How to Plan a Wedding Abroad

Written by Corie Daniel Last updated July 2nd 202402/07/24

Calling all lovebirds! Are you thinking about tying the knot somewhere far, far away? Picture this – a beach in the Balearics, a mountain-top in Mexico, or maybe a vineyard in idyllic Italy. A destination wedding can be the stuff dreams are made of, but let’s face it, planning one can at first feel a little daunting!

Fear not! We’ve got your back with this ultimate guide to planning a wedding abroad. Grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, we’re not judging) and let’s get you ready to say ‘I do’ abroad!

1. Choose the Perfect Destination

First things first – where do you think of when you imagine saying “I do”? Think about what kind of vibe you’re going for. Is it a sun-soaked beach, a charming countryside, something with sea views, or even a bustling city? Consider the time of year, the weather, and the kind of activities you and your guests will want to get up to. Once you’ve picked somewhere, don’t forget to check if any special events or holidays might clash with your big day.

2. Check the Legalities

Ah, the not-so-fun part but oh-so-important! Every country has its own rules about getting married, and some can be pretty strict. Make sure you look into what documents you need, any residency requirements, and how long the whole process takes. You might need a bit of extra paperwork, like birth certificates, passports, or even blood tests in some places. Get this sorted early to avoid any last minute stress.

3. Set a Budget

Weddings can be pricey in general, but the good thing about a destination wedding is they can often end up being a little cheaper than weddings back at home! It all depends on your budget – you can make it as big or as little as you like. Think about travel costs, accommodation, and possibly a wedding planner who knows the local area. Factor in the exchange rate, too, and always have a little extra set aside if possible for unexpected expenses.

4. Visit Your Destination (If You Can)

If it’s within your budget, try to visit your chosen destination before the big day. Just look at it as a holiday (with a little wedding planning on the side!). Doing this gives you the chance to check out venues, check out various hotel options, meet any local vendors, and get a feel for the place. It’s amazing how much this will make you feel more at ease! If a pre-visit isn’t possible, simply research like crazy! Read reviews, watch videos, check out photos online, and ask for recommendations in expat or wedding planning forums.

5. Hire a Local Wedding Planner

Having someone on the ground who speaks the local language and knows the ins and outs of the local wedding scene is an absolute game-changer. They can recommend trusted vendors, help navigate legal requirements, and of course make sure everything runs smoothly on the day. They’ll keep in touch with you regularly, liaise between vendors on your behalf, help manage your budget, and work out if your unique requests are possible. Trust us, it’s worth the investment – let them deal with most of the stress, not you!

6. Send Save-the-Dates Early

If you’re set on having a destination wedding, then this is an important one. Your guests will need plenty of time to save up, book time off work, and make travel arrangements. Send out save-the-dates as soon as you’ve nailed down your venue and date, even if it’s a year or more in advance. The more notice, the better!

7. Plan for Your Guests

Traveling to an abroad wedding can be a big ask, so make it as easy as possible for your guests. Provide information on accommodation options, local attractions, and how to get around. Let them know the dates you’re thinking of travelling and from which airport. Consider arranging some group activities or meet ups while you’re away to make the trip memorable for everyone.

8. Dreamy Decor

Once you’ve got all the serious and formal bits done, it’s time for the fun stuff – decor! Gone are the days where destination weddings meant limited options – these days, there’s just as much decor choice abroad as you have at home! If you have a wedding planner, speak to them about your vision – flowers, centerpieces, table decor, chair decor, and anything else you picture.

Your wedding planner will usually direct you to the brochure of a reputable decor company, or if you’re planning it all yourself, simply do your research and find a decor company that caters to your style. From a wooden, rustic look to something more modern or even big pops of colour, your wedding style will soon be brought to life!

You can choose to go as simple or as spectacular as you like – the good thing is, you’re already in a gorgeous location, so you don’t need to go overboard with the decorations if you don’t want to. The scenery will speak for itself! As long as you have a beautiful ceremony, good food, and great company, then your day will be utterly magical regardless.

9. Exciting entertainment

After you’ve got your decor sorted, it’s time to think about entertainment. After all, once the ceremony is over, it’s time to party!

How about a talented live singer, to bring all your favourite songs to life? Or if you’re into all things jazz, why not hire a saxophonist to surprise people during the cocktail hour?

These days you can pretty much hire any type of entertainment, even when abroad – from belly dancers to magicians! And of course, you can’t forget a DJ for on the evening, to get all your guests up and dancing.

10. Embrace the Local Culture

One cool thing you can do with an abroad wedding is to incorporate local traditions and flavors into your wedding. Whether it’s a traditional dance (we’re already hearing the tune of the Greek instrumental ‘Zorba’s dance’) to local cuisine, or even unique customs, this can make your wedding even more special and memorable. Plus, it’s a great way to immerse yourself and your guests in the culture of your destination! If you have your heart set on Cyprus, why not surprise your guests with a performance from Britain’s Got Talent act Stavros Flatley, who live on the island? Talk about a laugh!

11. Capture the Moments

Hire a photographer and videographer who are experienced with destination weddings. They’ll know how to make the most of the stunning backdrop and capture all those precious moments. You’ll want to look back on your beautiful day and show off these envy-inducing pics forever, so make sure it’s a photography and video style you love!

12. Relax and Enjoy

After all the planning and prepping, all that’s left to do is to enjoy your big day. Many brides and grooms actually comment that a destination wedding makes the planning of it all so much easier than if you were to do it all at home, simply because the two are kept separate!

You’ll be in your dreamy destination in no time to celebrate your love with your nearest and dearest. Soak it all in, laugh off the little mishaps, and make amazing memories.

Planning a wedding abroad might seem daunting until you actually get into it – but with a little preparation and the right mindset, it soon becomes a magical experience and one of the happiest times in your life. Here’s to your dream wedding in paradise—wherever that may be!