Weddings Abroad on the Rise

Exchanging the traditional parish church for sun, sea and sand, it appears many of you are choosing to escape the credit crunch and endless wet English summers by flying off to foreign climes for your big day. According to a recent survey by Mintel, one in six couples flew off to warmer climes to exchange those all important vows this year. The latest findings by the leading market research company estimates that 51,300 couples opted for weddings abroad, 16 percent of the 320,000 weddings that have taken place this year and a massive increase of 43% since 2003!

With the cost of getting married in the UK now topping the £20,000 mark as opposed to a average overseas wedding coming in around £6,500, it is perhaps no wonder that more and more brides and grooms are hopping on a plane to tie the knot. And evidently the thought of leaving family and friends behind isn't causing too much heartache with the report finding that only 28% of the 2000 couples questioned wanted to have their to have their wedding at home so that their family and friends could share in their day.

                          Ballet wedding slipper                                                                                           Flat sandal wedding shoes

And although destinations such as the Caribbean and the Indian are still popular for the wedding abroad, it seems that it isn't just the thought a beach wedding on exotic sands that are encouraging couples to tie the knot overseas. Following the trend of Wayne and Coleen more and more couples are now opting for European countries with destinations such as Italy, Cyprus and Greece overtaking the traditional tropical wedding destinations in popularity. And countries such as Lapland, Austria and Iceland also featured as destinations for that perfect wedding abroad.  Tom Rees, senior travel analyst at Mintel, the leading market research company told the Telegraph recently: "the market is benefiting from a growing willingness amongst couples to break with social convention and experiment with new wedding styles. From beach ceremonies in the Caribbean to 'snow weddings' in Lapland, this special occasion has certainly become more niche and personalised."

Hair fascinator - sinamay loops

So if you're thinking of escaping the doom and gloom here in the UK for your big day whilst also avoiding having your wedding spoilt by yet another wet and cold English summer, you will need to adapt your wedding outfit to the climate of your wedding destination. For that perfect beach wedding on exotic or European sands, think light and flowing. (A full-on fairy tale wedding dress with full satin skirts and tight bodice would just look out of place and you would swelter in the heat. A red, hot look is not a good look for anyone.) A pair of simple flat sandal wedding shoes or ballet wedding slippers and a stunning hair fascinator would finish that light and flowing look perfectly. Don't forget the sun screen and you're all set!

                            Wedding boots                                                                                             Portia luxury bridesmaid fur cape

If a winter wonderland in Lapland is more your thing, then think snow queen. Rich, luxurious satins and faux furs are just the thing. Check out the adult version of our Portia luxury bridesmaid fur cape which is coming soon to keep shoulders and arms warm and finish the look with a pair of stunning wedding boots. All our range is available year round so even if you're planning a snow wedding in the middle of summer then you can be sure that you will find the perfect winter wedding accessories here at Henry Kaye.

To browse Henry Kaye's complete range of of stunning wedding shoes (for brides, bridesmaids and pageboys alike), stylish pageboy outfits, gorgeous bridesmaid dresses, and exquisite wedding bags and beautiful wedding accessories, click here. And why not check out our wedding information pages at the same time, They're an indispensable source of wedding planning tips and style advice for any bride-to-be and we're adding to them all the time so make sure you visit us again.