A wedding abroad

A beach, a chapel, a castle, a cliff top villa; when marrying abroad, there are endless possibilities and if you are off to a warmer climate, lucky you but it does make organising your nuptials that bit more challenging.

If you are marrying somewhere hot, it is important to consider the fabric of the dress and the size. Those endless layers of petticoats and heavy satin and taffeta may not seem like the best idea when you are marrying in tropical temperatures. Equally, transporting the dress can be an issue if it is very big and is a fabric which will mark and crease easily.

Stick to soft and floaty styles like the Grecian goddess look which works perfectly on a beach, or a simple lace dress which looks incredibly romantic in a Mediterranean chapel. Alternatively you may want to choose a short dress for some fun pictures on the beach. These styles will be easy to wear, cooler and work with the overall feel of the day.

For transporting, choose a box rather than suit carrier- The Empty Box Company offer a range of boxes all designed to fit into overheard lockers. You can carry your dress on as hand luggage all carefully wrapped in tissue paper and then hang it up a few days before your wedding or investigate having it pressed out there.

By Laura Jones at Mrs Jones Bridal Boutique

www.mrsjonesbridal.co.uk

 

For cakes, many venues will include one as part of the wedding package. This is very convenient but means you cannot always guarantee quality and have what you want.

If this is the only option but you can have some input, do some research. As Karen mentions, use Pinterest or magazine images to put together your ideas and be clear on flavours and styles. Using pictures helps communicate your overall look and gives clear direction on what you want, particularly if there is a language barrier.

If you can bring your own, specialist cake companies can make you exactly what you want and pack it up for you in a small travel friendly box, but always check with your travel company about transporting it. A safe option is to take a well made, simply iced cake and just use fresh flowers on the day to decorate. Alternatively, marrying abroad is a great excuse to break away from traditions here and perhaps take on local traditions and go for something very creative and colourful.

By Katie Bedminster from Cakes by Katie B

www.cakesbykatieb.co.uk

 

How exciting to arrange a wedding abroad, a small intimate affair of closest friends and family. Once the legal bits are in place, you can start planning a wonderful day. The venue or planners will recommend a local florist.

I have just had a lovely morning with a bride marrying in Italy next Feb. It was strange foraging at the market for tiny fir cones at this time of year. I did get some odd looks. My bride-to-be wanted to make up her bouquet, sample buttonholes and put together some table styling and then take photos from every angle to send to her florist in Tuscany, easier than loosing anything in translation. Here is how we got on. . .

Having done flower and styling for a wedding in Italy before, I know how amazingly romantic it can be, although explaining the suitcase full of candles was interesting at customs. If you are thinking of marrying abroad and want seasonal flower for Europe, see your florist at a similar time about a year before your wedding to keep trial costs down. Ask your florists advice and use the internet, make a Pinterest board with lots of photos from your venue, so you can imagine your flowers and styling in place.

By Karen Sopp from The Allium Design Company

www.alliumdesign.co.uk