Everything you need to know when planning a wedding on Lanzarote
Whether you plan on a beach wedding under the hot sun, or you’re simply after booking any destination wedding abroad because it’s cheaper, we’re here to help you plan your wedding abroad…
With the average wedding in the UK costing over €35,000, weddings abroad are coming in at a relatively cheap €8,500-€10,000 making them the perfect choice for couples on a budget.
Hire a wedding planner - we recommend US!
The first thing you need to do when planning a wedding abroad is hire a wedding planner. Get in touch with us and find out about the services we offer. We will handle all the legal elements for you and liaise with local suppliers to get you the best deal.
Using a destination wedding planner will alleviate some of these headaches, and will ensure your day goes off without a hitch.
Visit your destination before your wedding
Secondly, although we have actually had couples who never visited the island before getting married here, we do recommend you visiting Lanzarote before choosing the beautiful island as you wedding destination. If your budget allows it, make a visit to the place where you’re hoping to marry. Meet up with us, we can show you the suggested ceremony and reception venues and you can meet all the suppliers.
If it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to take your own hairdresser and make-up artist with you, we work with an excellent team here on the island and we can book in your trials when you’re visiting a few months prior.
Book early for the best deal
The early bird certainly catches the worm when it comes to booking a wedding abroad. Taking care of venues, hotels and flights a long way before your planned date can save huge amounts, as hotels often increase rates according to demand.
Remember your essential documents
Non-residents cannot legally marry on Lanzarote, which means you will have to get married at home first before having your blessing on the island. When wanting a religious blessing make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to sort out the paperwork. Usually you must apply to the
Civil Register no later than 3 months before your wedding day. You can’t have a religious blessing ceremony here on the island without the papers that prove you’re married legally.
When having a non-religious blessing it’s not necessary to bring any paperwork. Most couples go to the local townhall a few days before flying over to Lanzarote, to get the 2 dates as close together as possible. Your chosen ceremony here is always considered your Wedding Day, you will sign a register and most couples will use this day as your anniversary.
Airline Check
Ask your airline company if you can bring your wedding dress as hand luggage. Most airlines allow this, but need to be contacted directly prior to booking. Most Brides prefer to have their wedding gown with them as hand luggage rather than putting it in the hold of the plane, just in case their luggage gets lost or delayed. The same goes for jewellery, and especially your wedding rings.
If you have a whole party travelling together you could apply for a group discount and save some money.
Save the date
When having a wedding abroad, it’s always a good idea to send your Save the Dates early Most of your guests will probably see your wedding as the opportunity to have their family holiday at the same time. The longer in advance they know about the wedding, the more likely they will be able to fly over. Even if you haven’t booked your venue yet, if the date and location is set you can send your Save the Dates.
It’s also an idea to add in some information on flights and accommodation for your guests. Ask us for our list of recommended hotels, villas and apartments. Make your destination wedding easy and effortless for your guests from the moment they step off the plane to the moment they leave.
Choose your wedding dress
It’s important to keep Lanzarote’s weather in mind when choosing your wedding dress. If your chosen date is in August, we don’t recommend you choosing a big, heavy dress. There’s nothing worse than being sweaty and uncomfortable on your big day.
Combine your wedding with your honeymoon
A destination wedding makes it easier to go straight from the wedding to your honeymoon, without any waiting time in-between. It’s also a cheaper option to have your wedding and honeymoon at the same location.
Ann Leneghan
Weddings by Ann Leneghan
More posts you might like...
What if my wedding doesn't go as planned?
When you hire a good wedding planner, you can rest assured that any mishaps will be quickly sorted and the wedding day can carry ...
.png)
Guest Book Ideas
Your wedding guestbook should be creative and personal, and should fit the mood and theme of your wedding. Here are some fun guest...
Alternatives to wedding cakes!
Wedding Cake Alternatives. The Wedding Cake is a traditional symbol of your wedding day and comes in many different shapes, sizes ...
