This is a sponsored post from TUI
Planning a wedding abroad with TUI is an amazing experience. To help wedding couples truly understand the process and the possibilities that come with your TUI destination wedding, we spoke to Katherine, who is a destination wedding expert and works as a wedding coordinator within the Cyprus wedding planning team, some key questions about planning a wedding abroad with TUI. She gave us plenty of insight and inspiration, but it’s worth noting that in some cases the procedures, services and paperwork could vary depending on the destination you choose for your wedding.
Why should we consider a wedding abroad?
“When couples get married abroad, they can have the wedding they have always dreamed of but with almost guaranteed sunshine, depending on the destination they choose.
“Destination weddings offer the most beautiful venues imaginable. In Cyprus, couples can dine on the beach with their family and friends and watch the sunset over the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
“Also, with an expert wedding advisor based in the destination, planning a wedding abroad is easy, stress-free and super fun!”
What is the best way to go about planning a wedding abroad?
“The first thing a wedding couple needs to decide on is their venue. In Cyprus (as in many destinations) we have lots of different options, so whether a couple have been dreaming of a barefoot beach wedding, a rustic tavern in the mountains, or an elegant affair at a five-star golf resort, there is something to suit everyone and every budget.
“Once the wedding package is booked, our lovely couples receive a welcome email from their wedding advisor, with wonderful hints and tips to help with the planning process, as well as access to all our wedding extra brochures.
“In Cyprus, we will help our couples every step of the way. We will secure their dream reception venue, help them with décor design, flowers and entertainment, as well as guide them through the legal paperwork.”
What paperwork do we need for a destination wedding and will our wedding be valid back in the UK?
“Every destination has their own requirements, and once the wedding is booked, a full checklist of required documents is supplied in the couple’s wedding contract.
“If a couple has any questions about the documents needed for their wedding, they can send their questions to us by email, or we can give them a call to talk through everything with them. What you need may differ depending on the destination you choose, but your expert TUI wedding advisor will be able to give you more information.”
How involved in the planning can we be for our wedding abroad?
“Wedding couples can plan every aspect of their big day in Cyprus, and we are here to help them with everything, both before they travel and once they arrive. From advising on their budget, to sourcing the perfect suppliers, discussing style guides and arranging everything for them on the day itself, we provide all the guidance, expertise and knowledge they will need to plan their dream destination wedding.”
What services are available? And how do we book them?
“We can arrange all the wedding services needed for the big day in Cyprus. Once a couple’s wedding is confirmed, they receive access to our digital wedding extra brochures, where they can find different ideas and packages for hair and makeup, wedding cakes, flowers, décor, photography, cruises, restaurants and entertainment. Some services, such as hair and makeup, can incur extra costs, speak to your TUI wedding advisor for more information.
“We can also create bespoke wedding pieces in Cyprus, so if a couple have fallen in love with a cake or a bouquet they have seen on social media, we can usually have this remade for them here.”
What are our ceremony options?
“Each destination is different, but here in Cyprus we offer many different ceremony options; civil ceremonies, religious weddings, yacht weddings, same sex blessings and renewal of vows. Some types of ceremonies may cost more – your TUI weddings advisor will be able to give you more information on this.”
Can we write our own vows, and can we have readings at our ceremony?
“Standard wedding vows do have to be said to ensure the marriage is legal, however couples can add their own vows, or a reading or poem to the ceremony. It may vary based on which destination you choose, but your TUI wedding advisor will be able to give you more information.”
How much say do we have in wedding catering?
“Wedding catering will depend on the type of wedding chosen and the venue booked. If the couple are on a smaller budget, some hotels offer the wedding dinner as part of the all-inclusive.
“If a couple want a more private affair, hotels offer private venues for dinner and evening parties with DJ’s. We can also arrange receptions on yachts, exclusive golf clubs, beach front venues, restaurants and tavernas for an additional cost.”
Will other weddings happen on the same day, and how private will our celebration be?
“This will depend on the venue chosen by the couple. Some hotels have a ‘one wedding per day’ policy and others have two or three weddings take place in the grounds each day, but TUI will ensure your wedding is special either way. All this information can be found in the wedding brochure, and the wedding contract.”
Any top tips for us?
“The most important tip we can give is to relax and enjoy the experience. Wedding planning should be fun, and we are here to make the experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Ask us questions, share all your hopes and dreams for your wedding day, and together we will ensure that your destination wedding is an experience you will never forget!”
To find out more about planning your dream wedding abroad with TUI, visit their website.
