Getting Married Abroad (1)
Wedding or Honeymoon: Which Package to Book?

Getting married abroad is becoming more popular for the British Bride and Groom.  However, more couples seek after the Sunshine and the beach as part of that package, and therefore, exotic locations like the Caribbean remain highly sought after destinations.  These Islands are also highly promoted, to attract this market. 

The different stages of preparation leading up to the wedding day can sometimes bring anxiety.  Taking the step to engage in a wedding ceremony abroad will naturally heighten such anxiety and will require much ground work before booking that wedding package.

There are many things to consider when planning for an overseas wedding.  It is best to liaise with a wedding and honeymoon specialist, to decide on the most appropriate option for you.  Most travel companies have a wedding & honeymoon department or an agent that specialises in weddings and honeymoons.  Take advantage of this option as it will greatly reduce your stress level. 

Most wedding packages include various perks, as a way of enticing couples.  These offers sometimes act as the deciding factor in destination or hotel choice.  For example: There might be an offer for a hotel stating that, if you stay for ten (10) nights or more, on an all-inclusive plan, your wedding or your honeymoon would be free.  In a case like this, the choice it is easier to choose, providing you agree with all terms and conditions.

For those travelling with children, an option popular with re-marriages, there is a new term that some hotels have introduced called familymoon.  Ask your travel agent or tour operator for more details, if that’s something you would be interested in.

You can also benefit greatly from wedding shows.  Here in the UK, there are many opportunities to visit a wedding show.  They run throughout the year and cover every aspect of your wedding from the planning stage through to the hotel nights, all under one roof.  There you’ll find specialists you’d need to speak to, at some stage throughout the planning of your wedding, and they can offer you free advice and samples on the day.  These wedding shows can be found around the country, in large venues, including hotels.  They have local and national suppliers, all promising to make your day as smooth as can be.  I live in Bedfordshire and each week there are, at least, three different wedding shows advertised in the local paper. 

You can visit the www.theukweddingshows.co.uk or the UK Wedding Guide at www.startingtogether.co.uk for more details.  Don’t forget your local newspaper ads and also wedding magazines.  Get all the necessary advice you need to achieve a memorable day.

© 2007 Janice S Ramkissoon
First published in the Big Eye Newspaper, October 2007 

Getting Married Abroad (2)