Planning a destination wedding is no easy feat, but with this sound advice from Ionian Weddings, you’ll create a celebration to be proud of
Ionian Weddings has had the privilege of helping countless couples say ‘I do’ in some of the most picturesque locations across Europe. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the blue-domed roofs of Santorini, the allure of a destination wedding is undeniable for many couples.
Ionian Weddings was set up in 2007 after the Founders organised their own wedding in Corfu. The team now organise over 200 weddings a year, at handpicked venues, taking care of all legal documentation, translations and other formal procedures in picturesque and mainly Mediterranean locations such as Sorrento and Tuscany in Italy, six Greek islands including Santorini and Crete, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia and Portugal.
They specialise in crafting unforgettable experiences tailored to each couple’s unique vision and were recently voted ‘Best Weddings & Honeymoons Operator’ at the British Travel Awards in November 2023.
Here are their five top tips for planning the destination wedding of your dreams:
Start Early, Stay Organised
The key to a stress-free destination wedding lies in meticulous planning. Many couples now book 18+ months ahead of the big day to secure their favourite venue and to allow plenty of time for family and friends to plan their travel. In Santorini, Amber Light Villas is available exclusively through Ionian Weddings, where couples love its private houses with pools and balconies, spa facilities and sea views, so early booking ensures ample time for customisation. This destination provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic wedding and for capturing the island’s legendary sunsets.
Embrace Local Culture and Cuisine
One of the joys of a destination wedding is immersing yourself in the rich culture and flavours of your chosen locale. A Tuscany Abbey Ceremony and Farmhouse Reception wedding provides the opportunity to infuse authentic touches that reflect the local area as local vendors and caterers create bespoke menus featuring regional delicacies, paired with wines that showcase the terroir of the region. Ionian Weddings also offer pre-wedding pizza parties at unique Italian venues and options like a limoncello cart at the reception, and working with local bands and musicians, from mandolin players to opera singer
Quality Time with Friends and Family
One of the loveliest things about a destination wedding is the quality time it allows couples to spend with their nearest and dearest. With British weddings usually taking place on just one day, overseas weddings can span three days or more with friends and family using the wedding as an excuse to take a longer holiday. Venues like Cretan Villa set in the Rethymno Hills offer versatile spaces for a three-day event. Here, couples love to host an arrival sunset cocktail party and a post-wedding day BBQ by the pool.
Consider the Legalities
Before finalising your destination wedding plans, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the legal requirements of your chosen location. Each country has its own set of marriage laws and regulations, which may include residency requirements, documentation, and waiting periods. Ionian Weddings is ABTA-bonded and offers full support with legal paperwork, translations and other formal procedures so that you can avoid any last-minute complications.
Trust Your Team
Partnering with a trusted wedding planning consultancy like Ionian Weddings ensures you will be guided seamlessly through every stage of your wedding by our experienced team of wedding planners. From securing legal documentation to coordinating logistics, their team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life with meticulous attention to detail.
To start planning your perfect destination wedding, get in touch at www.ionianweddings.co.uk
