You’ve got your heart set on saying your ‘I dos’ in the sun, but where do you go, and when? El Berwick from Thomson Weddings has the answers…
Let’s face it, couples have enough on their plate when it comes to planning a wedding, without the added stress of fretting about what the weather will do. And when it comes to the UK, there hovers a big and irritating question mark. The beauty of getting married abroad is that guaranteed sunshine comes with the package. There’s definitely no need for those just-in-case umbrellas and faux fur shrugs. But even the sunniest of settings have their rainy spells, so here’s the low-down on our favourite overseas wedding destinations, and when they’re at their dazzling best…
January/February – Tup Island, Thailand
Obviously you don’t want to be upstaged on your big day, but how about a backdrop that’ll render your guests speechless? Thailand delivers this in spades. When Britain is bracing itself for snow flurries and frostbite, the Land of Smiles is hitting highs of 32°C… no wonder it’s beaming. After floating up the petal-strewn aisle on Tup Island’s sand bar, follow up the ceremony with a fire-spinning performance on the beach and traditional Thai fare. Once-in-a-lifetime stuff.
March/April – Sensatori Resort, Mexico
April showers might bring May flowers, but they also bring a big headache when it comes to planning your nuptials. If a drizzle-free day sounds like your idea of bliss, head down to Mexico, the land of cerulean skies and perpetual sun. Sensatori Resort Mexico serves up a serious party on your special day. Go native with piñatas at the wedding breakfast, tequila toasts and a Mariachi band playing till dawn.
May/June – Cloisters of San Francesco, Italy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVQTUGKFn88
Summertime begins in Blighty. You know, the time of year we huddle around a BBQ in the freezing cold, just to show willing. Thankfully our Italian cousins provide us with a balmier alternative in the form of über-glam Sorrento. Tie the knot in the 14th century Cloisters of San Francesco, which, quite frankly, is as romantic a venue as they come… the intricate arches forming a ready-made frame for your first pics as husband and wife.
July/August – Louis Ledra Hotel, Cyprus
Think planning a UK wedding in July or August will ensure it’s fine and dry? Think again, folks. While the motherland has a hard time deciding which season it’s in, Cyprus is laughing in the face of cardigans and slapping on the sun cream. Getting hitched at the Louis Ledra Hotel in Paphos, the beach is a bouquet’s throw from the aisle, means you’ll get the nod of approval from local goddess, Aphrodite. And if anyone knows a thing or two about love it’s her…
September/October – Blue Lagoon, Turkey
We Brits pin our last hopes for flip-flop weather on an Indian summer. But why not opt for a fail-safe Turkish summer? With the mercury reaching up to 25°C, you can confidently uncross your perfectly-polished fingers and toes. After exchanging your vows on the edge of Olu Deniz’s sparkling Blue Lagoon, there’s no need to hurry home – how does a honeymoon filled with leisurely Turkish baths, mezze platters and ancient castles sound?
November/December – Plantation House, Jamaica
The idea of chestnuts roasting on an open fire is all well and good, but hands up who’d prefer succulent shrimp grilling al fresco? Thought so. The chilled vibe, with a side of steel drums, on this Caribbean isle will calm even the most anxious bride-to-be. Minimal decoration is required for your wedding at Plantation House, which oozes natural beauty. Then, after you’ve swapped rings, reggae beats will start the celebrations off with a bang.
