggage. There are some specialist companies who can transport your dress for you, so it’s waiting for you when you arrive. Always ensure you take out wedding insurance if you use this option.

Will there be a pressing service for our outfits?

Most hotels offer this service, it’s always advisable to check if you book your holiday through a tour operator, in most cases our wedding planners can organise this service if your hotel doesn’t offer it, we can even organise last minute alterations to your attire, if you need them!!!!

What about things like Hair and Make up?

You can organise practically any extra services you require, we always suggest that in the case of Hair and Make up, that you have a pre trial in the UK with your regular hairdresser/beautician, this is good for two reasons, you can take lots of Polaroid’s to show your wedding hair dresser at your pre consultation to ensure they know exactly what you want, and you also find out what is and isn’t possible with your hair type, so you aren’t disappointed on your wedding day.

What about arrangements on the day?

You will meet with your wedding planner on arrival at your destination, they will finalise all arrangements and go through any last minute worries you have. They will also be present on your wedding day to ensure the whole day goes to plan. Wedding planners are present to ensure you have nothing to worry about, and if something does go wrong you won’t even notice!

What are the benefits if any of booking with a company like yours instead of through a travel agent?

The way we are different is that we specialise in weddings and don’t sell them as a side line in order to try and sell more holidays. Couples will then have the option of organising just their wedding or both wedding and accommodation. Because we work directly with other wedding planners our clients have more control over their wedding arrangements rather than having to wait until they arrive on holiday to start organising flowers, transport, reception etc, which is when you should be relaxing and enjoying yourself.

There is so much choice, how do I choose my ideal destination?

If you are an uncertain bride, think about what type of wedding day they want, large or small, beach or mountains, grand or intimate and what budget you have.

What type of music can I have playing at my wedding?

In most locations you can take your own music with you, or you can have musicians playing at your ceremony, for example in France or Spain this could be a Soprano or Violinist, whilst in Cyprus you could have a Greek Trio.

What type of ceremonies are available abroad? Do I have to have a civil ceremony?

All types of ceremonies are available depending on the country, each is different and carries its own rules on getting married. Renewal of vows, Commitment or Humanist ceremonies are very easy to arrange as there are no legal elements to the service, and these can take place anywhere, on a beach, on a clip top, on board a boat.