A wedding planner to the stars has revealed the main do's and don'ts all couples should note if they're planning a celebration abroad.
Liz Taylor, CEO of wedding and event planners the Taylor Lynn Corporation, has helped the likes of Gary Neville, Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright with their big days.
She's also helped organise nuptials in Venetian palaces, stately homes, chateaus, boutique hotels, marquees, nightclubs and mountain retreats, across a host of destinations around the world.
Liz shared some of the tricks of the trade with the Mirror after the tale of one particular destination wedding gone wrong began circulating online.
The story, which was posted on Reddit, was about a woman's destination wedding on an island resort which got "WAY out of hand in terms of both cost and time commitment", according to her sister.
For most guests the 12 hour flight would cost £800, the trip would require taking a week off work, and the cheapest rooms were £750.
When guests started to back out - including two bridesmaids - the bride shared her disappointment with her sister.
Her concerned sibling said she "took it upon myself to be the one to tell her things were getting out of hand". Unfortunately, her gentle suggestions that the wedding was too expensive "did not go over well."
"She completely blew up at me, accused me of ruining her dream wedding and hung up on me," the sister continued. "My mum and aunt called me later on to tell me I was out of line, but I don't think I was.
"My sister is used to always getting what she wants, but she's burning friendships over this wedding and the way things are going it might end up only being immediate family that comes anyway."
According to Liz, the bride made the first and most common mistake - trying to please everyone.
"You can’t. In choosing to get married away from your family, there will inevitably be people who cannot attend," Liz said.
"My advice. Keep it intimate and invite closest family and friends, being honest with everyone that you have chosen to keep the wedding small.
"Then invest in a fabulous party when you get home and have a wedding blessing. Invite all those that couldn’t attend the destination event."
Another big mistake would-be happy couples make is forgetting that a wedding is a legal ceremony and that it often requires a lot of paperwork.
"It is easy to marry in some places, like Las Vegas, but in others, like Vietnam or Cambodia, the requirements and paperwork can be more difficult," she continued.
"In some countries it is often easier to do the legal part at home in the UK and then have a ceremony, with vows, at your dream destination."
In the past year Liz has seen a 30% increase in people wanting to get married abroad, with the lockdowns seemingly having convinced people to "be a bit more adventurous and quirkier with the venue and location."
The big destinations for Brits are Spain, the south of France, Barbados and the most popular of all, Majorca.
"With UK prices increasing so dramatically, it really is comparable in price to be married abroad. And you get the beach backdrop and great weather," Liz noted.
Check out Liz's top tips below to make sure everything goes off without a hitch...
Leave enough time
Booking the wedding at least 12 months ahead is my advice, making sure you have wedding and travel insurances in place. That gives you time to visit the destination in person, which I strongly advise. You can’t plan this over zoom.
Choose the right time of the year
When the wedding takes place is a matter of personal choice, UK winter is always popular for those preferring sunnier climates.
You must check local weather before you decide though, as the last thing you want it to overheat on the beach or freeze at your mountain top destination.
Consider local customs
Always do your research. For example, there are still some countries that do not allow same sex weddings.
Think about extending your trip
It’s usual when family and friends travel to see you take your vows in the location of your dreams, that they too holiday for a week or so and soak up the atmosphere.
To get some private time alone you might think about staying on longer or taking another week’s holiday together.
Pack wisely
When it comes to packing, there are a few non-negotiable factors - including mosquito spray.
So many guests forget this that I now provide it alongside sun cream, blister plasters, a fan and facial spritz in a lovely welcome pack for my guests. People get so carried away with the wedding element, that they forget all the practical things.
Also, pack to the season, so if it’s a hot climate throw win some lovely flip flops and a sun hat for the evening or for a beach wedding.
Cooler climate, think layers and take a pashmina or shrug that you can add to your outfit as the temperature falls.
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