Frequently Asked Questions for Weddings Abroad – How Much Does a Wedding Abroad Cost?
Usually this is first questions we get asked by couples on the very start of their journey for planning their wedding abroad. The Bridal Consultant has designed sample wedding packages for two reasons, one, to give an overall idea of what the wedding day will cost based on their number of guests and for those that want a simple solution to a stress free wedding abroad.
The packages almost always are tailored by each couple to make their day personal to them.
As for cost per destination from value to most expensive, are Zakynthos, Rhodes, Kos and Crete with Santorini being a more expensive destinations.
Regardless of destination a wedding abroad compared to a wedding in the UK is still more cost effective as a wedding abroad is more the often smaller. Weddings abroad takes place later in the day, due to the heat, so there is only one meal served rather than two in the UK (formal dinner followed by evening buffet). And let’s face it, dressing a wedding abroad is a lot less expensive as you have an amazing view and setting to work with.
However even though a wedding abroad is cheaper, there’s likely to be compromises, you still need to consider your overall budget before booking a venue and making plans. As a general rule I suggest our sample packages not exceed 70 to 80% of your total budget, allowing you to add on extras if you wish. However for those wanting a super relaxed wedding our packages can be taken exactly as they are, we’ve made sure all the necessary items you’d need are included. We’ve planned many weddings, very successfully using one of our sample packages.
For example; if your total budget is 10,000euros then make sure the sample package for the venue you’re considering doesn’t exceed 7 to 8k. Leaving you a good amount for any extras you might want to add, like more drinks or extra decoration.
For venues where all inclusive drinks are included and lots of decoration (some in Crete, Rhodes, Zakynthos and Kos) you wont need to leave as much additional budget, if anything at all, for extras. Ask us about your particular venue and destination.
Can I have a legal wedding abroad?
One of the most frequently asked questions for weddings abroad is, will your wedding be legal.
I’m pleased to advise that all the destinations we plan weddings in, offer a legal wedding, as long as you complete and present the relevant legal work. We’ll walk you step by step through the requirements and we’ll make sure your paperwork is checked prior to your arrival at your destination, so there are no last minute hiccups.
Paperwork for weddings abroad is very time sensitive, so it’s important to keep on top of the process and we’ll be here to contact you as and when necessary, if you get busy and deadlines are fast approaching.
What are the best months to get married abroad?
The best months for weddings in all our destinations are from May to early October. The weather outside of these months can be changeable and the evenings cool.
From the middle of October the Greek islands tend to close down for winter, especially those catering towards the tourism market. So outside of the holiday season you’ll find hotels, bars and restaurants closed, so you might not get the full experience you’d expect.
The hottest and most humid months are July/August.
Most popular months for those without children are June and September, there are no school holidays during these months, so flights and hotels tend to be cheaper.
Longest days of sunlight are from the middle of May to end of August
The most popular weeks to book are Whitsun (end of May) and July/August, as these are UK school holidays.
Special note, if you can get married during April or throughout October and don’t mind the cool evenings and the risk of unsettled weather, then some venues will give discounts on venue hire as these are generally quieter times. However I suggest you book a venue with an indoor area so you have a ‘plan B’ should it be needed, if you have inclement weather.
Can I have a private beach wedding abroad?
We have a unique private beach for weddings abroad Cameo Island in Zakynthos.
Offering complete privacy for your wedding ceremony, amazing views and fairy-tale relaxed weddings for those that have always dreamed for a beach wedding abroad
But it books up quickly, so it’s advisable to book early for both.
What time do weddings abroad take place?
One of the main reasons we choose to marry abroad is to enjoy the lovely sunshine, long sunny days and warm evenings, however saying your I’dos in 45 degree heat is no fun, if you end up fainting and missing the ceremony (yes this did happen once).
Therefore we suggest weddings from 6pm onwards in high season. You’ll still get plenty of sunshine for photographs but you’ll be comfortable rather than too hot, it means you also get to enjoy the whole day getting ready and being pampered.
Weddings in cooler months, like May and September allow for earlier ceremony from around 4pm onwards, make sure you check requirements and hire times for your venue as some have specific restrictions for the start and end times.
What is the minimum residency for a wedding abroad?
This differs slightly for each island, but is typically 2/3 days, this is so you have time to meet with your on the day wedding team and complete any local paperwork or appointments, like town hall visits or hair and makeup trials.
You may also need to stay for a day after the wedding to visit the town hall, so always check with us before you book flights.
Is the legal paperwork difficult?
Not necessarily, it’s the timing that most people find difficulty with and if you have a more complex personal history, then you may require more documentation, but once we know your personal information we can advise fully.
Although we primarily work with UK couples, we do work with many foreign nationals too, so although we can’t advise on legal requirements for every nationality, once your wedding is booked we’ll speak to local authorities to find out what you need to prepare for your wedding abroad. You can then request this paperwork from your local authority. And we’ll perform all the same checks locally, so when you arrive your paperwork is all in order.
Can I tailor my wedding abroad?
Yes and yes!
We encourage it!
We want your wedding to be ALL about you and represent your tastes and tell the story of you as a couple! The absolute best way to do this is to tailor your wedding, you can do this with every aspect for the day from the decor, the menu, the music, the ceremony wording, the evening entertainment.
What flowers can I have?
We do suggest going local where you can, local flowers are more hardy, so they last well in the heat and will also have the best scent, however we do have suppliers that can ship in any flowers out of season and those that are not grown locally.
Of course, the less local and more specialist the flowers are, the more expensive they’ll be.
One tip is to choose a look and then copy it with local flora. That way you get the feel without the expensive price tag.
Examples of easy accessible and locally source flowers are regular roses, daisies, Gypsofilia, tiger lilies, Lisianthus, filler flowers or greenery, such as eucalyptus, olive leaf and don’t forget herbs, they not only look good but smell amazing too, as the heat will activate their essential oils. Types such as lavender and rosemary are fabulous choices.
Popular imported flower choices such as Peonies, David Austin Roses, Calla Lilies, Orchids and Protea are more costly and might not be available outside of their growing season. Ask your planner about available flowers in your destination.
How is working with a wedding planner different to planning it myself?
People that work with us do so because they are time poor, they want to utilise our contacts and experience and they want a no hassle wedding.
After 17 years planning weddings there’s very little we don’t know, however we’re always pleasantly surprised when we’re challenged by a new request.
With us you’ll be tapping into years of experience and already vetted trusted suppliers.
We don’t negotiate to the point our suppliers are paid unfairly, we don’t feel there is any need for this if the suppliers quote is already considered and reasonable. Our focus is on quality and price and after service. Something that is incredibly important and vital to make sure you have the full experience on your wedding day and afterwards when you receive your photographs and video.
We don’t tailor weddings from scratch, this is a very different service and one you’ll likely pay for more, and quite rightly, the work that goes into planning completely tailor made weddings is immense. I have a few very dear friends that work this way that I’d happily recommend.
We hope you enjoy reading our Frequently Asked Questions for Weddings Abroad and it answered some burning questions for you.
Any else you’d like to know?
Would you like to add a question to our frequently asked questions for weddings abroad? It can be about the planning, the destinations or the venues! We might just add it to our list!
Lisa founded The award winning Bridal Consultants in 2004
From the first year planning just a few weddings she's now planned over 1600 weddings abroad with her small team of specialists around the world.
She's an authority on weddings abroad and is often appears on Local BBC radio to discuss wedding planning related issues. She's the agony aunt for the glossy mag Brides Abroad where she solves problems from brides planning their own weddings abroad.
From the first year planning just a few weddings she's now planned over 1600 weddings abroad with her small team of specialists around the world.
She's an authority on weddings abroad and is often appears on Local BBC radio to discuss wedding planning related issues. She's the agony aunt for the glossy mag Brides Abroad where she solves problems from brides planning their own weddings abroad.
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