a hitch
DESTINATIONS ADVICE | WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
a
s the sun set over the hilly Tuscan countryside, a guest was stoking
the flames of the pizza oven while other members of our wedding party kneaded dough in the kitchen. Hiring a beautiful venue complete with an outdoor oven, pool and accommodation for up to 35 people wouldn’t have been affordable for my husband and me if we’d chosen to get married in the UK – plus, there was the draw of Italy’s fabulous food, wine and weather. Cost and climate are key factors leading many British couples to look abroad for their nuptials, giving agents an opportunity to nab a high-value booking – often including friends and extended family. But when the pressure is on to make it perfect, it helps to tap into the wealth of expertise from a specialist destination wedding operator. From someone who has been there and done that this summer, here are some things to consider when booking a wedding abroad.
SAVE OR SPLURGE? Establish a budget early on, to explore what’s realistic and to find a good-value package. For those
looking to save money, Charlotte Rose, wedding specialist at Perfect Weddings Abroad, recommends all-inclusive packages. “Our lead- in package in Greece starts from just £3,999 for 20 people. These packages allow couples to plan ahead for their wedding day, with a clear cost from the start to avoid any hidden fees,” she says. For couples looking for even
more intimate gatherings or who prefer to keep it to just the two of them, operators can often arrange a simple ceremony in a hotel setting or at a local town hall. The sky is the limit for couples with cash to splash, whether they want to get married in a chateau or palazzo, have a string quartet and mirrored aisles or tie the knot on a beach in the Caribbean.
CHOOSE A DESTINATION Although we’d initially dreamt of a woodsy, lakeside wedding, we changed our minds when we fell in love with venues in the Tuscan countryside. Make sure to fully explore the clients’ vision – do they want an island wedding with white-sand beaches, rolling vineyards or a hilltop escape? ²
travelweekly.co.uk
12 SEPTEMBER 2024
31
PICTURE: Planet Holidays
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