Whilst some people have their heart set on either a UK wedding or destination wedding from the start, for others it can be a more complicated decision. There are definite benefits to both, and it all comes down to personal preference. As a UK-based luxury wedding planner we offer both UK and destination wedding planning services to our couples. Our job is to help guide you through the wedding planning process – below we offer our advice on making that decision as to whether to marry in the UK or hold a destination wedding abroad.
Choosing a Luxury UK Wedding…
The majority of couples we work with decide to get married in the UK – but all for very different reasons. We work with couples from all different backgrounds – UK couples wanting to get married locally, ex-pats wanting to return home to celebrate with friends and family, and couples from overseas who love the appeal of a wedding in the UK.
The UK has a wealth of incredible luxury wedding venues to choose from, ranging from iconic country houses to industrial city-chic warehouses, allowing couples to find somewhere that really suits their style. Whether you’re after a blank canvas to really put your stamp on, or somewhere packed full of history, there’s a venue for you.
Getting married in the UK of course often makes life easier logistically – not just for you, but also for friends and family, saving time and money on flights and accommodation. Depending on family situations, it may also be far easier for close elderly relatives to attend, and for many it just wouldn’t be the same without them being there.
It’s far easier to do more regular venue visits, or meet with suppliers, plus the lack of a language barrier means you know exactly what you’re getting.
Often, part of the appeal of a destination wedding is the fact that the celebrations are spread over a number of days. Whilst it sounds cliché, your wedding day itself really does fly by so quickly, so having a few days to soak things up and spend quality with your family and friends is often a welcome idea. However, with the current trend of wedding weekends, it’s becoming more and more common for couples to extend their celebrations – in the UK as well as for destination weddings. Plan a special dinner the night before your wedding for your closest friends and family, or how about a big brunch or BBQ the day after, to allow you to relive the stories from the day before and allow you to continue on your cloud nine bubble for just that little bit longer!
Or a Luxury Destination Wedding?
We’ll be the first to admit we are total travel addicts, so we totally get the appeal of a destination wedding. With so many incredible destinations to choose from, from the rolling hills and vistas of a Tuscany wedding, laidback luxury beach vibes in Spain or a foodie’s haven in Provence, you are spoilt for choice on where to go. And with travel ever more accessible, couples are pushing the boundaries and exploring adventurous new destinations further and further afield.
However, planning on where to get married abroad, then dealing with the legalities, language barrier and logistics can make planning a luxury destination wedding rather trickier.
Firstly, you need to work out the legalities. Can you legally marry there, or must you get the official bit done before you come away? What paperwork is required for you to get married there? How long does this take to complete? The rules vary depending on where you go, so it’s important you seek sound advice to work out what needs to be done in order to get married abroad.
Then, there’s the logistics. Not just in terms of how you’ll get there – but how all your friends, family and suppliers will get there, and where they’ll stay. And don’t forget the potential for additional luggage costs for any styling props, and most importantly, the dress!
This is one of the reasons that the majority of couples planning destination weddings seek the help of a wedding planner – the language barrier on top of this just otherwise creates an added layer of complexity and increased risk of miscommunication.
With destination weddings so on-trend right now and proving popular as a stylish escape, there are so many places to choose from. Whether you’re after a chic city location such as New York or Seville, or after a poolside villa or beach wedding, there are so many options to choose from. However, whilst many friends and family will jump at the excuse of a weekend away somewhere spectacular, it’s important to factor in that there may be some who can’t make it – whether due to financial circumstances, difficulty getting time off work or even due to age.
There’s also the common misconception that destination weddings are cheaper, but, depending on where you want to go, this most certainly isn’t always the case. Luxury destination weddings can cost just as much, if not more than luxury UK weddings. Whilst some elements can be cheaper abroad, factoring in the costs of travel and accommodation, plus the fact many couples opt to bring over trusted UK suppliers, can make prices the same or more than getting married in the UK.
UK vs Destination Weddings
Whatever choice you make, there are so many options available for you to really tailor your day and create something truly unique. The best way to come to a decision is often to sit down together and list out your priorities for your wedding day, taking into account any family circumstances or external factors which may affect your decision. Whilst sometimes it’s helpful to seek input from others, at the end of the day it’s your day, and your decision. Whichever option you choose, there are so many ways to personalise your wedding and create something totally unique to you, that truly reflects your personalities and passions – and that will create memories to last a lifetime.
If you’re still struggling to choose and would like to chat through your options, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a no-obligation consultation.
Credits:
1. Charlie Davies Wedding Photography
3. Charlie Davies Wedding Photography