Weddings: Home or Abroad?

01 May 2019

For many, the idea of marrying the love of your life on a white, sandy beach with the sun beating down was something you could only dream of – but things have changed. In recent times, getting married abroad has become a much more realistic prospect.

That said, arranging a wedding abroad can be a complicated affair and sometimes, getting married at home surrounded by all of your loved ones has far greater appeal.

With this in mind, we wanted to take a look at the pros and cons of getting married at home, compared to an overseas wedding.

Getting Married Abroad

If you’re undecided on whether you want a wedding abroad, there are a few things to consider before you start planning. The number of guests, legal obligations when choosing your destination, and the logistics of getting everything there are just a few things that you’ll need to bear in mind.

Providing you with a list of pros and cons of getting married abroad is something we’re happy to do, but really it’s something that you should do for yourself because each situation is different. However, here are some basics to get you thinking:

Pros of getting married abroad

It allows you to relax and spend some quality time with your family and friends. For those attending, it’s likely they’ll be keen to socialise and enjoy the change of scenery. Often, your guests will stick around to enjoy a well earned holiday too, giving you the chance to spend more than one day with your loved ones.
It’s easier to avoid the typical itinerary associated with a wedding in the UK. If a traditional format isn’t really your scene, getting married overseas can switch up what would traditionally be expected of your big day.
You get to indulge in local cultures and try out things you wouldn’t necessarily be able to in the UK.
Generally, the weather is better, the setting is better and in many cases, you can get more for your money too.
It can be a much more intimate affair. In the UK, it’s not unusual to feel obliged to invite distant relatives or long lost friends just because you don’t want to offend anyone. Marrying abroad allows you to be way more selective and usually no one will moan about it… (we’re not guaranteeing this won’t happen though!)

Cons of getting married abroad

It may be that some of your chosen guests find it difficult to attend. For example, someone who has medical issues may be unable to travel. The additional time and cost involved may also present a problem for some people.
The logistics of transporting items for your wedding can be costly. There’s also the added risk of items getting damaged or lost on the way.
If you’re planning to purchase items such as flowers and decorations for your wedding local to the venue, you may not be able to get exactly what want, so you’ll need to be willing to compromise.
It’s unlikely you’ll be able to be around to oversee all of the planning. As such, you’ll have to put your trust in other people to deliver what you want.
There’s a good chance you’ll rely heavily on recommendations and reviews when making arrangements. Not being able to physically check out your chosen venue or visit suppliers can be stressful, so you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared for that if you’re unable to make numerous trips.
You’ll need to make allowances for purchasing in foreign currencies, too. If you’re paying deposits and purchasing items in a currency other than your own, there’s a good chance your bank will apply charges for this.

Getting Married in the UK

If you’re not sure if getting married abroad is right for you, getting married at home can be just as magical. In many ways, getting married in the UK can be easier but there are things that you just wouldn’t be able to replicate when compared to getting married abroad. Below are some pros and cons to help make your decision a little easier:

Pros of getting married in the UK

Generally, getting married at home means it’s easier for your loved ones to attend. It will likely be cheaper for them to do so, too.
If you’re someone that likes to make sure things go a certain way, getting married at home means you’ll be able to take charge of pretty much every aspect of the wedding, giving you more autonomy when it comes to preparations.
There’s more opportunity to shop around for things; whether that’s venues, the company supplying table decorations, or the make-up artist you choose. Often, you’ll be able to get a taster session or samples, which you’re unlikely to get when getting married abroad.
Your wedding and your honeymoon can be totally separate affairs if you wish. Going abroad for your wedding usually means that the ceremony and honeymoon are all rolled into one. Getting married in the UK gives you the opportunity to spend time with your loved ones but also means you can remove yourselves and enjoy each others’ company as newlyweds, privately.
The logistics of getting married at home are usually simpler and less expensive when it comes to transporting items for the wedding.
If you’re someone that values a more traditional vibe, there’s more chance of being able to indulge this with a wedding at home.
If you really want to go all out and with a big wedding and lots of guests, then getting married at home increases the odds of everyone you want there, being there.

Cons of getting married in the UK

The great British weather is unpredictable. This could put a big downer on your day if the idea is to spend a large amount of time outside. It also means you might have to take extra measures in case it doesn’t quite go according to your original plan.
It’s likely you’ll feel more pressure to invite people to your wedding that you probably wouldn’t, should you choose to get married abroad.
Certain things can be much more costly when compared to marrying abroad (depending on location of course). Prices for things such as food, photographers and venue hire are usually more expensive in the UK, so you may need to compromise if your budget is limited.
Traditionally, a wedding in the UK lasts for just one day, with the ceremony and the reception taking place at the same time and in many cases, at the same venue. As such, it doesn’t give you much opportunity to completely relax in the way a wedding overseas would.

Cost of Getting Married Abroad Vs. Getting Married in the UK

The cost of getting married abroad can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

Location
Number of guests
The level of luxury you opt for

However, the same can be said for a wedding in the UK, too.

That said, it’s estimated that the average cost of a wedding abroad is around £6000; considerably cheaper than the average cost of a UK wedding which is stated to be approximately £20,000.

The significant difference in averages likely comes down to the fact that overseas weddings are usually much smaller affairs, due in part to a much more selective guest list.

So Should You Get Married at Home or Abroad?

If you’ve dreamed of an exotic wedding in a far off land for as long as you can remember, achieving it could be easier than you think. As long as you’re prepared to let someone else do most the work, you understand the legal obligations, and you’re prepared to compromise on your guest list, then the only thing you need to do is get serious about saving for your wedding.

On the other hand, if celebrating with your extended family in familiar surroundings is what you’ve always wanted, there’s no reason why your dream can’t become a reality; just be sure you consider the costs involved!

Attending a wedding (abroad or at home)? Why not make your gift extra special and wrap it like you mean it with a personalised wedding gift bag?