Home or Away ?

I think if you want to get married somewhere like that, you have to be prepared for the people that matter most to you not to be there. That said, if you discuss your plans with the most important people before you do anything, you may well be pleasantly surprised!

We're planning a wedding abroad, and the only people that will be there are my dad and step mum and OH's best mate and his wife. We knew this before we booked anything and had a good 12 months to get our heads around the idea before we did anything at all......but also be prepared for people who say they'll be there and then change their minds. Also, don't underestimate the power of blue sea, skies and white sand to make up for the lack of attendance - we're able to do a lot more for our few guests there than we could ever hope to do over here, all with a stunnning backdrop that we could never equal in the UK.

In the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preference!

Good luck planning x

Away, away!! We are doing home and at the mo it is v stressful - sure it will all be worth it but if you don't want fuss I would def say away! Will be sooo romantic if it is just you two! You could then have a party back home in the eve to celebrate...

Depends if you want people to come?

My Sister is getting married in Mexico. I can't afford to go so I won't be going. ☹️

When we got engaged, my hubby wanted to get married on a beach in Thailand but I wanted the traditional wedding in the UK. We ended up compromising i.e. just the 2 of us in Thailand and then we had a blessing over here the week after we got home.

We didn't want people spending a fortune paying for flights and accommodation just because we were getting married far away so we said we only wanted it to be the 2 of us. This was the biggest mistake I have ever made as the night before, I couldn't stop crying because my parents were not going to be there but by this time, it was too late...we even thought about getting them on a flight!

The blessing was around Christmas time and we rushed everything (3 mths to plan both weddings) so even though we did it all again over here, I didn't get everything I wanted. I really resented my hubby for this (he REALLY didn't want the big wedding) for almost 2 years after our wedding and it nearly broke us up but in the end, I realised that it was in the past and I had to let it go.

I am sorry for the doom and gloom and pouring my heart out but there is a point to this story and that is...whatever you do, make sure it it what you both really want whether it is home or away. Be happy with what ever decisions you make and live by them.

I'm getting married in Turkey on the blue lagoon in Olu Deniz. I wanted abroad, but affordable for guests. We're having 26 people come out with us, and a big party when we get back for everyone.

I really wanted to get married in Vegas, but not many of our families and friends would have been able to make it and neither of us wanted to compromise on that. So we're getting married here instead and are very happy with our venue.

In hindsight, I'm glad we have chosen the UK as wasn't really considering the practical side of things - we have a young daughter so the flight and preparations would have been chaotic, I really really want my Mum to help me get ready and she couldnt have done that if we had gone to Vegas as she wasnt able to come, OH's best man wouldnt have been able to come either etc etc. Plus I'm a control freak and am loving organising every little details and like the fact I can jump in the car and go see my florist/venue/cake maker etc which I wouldnt be able to do abroad.

I like the suggestion of getting married abroad and having a blessing over here afterwards that you can invite everyone to - just depends if you want your nearest and dearest to see the 'actual' wedding rather than a blessing?

I went there years back and it was amazingly beautiful!!

We couldnt decide on this one either. my oh was more up for going away than me but when we thought about it we realised we really wanted our family and friends there. we have seen weddings in cuba and mexico and as lovely as they are, i felt they were a bit of an anticlimax. i wouldnt want my day to end after saying the vows apart from a meal at night. i want people to admire my dress and dance to wham!!! i know someone who went to italy to get married, their wedding cost 3k yet the party when they got home cost 3k too!!! 7.30 till 12 pm cost that much. it was because the venues were losing out on the wedding breakfast so charged them more but if you got married out of season that may help.

i still wonder if we are doing the right thing, simply because of how much its costing. but i figure its the equivilant of cutting 18 months off our mortgage. you know what, i think id be happy having a mortgage for another 18 months and be princess for the day!!!!

one suggestion that some of our friends have done. get married at about 4pm and go straight to the evening reception. if you are happy to leave the wedding breakfast etc then itll save so much money and the spotlight wont be on you for quite aslong!!