Planning A Wedding: Guide For International Couples

Planning a wedding for an international couple comes with its own set of challenges. From visas and work permits to local customs and traditions, there's a lot to consider. It's important to understand the marriage requirements of the country you're getting married in, as some countries require blood tests or for the couple to establish residency for a set amount of time. Wedding planners often encourage couples to incorporate local culture into their day, whether that's through food or handicrafts. It's also worth noting that some destinations may require you to hire and work only with local vendors.

Understanding marriage requirements in the country of choice

Planning a wedding for international couples can be a complex process, and it's important to understand the marriage requirements in the country of choice. Every country has its own set of rules and requirements for obtaining a marriage license, and these can vary significantly. For example, some countries, such as Mexico, require blood tests, while others may require the couple to establish "residency" for a set amount of time before the wedding, which could range from a few days to several months. It's crucial to research and understand these requirements well in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free planning process.

In addition to legal requirements, there are cultural considerations to keep in mind. Wedding planners often encourage couples to incorporate local culture into their special day, whether it's through food, decorations, or other traditions. This can create an immersive experience for guests and help support the local community. It's also important to be mindful of customs and expectations, such as greeting customs, tipping etiquette, and dress codes, as these can vary greatly across cultures.

Another important aspect to consider is the visa and work permit requirements for the wedding planners and vendors. Some countries may require a visa or work permit to execute the wedding onsite, and it's crucial to plan for this ahead of time. Additionally, certain destinations may mandate that the couple and planners hire and work exclusively with local vendors, which can impact the availability and cost of certain items. Understanding the local regulations and planning accordingly is essential to avoid last-minute surprises.

When planning an international wedding, it's also beneficial to embrace a relaxed and flexible mindset. International weddings often involve working with vendors and suppliers who have a more relaxed perspective, and impatience or a rigid approach can lead to unnecessary stress. By proceeding with a positive and adaptable attitude, couples can transform the planning experience and ensure a more enjoyable process.

Overall, understanding the marriage requirements and cultural expectations of the chosen country is key to successfully planning an international wedding. By researching legal requirements, incorporating local culture, and planning for potential visa and work permit needs, couples can create a memorable and stress-free celebration that brings together their loved ones from around the world.

Incorporating local culture into the wedding

Planning a wedding for an international couple can be a complex task, but there are ways to make the process more enjoyable and ensure the day is special. One way to do this is to incorporate the local culture into the wedding. This could include serving local specialities, such as paella in Spain, or including handicrafts from a local market in a welcome bag. This creates an immersive experience for guests and helps support the local community.

It's also important to understand the marriage requirements in the country of choice. Some countries, such as Mexico, require blood tests, while others require the couple to establish "residency" for a set amount of time, which could be anywhere from a few days to six months. Wedding planners often encourage couples to have their civil ceremony in their hometown and their religious or symbolic ceremony in their country of choice.

When planning an international wedding, it's critical to know whether a work permit or visa is required for the wedding planners and vendors. Some destinations might also require that the couple and planners hire and work only with local vendors. Knowing ahead of time what can and cannot be shipped into the country is also important.

Finally, it's worth noting that a more relaxed perspective is common with international destination weddings, so it's important to be prepared to go with the flow, even up to the wedding day.

Knowing what items are easy to obtain locally

Planning a wedding for an international couple can be a complex process, and it's important to know what items are easy to obtain locally. This can vary depending on the location of the wedding. For example, some countries may require blood tests or for the couple to establish residency for a set amount of time before the wedding. It's also important to be aware of local customs and traditions, and whether it is customary to incorporate these into the wedding. This could include serving local specialties or including handicrafts in welcome bags for guests.

Wedding planners often encourage couples to work with local vendors, so it's worth finding out whether this is a requirement at your chosen destination. Some items may be difficult to obtain or more cost-efficient to bring from the couple's home country, so it's critical to know how long shipping takes and what can and cannot be shipped.

It's also important to be prepared for potential delays or complications when planning an international wedding. A more relaxed perspective is common with international weddings, so it's important to be patient and go with the flow. Having a backup plan, or even a Plan C, is always a good idea.

Overall, knowing what items are easy to obtain locally is a key part of planning an international wedding. By understanding the local requirements, customs, and vendor options, couples can create a memorable and immersive experience for their guests while also supporting the local community.

Having a civil ceremony in your hometown and a religious ceremony abroad

Planning a wedding for international couples can be a complex process, but there are ways to make it easier. One option is to have a civil ceremony in your hometown and a religious ceremony abroad. This can help to simplify the legal requirements, as each country has its own set of rules and requirements for obtaining a marriage license. For example, some countries require blood tests or for the couple to establish residency for a set amount of time before the wedding.

If you choose to have a civil ceremony in your hometown, you can take care of all the legal requirements and paperwork in a familiar setting. This can reduce stress and ensure that your marriage is legally recognised in your home country. Then, you can plan a religious or symbolic ceremony in your country of choice, incorporating local customs and traditions to make the day special and immersive for your guests.

When planning a wedding abroad, it's important to be aware of any cultural differences and expectations. Wedding planners often encourage couples to incorporate the local culture into their special day, whether it's serving local specialties or including handicrafts in welcome bags for guests. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with local customs, such as greeting etiquette, tipping expectations, and dress codes.

Additionally, there may be practical considerations to keep in mind, such as visa or work permit requirements for wedding planners and vendors. Some destinations may also require that you work only with local vendors, so it's important to research this in advance. Shipping times and restrictions for any items you need to bring from your home country should also be considered.

Finally, it's important to manage your expectations and maintain a flexible mindset when planning a wedding abroad. International weddings often require a more relaxed approach, and you may need to be patient with the response times and relaxed mindsets of vendors in your chosen destination.

Being prepared for a more relaxed approach from vendors

When planning an international wedding, it's important to be aware that vendors in some countries may have a more relaxed approach than you're used to. Wedding planner Sarah Chancey says that "a more relaxed perspective is very common with our international destination weddings, so make sure you're OK with going with the flow, even up to the wedding day".

This may be frustrating for couples who are used to a more fast-paced, results-driven approach, but it's important to remember that this is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, proceeding in a more relaxed, laissez-faire way can make the planning experience a lot more enjoyable.

To prepare for this, it's a good idea to take more time than you think you need and always have a backup plan. It's also critical to know ahead of time if any vendors will need a visa or work permit to work at your wedding, and whether the country you're getting married in requires you to hire only local vendors.

Finally, remember that incorporating the local culture into your wedding can create an immersive experience for your guests and help support the local community.

Frequently asked questions