Planning your wedding will be one of the most stressful yet worthwhile things you ever do. With so much to remember and so many moving parts, it’s easy to see why many couples hire a wedding planner to make the process considerably more manageable. Conversely, others thrive on the thrill of micro-managing every last detail of their big day.
Determining where to tie the knot is a crucial element of wedding planning and is often one of the first big decisions you’ll make. While a small-scale local affair with a handful of guests may be ideal for you and your fiancé, you might prefer the complete fairytale package, including a castle and a horse-drawn carriage. Ultimately, the decision is entirely personal - after all, it’s your wedding.
Destination weddings are undoubtedly divisive. The concept of saying your vows on a tropical beach at sunset may be appealing, but there are multiple things to consider when opting for a ceremony abroad.
Guaranteed Good Weather
A beach, forest or ornate garden - an outdoor wedding in an idyllic setting will invariably result in stunning photographs. That is if the weather is on your side. Even summer weddings can be marred by a surprise downpour. Therefore, a location where you’re guaranteed clear skies and pleasant temperatures is perfect for couples keen on tying the knot in the great outdoors.
You Can Invite The People Who Matter
Your wedding guest list will require careful thought and deliberation, and you may feel a significant amount of pressure to invite distant relatives and friends of friends you barely even know. Destination weddings often require a limited number of guests due to logistics and budget constraints. This means you can invite only the people who truly matter to you and your fiancé.
You’re Already On Your Honeymoon
Imagine waking up the morning after your wedding already in a stunning, tropical location with crystal-clear blue waters and white sands - no need to worry about last-minute packing or delayed flights. Having your wedding and honeymoon rolled up into one trip is not only convenient, but it could save you a considerable amount of money if you opt for a package deal. Plus, your family and friends get a mini vacation too!
An Intimate Experience
Throughout the planning process, don’t forget the two most important aspects of your wedding - your finacé and you. Destination weddings are typically smaller in scale and more intimate, meaning you can focus on your spouse-to-be and make memories together without too many distractions. While the meaning of marriage typically varies from couple to couple, an intimate destination wedding could be the perfect way to set the tone for married life.
Easy To Plan
Despite what many people think, destination weddings can be exceptionally straightforward to plan - sometimes even easier than a traditional local wedding. There are numerous destination wedding packages you can choose from to streamline the whole process; for example, you could contact a wedding planner specialising in destination management in Malta, who could help make your special day personal and perfect.
Not Everybody Will Make It
Although you may want to keep your guestlist modest, keep in mind that not everybody will make it to your wedding. Some of your friends and relatives may be unable to fly due to financial or medical reasons. Others might not be able to get the time off work or find childcare for several days.
Legalities
In terms of legalities for local weddings, couples must procure a marriage licence and ensure the celebrant in charge of conducting the ceremony is licensed. However, once abroad, things get a little more complicated. Depending on your chosen location, you will need to jump through a number of legal hoops and pack vital documents such as your birth certificates and a decree absolute if you’ve been married previously.
Luggage Worries
There is only one thing worse than a lost suitcase - a lost suitcase containing your wedding dress. While this would be a profoundly unfortunate incident, lost luggage can happen to anyone. It may be worth having a backup plan to account for lost, stolen or damaged items, as well as purchasing baggage insurance as part of your travel insurance policy.