Warm ocean breezes, romantic coastal landscapes, and wedding venues steeped with history and character are just some of the reasons couples choose to get married abroad, but it’s not the only reason. According to Hitched, the average cost of a wedding abroad in 2019 was £6,585. When you compare this to the average cost of a UK wedding, £31,974, you can see why destination weddings appeal to so many.
Over the years, our team at Wedding Belles of Four Oaks in Sutton Coldfield, have seen an increase in the number of brides getting married abroad and even more so right now with lot’s of restrictions still in place for UK weddings due to Covid-19. Let’s look at some of the most popular wedding destinations our brides have chosen for their big day and take a look at what styles and designs make for a perfect destination wedding dress.
Dream Destinations
Italian Lakes
The Italian Lakes have been a firm favourite with our brides, and on closer inspection, we can understand why. Whether you want panoramic backdrops of green mountains that tower behind crystal-clear lakes, charming villages with boutique hotels hidden down narrow cobbled streets, or prestigious grand hotels with elegant gardens, the Italian Lake district has it all.
Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda, and Lake Orta are just some of the lakes whose geographical landscapes and mild year-round climate make for perfect wedding destinations.
Tuscany
Tuscany is another picture-perfect region for our wander-loving brides to celebrate their wedding day. Here you’ll find enchanting medieval castles in the heart of the country, vineyards and olive groves on elaborate estates, and country-chic rustic farmhouses. Nestled amongst the Italian coastline and countryside, you’ll also find Italian villas to suit all styles, chosen themes and wedding party needs.
Many celebrities also choose Tuscany as their wedding destination, and with so many venue options, you’ll be sure to find the ideal place for your big day.
Santorini
Santorini, one of the Cyclades islands in the southern Aegean Sea, located about 120 miles southeast of Greece’s mainland, is popular with many of our Wedding Belles brides.
Famous for its whitewashed buildings that cling to rugged cliffs and breathtaking panoramic views that overlook the sea, the volcanic Greek island of Santorini has plenty of wedding venues to choose from.
Ancient stories say that marriages made in this Greek paradise are under protection from divine powers and is one of the reasons why you’ll find so many temples and churches on the island.
Other Popular Destinations
We also see more of our #wbbrides choosing to get married on the white-sandy beaches of the Caribbean, the beautiful cool island of Ibiza, and out at sea on luxury cruise ships. But no matter where abroad you choose to say, ‘I do’, our bridal stylists at Wedding Belles of Four Oaks, have some great tips for you to consider when shopping for your dream destination wedding dress.
Dream Destination Wedding Dresses
Once you’ve chosen the destination and venue of your wedding, you can start thinking about your wedding dress. It’s important to know which country and venue type you’ll be getting married at so that you can make an informed choice when it comes to fabrics and styles of bridal gowns. For example, getting married on a sandy beach in the Caribbean in July would lead you to make a different dress choice compared to if you were tying the knot in a castle in Italy in October.
At Wedding Belles of Four Oaks, we have an exceptional collection of wedding dresses to suit every bride and every type of wedding. Not only do all of our designers have breathable styles and fabrics that can be worn in warmer climates, but they capture and enhance settings through the clever use of light and movement in the materials and detailing they use.
Having found the perfect dress for so many brides who have got married abroad, it’s interesting to note that most brides don’t compromise on their dream dress just because they are getting married in a different country.
Chic Chiffon
Lightweight fabrics are a must for hotter weather conditions and airy dresses with lots of movement are perfect for catching light ocean breezes and keeping you cool.
This breezy Boho A-line chiffon wedding dress by Rebecca Ingram will leave you feeling like you are floating down the aisle. This easy-to-wear flowy gown with plunging illusion neckline and v-back will keep you cool with its chic chiffon skirt and delicately beaded sheer lace bodice.
Tip – If you’re getting married on the beach, remember that the sand can be scorching hot, so be sure to test the temperature before heading down the aisle barefooted.
Relaxed Form Fitting Shapes
Crepe is a popular lightweight fabric that is perfect for brides who want a body-hugging wedding dress without it being clingy. Crepe not only fits like a dream, but it is super comfortable without compromising on style or your silhouette shape.
We love this Maggie Sottero crepe fit-and-flare wedding dress with plunging illusion sweetheart neckline and beaded spaghetti straps. It is designed to look stunning in the sunshine with its beaded bodice, and its Jenday stretch jersey lining will give our brides extra comfort.
Tip – As the hot sun disappears, outdoor evening temperatures may be much cooler, so consider investing in an elegant shawl or wrap.
Timeless Tulle
Floaty Tulle designs are ideal for the globe-trotting bride. Without adding any extra weight, tulle skirts allow brides to wear a wedding dress that still gives them dramatic volume. With lots of movement, this fabric oozes romance and is so much fun to wear.
This breathtaking wedding dress from Essence of Australia is all about sheer radiance. This soft sheer tulle wedding gown with side split will leave you feeling like you’re walking on air as you walk down the aisle. With a textured floral lace bodice and a clean neckline with beaded edging, this dress is spectacular.
Tip – For hot weather destination weddings, reconsider A-line and ballgown styles that will make you hot. Instead, create volume with subtle flowing tulle skirts.
Lightweight Lace
We love lace for destination weddings as it travels well. Luxurious lace wedding dresses make for timeless pieces that tell a story. Whether you choose to wear a lace gown for a castle, vineyard, lake or beach venue, you can relax knowing this breathable fabric balances wearability with elegance to create classic dream dresses.
One of our favourite lace wedding dresses is this design by Essence of Australia. This layered lace wedding dress with plunging neckline is made with layers of cotton-style lace and French lace. It all comes together beautifully to create a soft, unique look that continues through the bodice and onto the skirt. This eye-catching fairy tale dress is perfect for all destination wedding venues.
Tip – If you’re saying ‘I do’ outside, you may want to swap the bridal veil for stunning hair accessories. Remember, it can get windy on the beach or by a lake, and you don’t want to spend your ceremony being distracted by your veil.
Wedding Belles Destination Brides
Not only are our bridal stylists here to help you choose the perfect wedding dress, but the team at our Wedding Belles boutique are on hand to help you get your dress travel ready.
For our destination brides, we offer a steam press and pack service which brides can collect the day before they fly out, so you can rest easy knowing your dress is packed safely. We also sell Wedding Belles travel boxes and I’m a WB luggage strap for extra security and reassurance.
With so many stunning bridal gowns to choose from, we are confident you will find the perfect dress for your big day at our bridal store. So whether you are dreaming of a wedding on a white-sandy beach, in the grounds of a medieval castle, or perhaps at a grand Italian villa, Wedding Belles of Four Oaks is here to cater to your wedding dress needs and help you make your wedding dreams come true.
