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!

---

Is Your Heart Set On An Antique Engagement Ring?

As Mark Twain said "Let us not be too particular;... Read More

The Gracious Bride

The key to being a gracious bride is to be... Read More

Top 40 Marriage Quotations

"Is it better for a woman to marry a man... Read More

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ring

Traditionally, a wedding band was worn on the ring finger... Read More

Women and Marital Issues According to Internet

Following is a list of question that, I believe, can... Read More

Unique Wedding Reception Entertainment

The typical wedding reception entertainment scheme of pretty flowers and... Read More

Growing and Connecting with Your Spouse

Do you remember when there were no children in your... Read More

Italian Honeymoon Vacations

Going to Italy on a honeymoon vacation could be the... Read More

The Wide Range of Maui Wedding Ceremonies

Whatever your religious affiliation, or whatever you'd like to experience,... Read More

Wedding Planning: Prioritize to Stay Within Your Wedding Budget

So you're planning your wedding and a thousand decisions must... Read More

Dressing Your Bridesmaids

For a bride, shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be one... Read More

Six Ways to Decorate Your Wedding Arch

Sometimes a wedding arch is a no-brainer way to spruce... Read More

Organizing The Wedding Menu

Deciding the menu is a pretty simple affair. Once you've... Read More

Marriage Advice: What to Throw Overboard When Your Marriage Is In Trouble

When your marriage is in trouble and you're fighting to... Read More

Wedding Music

What should you "walk down the aisle" to? Should you... Read More

3 Easy Steps to Buying the Right Engagement Ring

You've made the plunge, you've decided to get married. Congratulations!Don't... Read More

Conquer the Five Most Common Fears About Your Wedding Ceremony

It's safe to say that of all the important events... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No.5

Every woman in the room agreed that Crichton was a... Read More

The Pros & Cons of Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues".Failing... Read More

Marriage Missing its Spark?

If the fires of passion in your marriage have been... Read More

Beach Wedding Cakes

Looking for beach theme wedding cake ideas?When it comes to... Read More

Getting Married? What You Should Do With Your Checking Accounts and Credit Cards

Marriage is a wonderful thing, but planning the wedding is... Read More

Searching For An Affordable Mother Of The Bride Dress

It is absolutely possible to find a beautiful and affordable... Read More

A Summer Wedding

THE sunshine had come out to ensure the wedding of... Read More

How To Choose The Right Wedding Bouquet Style

Basically, there are three wedding bouquet styles. The cascade, round... Read More

Rose Petals Add The Perfect Touch For A Wedding

Rose petals will add luxury to a wedding day or... Read More

Create A Beautifull Wedding Album With A Simple And Fun Way

Hi If you are getting married or have a Bar... Read More

Mens Moissanite Wedding Rings, or Is Moissanite a Mans Best Friend?

As mens wedding rings become more and more popular mens... Read More

Wedding Gown Styles

The wedding gown is most important choice for a bride... Read More

Unique Beach Wedding Themes

If you are considering a beach wedding, the ideas are... Read More

What Goes Into Wedding Preparation From Your DJ?

Exactly what should your disc jockey be doing in the... Read More

Unique Beach Wedding Receptions

The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by... Read More

How A Marriage Counseling Secret Can Save Your Marriage

How do you react if your spouse announces "I want... Read More