Looking out at another dull January day, you can see why the idea of getting married abroad, and in the sunshine, might be appealing. For some, it’s because they wish to get married sooner rather than later, and they find it easier to get a venue in France, Portugal, Spain or Greece. For others, it’s weather-dependent; they want to be sure they have some sun on their big day, guaranteed, without resorting to the Child of Prague-in-the-window hack. If you are looking at a wedding on some hot and exotic island in the Med or further afield, there are some factors you should consider. TUI Wedding Coordinator Louise Monaghan, based in Cyprus, has some tips for grooms to help their special day go smoothly.
Getting Married Abroad
When getting married abroad, the general rule-of-thumb is that you engage a local wedding planner or coordinator who will take care of everything you require to make your wedding exactly how you want it. These preparations start long before you land and can include arranging accommodation for your guests, dealing with local suppliers for your cake and flowers, the location, and the wedding itself. From her experience, Louise says grooms seem a little overwhelmed by it all.
She says, ‘I’ve witnessed many grooms display astonishment when confronted with the full scope of the wedding preparations. I always meet the couple on their arrival at the resort. I’m mindful of including the groom in the process of checking and rechecking the invoice and orders to ensure their big day is a successful and happy occasion.’
Settling Nerves
Louise says it is generally the bride who has planned pretty much everything in advance of getting married abroad, and that the groom might feel anxious about how big his big day actually is. She says, ‘The bride generally displays more interest in the little details. The groom is more concerned about timings.’
‘When should he be dressed? What time do they all meet before the ceremony? The groom likes to know what his role should be on the big day. I find it helpful to delegate him to do little jobs, for example, to nominate the people receiving buttonholes. While pinning the groom’s buttonhole, I use the opportunity to speak with him to get a sense of how he’s coping. I like to reassure him that everything is going well.’
Factoring In High Temperatures
A sunny wedding day is high on the wishlists of many couples, but a sunny day in Ireland is entirely different to places like Greece and Southern Europe. Louise says, ‘Couples are usually aware of seasonal temperatures but have not experienced them for lengthy periods. Usually, the bride and groom are dressed by 2 pm to ensure the photographers get the required compulsory pictures.’
‘They generally get married mid to late afternoon, the hottest time of the day in Cyprus, with temperatures often soaring into the 40s in July and August,’ she adds. ‘When I’m presented with a groom, they immediately regret their decision to wear a three-piece suit. The photographers will insist that they wear the jacket for most of the pictures, and when removed after the ceremony, they must still endure the heat in a full-sleeved shirt and a double-lined waistcoat. Remember, you can’t open your collar when wearing a tie. Grooms who opt for a stylish shirt-and-short combination are always much more comfortable and perspire less. It’s also a more affordable decision. If the groom’s wedding party is in matching attire, it looks very apt for the destination, with the sea in the background.’
Sun Protection
Sun protection should be worn year-round (even in Ireland), but it is hugely important when getting married abroad, Louise says, ‘We remind the groom and his party to wear SPF and to apply it early in the morning, and then again, perhaps one hour before getting dressed. SPF on the lips is also very important. The ceremony does not take a long time, generally only about ten minutes; however, they will be subject to the glaring afternoon sun for the photographs afterwards. It’s particularly important to apply it to the face.’
Photographers like to make sure your wedding day images are the best they can be, and Louise has this advice. She says, ‘Photographers don’t like it when their subjects wear sunglasses. They also dislike bulging pockets, so mobile phones, keys and glasses should be kept separate. I also advise every groom to stay hydrated by drinking water and other non-alcoholic fluids from early morning through the ceremony.’ She also has an excellent tip for the post-ceremony celebrations. ‘When choosing confetti, always go for natural rose petals. Biodegradable confetti is often made from coloured synthetic materials, and when a person perspires, it can stain shirts and other clothing.’ We don’t want that, do we? Rose petals are prettier than confetti; in any case, something to bear in mind if you are getting married abroad.
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