A destination wedding is getting more and more popular each year. Even elopement, people are getting more creative and more romantic with their weddings now, making more about the special couple instead of the big ‘do’ here at home.

I’m Abbie, for those of you who don’t me and I eloped with my husband to Iceland. I can hand on heart, say its the most wonderful and magical experience. It made the party back home more of, well, a party! I didn’t want the formality of it all, with having a huge family on both sides, not to mention it’s a bit complex.

Organising a wedding abroad is a totally different feeling to organising one here, whether you are taking a small handful of family and friends abroad with you, or running off in secret just the two of you. Going to a travel agent to book your destination wedding is great. You can sit down with them and get plenty of ideas, express what you want and where you want it and It will take the pressure off you as they will book the initial wedding for you, deal with the finances then put you in contact with the hotel wedding planner of where you have chosen the destination to be.

A wedding planner abroad will sort out all your requirements and needs, this is their job and its what they are used too, so don’t be afraid to contact them with questions and queries. Its normal to feel a bit anxious as you are not physically there to help with things and see it all done but you just have to trust them. Every country runs things differently and has different rules, so be sure to check out what is legal. Some places you have to be there 72 hours before you wed, some places you may need to do the legal part when you come back home or before you go and some places you don’t even need witnesses as long as you give your notice at your local registry office before you go, all will be fine.

Asking people to come with you can be a tricky question, the majority of the time people are delighted and will see it as a holiday for them too, although don’t be offended if people can’t make it. Its best to give people as much notice as you can, so it gives time for family and friends to save up. The family and friends that do come with you might just stay for part of your trip which is even better as you can then have honeymoon time just the two of you!

However, if you are eloping, this has a different feeling when planning to go away. From personal experience its so hard keeping the secret but the impact of telling people when you come back home is just magical. Contacting your local registrar is a huge help, as they can point you in the right direction in advising you which countries have different laws and rules. From a personal note, I found the process so easy! Eloping is getting more common for the bride who doesn’t want the fuss, or some one who sees getting married more personal and just between two people.

Taking a wedding dress abroad is easy and we can assure you that there is nothing to worry about! Choosing one for you and your destination is fun! So whether it is hot or cold you will look fabulous! You don’t need to worry if you are getting married in heat, we would advise you to wear a hoop under the dress if you want a fuller dress, to give you leg room, also once you have been in the country for a day or two, your body will adjust and get used to the heat. Where as if you are getting married in the cold, like I did, in -12 degrees with snow, you also have nothing to worry about! Coming from some one who always moans they are freezing, I wasn’t cold, in fact I was sweating! I believe its called an adrenaline rush! I wore a short dress and heels and was fine, so I promise you will be too! Obviously I wanted a full length dress for the party back home. Which I was totally and unconditionally in love with.

We have a range of travel cases that actually fit as hand luggage and can fit almost any dress in. We will steam and press the dress for you and pack it in the luggage case ready for you. I advise to keep it has hand luggage and don’t check it in, as its your wedding dress keep it safe!

So happy planning, where ever you choose to say ‘I do!’