Weddings in...
For many brides, having their wedding in an another country is an amazing opportunity, but in light of a recent horror story from one bride who married in the Maldives, are international weddings all they're cracked up to be? As the new series of I'm A Celebrity! begins, is disappearing to a sunny island the answer to your wedding planning woes, or will you be screaming "I'm a Bride... Get Me Out of Here!"
Recently splashed across the press was the news that employees at the Vilu Reef Hotel were verbally abusing a Western couple, (in their native tongue; Dhivehi) during a wedding ceremony in which the unwitting pair believed they were receiving customary blessings and prayers. The employees in question allegedly called the pair “infidels” and deemed the couple's marriage invalid.
Unbeknown to the English-speaking couple, the whole ceremony was filmed, and the insults and expletives were posted for the world to see on global video sharing website YouTube.
The couple — thought to be Swedish — have not yet come forward, but have found overnight fame as the victims of a shocking scandal that has rocked the Maldives’s tourist economy.
As well as that... 2010’s installment of I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! started last Sunday, and has already featured copious creepy crawlies, rancid rodents, and prying pests that you don’t tend to come across here in Britain!
But don’t let that put you off tying the knot abroad, here at UKbride we challenge Home vs. Away!
The Pros of Weddings in a Foreign Country:
• Fantastic weather... probably!
• Good value for money - despite the expense of transport, many wedding packages abroad are cheaper than those at home.
• Exotic and unusual locations make for a unique and truly memorable occasion.
• Marrying abroad is the perfect excuse not to invite those estranged second cousins that you’d rather not see!
• Great opportunity to ‘get away from it all’ and escape the stresses and strains of life at home.
And the Cons of Weddings in Another Country...:
• Bank Charges for paying in foreign currency are often a real sting - so watch out!
• You’ll probably have to limit your numbers which means that some of your friends and family are likely to miss out.
• You’re unlikely to have the opportunity to check out the venue before the ceremony.
• Even in hot locations, you can never completely guarantee sunny weather, (even tropical climates have rainy storms!).
• Consider the shipping costs for the table decorations or wedding favors that you’ve sourced in the UK.
We spoke to Amanda Lucas, Wedding Supervisor at Sandals Luxury Vacations. She told us that last year their most popular resort was The Sandals Grand Antigua Resort & Spa.
“Destination weddings in exotic locations are becoming more and more popular as couples can combine their wedding and honeymoon for idyllic ceremony settings, reduced stress and reduced costs!” said Amanda.
“We have seen a year on year increase in the number of weddings that we are organising abroad”, she added.
Amanda also gave us her expert advice on what to watch out for when tying the knot abroad. “My top tip…. pre-book as much as you can prior to your arrival. This would include things like additional reception plans, photography, excursions and relaxing spa treatments. That leaves you more time to enjoy the sunshine and relax.”
Whether you choose a traditional British white wedding, or a less conventional marriage ceremony abroad, enjoy your day and good luck!
What do you think of weddings in foreign countries? Discuss it on our Forum, we'd love to hear your advice!
Checklist for jet-setting brides:
• Valid Passport (Sounds simple, but you won’t be going anywhere if you’ve not checked this one!).
• Travel Insurance. This is absolutely essential!
• Wedding Insurance (Simple Travel Insurance might not cover details such as the dress, rings etc.)
• Visa/ Proof of Residency (Some countries require you to spend a certain amount of days there before making your vows.)
• List of the required documents in order to marry in chosen country, and confirmation that these documents have reached the appropriate authorities.
• If you’ve got any queries or questions the Foreign Office recommends that you contact your chosen country’s embassy in the UK.
To see the 'wedding' video of the Maldives couple click here. Warning, this video may cause offence.