Did you regret marrying abroad

[Unsername1233]

Hey all, it’s me again following on from my last post. As some may be aware there were family fall outs before the invites even went out so me and my partner have had a complete change of plan. We’re now thinking to get married abroad which we think would be nicer, cheaper and it will only be our nearest and dearest there. I’ve seen you can actually buy wedding packages with First, etc which seems to make it far easier and less stressful.

Now I’ve always dreamed of the big wedding at home but I’m honestly not sure if it’s worth the stress or the cost. The most important thing to me is marrying DP and having DS there along with closest family.

Now, has anyone regretted not having the big wedding with every person you know/like there?

Is there anything about marrying abroad that has its draw backs? (Obviously when it comes to costs for close family and friends I would be happy to cover their costs if they can’t).

Thanks in advance (I’m actually beginning to find this exciting instead of stressful now!)

Sienna, 30guests and it was an amazing day/2weeks. Loved that we were on holiday with all our fav people and our wedding day was just magical.

@StickersStickers

Like MadisonAvenue DH and I got married in New York. We got married in city hall and our photographer (our only compromise) was our witness. Loved it and never regretted it. Wouldn't change a thing!

Are you me? Dh and I did exactly this (photographer/witness included), never regretted it. If anything if I could go back I wouldn't do the big reception we had at home with family and friends. It was great but I found it cringey being a Bride, I felt self conscious and it was stressful.

We got married in Rhodes and don't regret it for a second. It was very straightforward (legally binding), lovely scenery and weather, much MUCH more affordable than the UK option (including the two week holiday, unlimited drinks for guests and subbing some people's holiday who had smaller budgets), and we only had a small group but we all bonded in a way you don't for a normal wedding and look back on it collectively as one of the best break we ever had.

Drawbacks, sure there are some:

• not everyone will be able to afford to come and you cannot pressure them to or offer to pay for them, it's their decision.
• some of our husband's family came but acted resentfully the whole time and let everyone know they didn't approve of the location and didn't want to be there.
• five people didn't turn up or cancelled last minute - still had to pay for them and couldn't exactly bump an evening guest up to the main event!
• I felt more worried than a normal wedding that I was responsible for so many people travelling and if they had any issues such as illness or a car breakdown it would indirectly be my fault because they were only there because of me.

But I would do it again in a heartbeat. However in Covid times, I think this option is much less appealing - travel will be more expensive and less reliable for a couple of years, and people will be more reluctant to come. Also if you plan to book a package deal wedding planner they will upsell you a lot and it could end up not being as affordable as you imagine. We went direct with our chosen venue and got them to organise it, rather than using a wedding planner. I am so glad I did as others did not have as good an experience.

Florida. I don't regret getting married abroad at all. I regret inviting some people (my parents!)

We got married on a beach in Mauritius with just us and a couple of hotel guests as witnesses. Didn't invite anyone and didn't have a party afterwards or need to have a ceremony here.

Haven't regretted it for a second, we spent the money we would have spent on a wedding and party on a house deposit.

We got married in Italy. Expected 20-30 people to go but ended up with 100. Had a brilliant time, absolutely loved it.

We got married in Mexico
Best decision we made was going abroad. Saved fall outs and unnecessary dramas.
28 people in total including ourselves and our son. So 25 guests.
Two week holiday all inclusive, easy to plan wedding. I literally chose between three locations, picked flower colours, cake flavour and meal food choices.
The day ran smoothly. Was legally binding and none stressful.

We married abroad and I have no regrets.

It doesn't have to cost a fortune in the U.K. either. It's down to what you want. Wedding fees on a church wedding are around £800 including organist, choir and bells. Have a buffet in a local pub with a marquee or someone's garden if you have access to a big enough one, rent a dress or second hand. Marriage is about so much more than a wedding

We were limited to school holidays which were cripplingly expensive in the spring half term and summer holidays. That only left the unpredictable weather months and I didn’t want the stress of it.
There aren’t many venue choices near us and our families, siblings and parents really couldn’t live further apart in the U.K.
I suggested our favourite holiday spot in France instead. We had the absolutely best wedding in a stunning venue, 40 guests, perfect mid 20’s weather (October) , fabulous food and wine and for literally less than half the price of a U.K. wedding.

I have friends who have done the wedding package abroad thing too. I thought it looked a bit odd having a charter plane full of bridal parties but I haven’t heard any complaints.

Can all the nearest and dearest afford to go if it's abroad?

Got married in Paris with just immediate family. Suited us perfectly.