Getting Married Overseas
Getting married abroad is the ideal scenario for some couples. Whether you want to walk down the aisle on a sandy beach or in your favourite city, there’s a lot to think about when you get married overseas.
Some decide to get married overseas for cultural reasons, to be with family, or simply to escape the unpredictable weather of the UK. After 2 years of wedding cancellations and travel restrictions due to the pandemic, destination weddings are back on the cards.
How much does it cost to get married abroad?
The cost of your wedding will depend on your budget. You can spend as much or as little as you want to – it’s your special day. Generally, weddings abroad are cheaper than in the UK. According to SN Travel, the average cost of a wedding abroad is between £10,000 and £20,000 comparable to an average of £30,000 in the UK. So quite a significant saving, but it all depends on where and how you’d like to tie the knot.
Here are 3 easy ways to keep the cost of your overseas wedding down:
1. Keep your guest list streamlined
In other words, don’t invite people for the sake of it. Generally, guests at overseas weddings are expected to pay their own way including flights and hotel, so you will save money by only paying for who you want to pay for.
2. Where you get married matters
Let’s say you want to get married in Italy, but you’re not sure where. A small venue in the country will cost significantly less than a chic hotel in Milan.
3. Get married in the off-peak season
If the time of year isn’t that important to you, getting married in the off-peak season (usually, October -March) will save you money in all aspects.
How to pay for your wedding abroad
If you will be transferring money to overseas suppliers, Moving Currency can provide the services you need and take the stress out of paying for your overseas wedding. By working with a currency specialist, you will get the most out of your budget and ensure you get value out of every penny.
Now more than ever we understand that things can change, and you need to be as prepared as you can. There’s no crystal ball to see into the future, but as the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Wedding insurance
This is a very important part of your wedding planning and should be in place as soon as you have secured your venue and paid a deposit. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of the insurance before you sign anything and get the answers to any additional questions you have in writing.
Spot Transactions
Sometimes you need to transfer money quickly. The venue has had a cancellation and is suddenly available, your dress from that French boutique is on sale, or your cater needs to secure supplies. Whatever it is, your account manager will ensure your money will be transferred on time, safely and securely at today’s best exchange rate.
Forward Contracts
With forward contracts, you can fix your exchange rate for up to five years. This is great for long engagements as you secure your exchange rate in advance. You just need to pay a small deposit and the exchange rate is secured. If you have to pay deposits to secure venues or suppliers in advance, this is a great way to stick to a budget and plan your wedding finances. With many different suppliers to pay, you don’t have to worry about fluctuating exchange rates damaging your budget.
Extra things to consider when planning your wedding overseas
Your dream destination wedding will be the best day of your life, but before you sign on the dotted line, here are a few things you may not have considered:
- Are there any seasonal holidays or events happening around the time of your wedding?
- What is the weather like at that time of year? Some countries have their rainy and hurricane seasons in the Summer
- Does your venue allow children?
- What time do the local amenities close?
- Can your guests attend during the school holidays?
- What is the process for getting the married verified in the UK?
- Will you be shipping your dress over or buying it overseas?
If you are planning your wedding overseas and want to know more about getting the most out of your money, get in touch with our currency experts today.