60 weddings & honeymoons
abroad innocents
There’s something exotic, dreamy and just plain extra- special about getting hitched overseas – and it can be surprisingly cost-effective too, says Lisa James
N
ot only did he break a million hearts last September when he tied the knot, George Clooney also fl ew the fl ag for
getting married abroad. Images of guests jetting into Venice appeared around the world, aptly proving the attraction of an overseas wedding surrounded by family and friends. Of course, most couples can’t stretch to George’s budget, but it’s perfectly possible to have a dream wedding abroad at an affordable price. In fact, given the eye-watering price of an
average UK wedding (£21,000, according to You and Your Wedding magazine while rival publication Brides puts it at £24,716), getting married abroad can be far more cost-effective. Rebecca Evans, Marketing Executive at Funway Holidays says: “There are so many great reasons to get married abroad: glorious weather, romantic scenery, a cast-iron excuse not to invite hundreds of distant relatives and, on a more practical note, the cash benefi ts of combining a wedding and honeymoon into one single trip-of-a-lifetime. “Honeymoons and overseas weddings are among the most important bookings an agent can make.
“If they get it right, the happy couple will have a great time, and you’ll have a client for life. “Weddings are also an ideal opportunity
to book groups and see commissions for agents soar,” adds Evans. For their honeymoon, Clooney whisked his bride Amal to the Seychelles’ secluded North Island – proving the Indian Ocean favourite is still very much in vogue. Another perennial favourite for weddings and honeymoons is St Lucia, where George’s friend Matt Damon and his wife renewed their wedding vows and where McBusted’s Harry Judd and England rugby player Mike Brown chose to propose to their partners. One of the reasons St Lucia is so popular is that it’s very straightforward to get married on the island. With no residency period rules, couples with paperwork in order can have a tropical wedding and start their honeymoon within 24 hours of arrival. Another big appeal is the ease with which weddings can be arranged. Mathilde Robert, Managing Director of Planet Holidays, says: “Getting married abroad continues
to be a growing trend and A-listers such as George and Amal Clooney getting hitched in Italy last year have added to the popularity. “Of course, we expect Italy will be popular this
year, but there is such a wide choice of other destinations that there is something for couples that fancy somewhere just a bit different. “The top slot is Cyprus – very simply because the paperwork is straightforward, there is no translation needed, there is no restriction on the number of days you have to be on the island and no language restrictions.” Recent research by ABTA estimated 1.5 million
people travelled abroad for a wedding in 2014, either to get married or as a wedding guest. This year, ABTA predicts ‘celebration holidays’ will be a key travel trend – meaning agents who understand this market stand to do well – particularly if they are booking large groups.
What’s new Agent incentives: Agents booking 50
room nights at the St Regis Bora Bora (
stregisborabora.com) are eligible for a three- night complimentary stay throughout 2015.
sellingtravel.co.uk
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