Are you planning to get married somewhere warm and sunny? Don't fancy risking the uncertainty of an English summer day?
If so, then you're part of a growing trend as more and more couples are choosing to marry abroad these days, with Italy being a particularly popular venue for marriages.
How will you choose your wedding dress?
Deciding on a frock if you're getting hitched somewhere hot is quite different from choosing a dress for a wedding in the UK.
Your dress needs to fit the occasion. I talked to Ellie Sanderson recently, who runs two successful bridal shops and she has the following tips for destination wedding brides:
- There's nothing worse than wearing heavy taffeta on a scorching hot beach. Don't do it!
- Consider the weight of the fabric when deciding on your wedding dress. Good fabrics are chiffon, lace, silk organza and natural fibres. Don't go for anything artificial.
- Think about how you're going to get your dress there. Don't risk checking it in with your luggage - it needs to go as carry-on.
- Research hiring out a hand steamer or see if your venue has one you can use to remove any creases on arrival.
- The design needs to be light - avoid anything heavily corsetted.
- Forget wearing a veil - unless it's a short birdcage style.
- Think silk flowers and pearls rather than diamante sparkle.
- Wear wedges on your feet or tiny kitten heels. Not stilettos.
- If you wear bridal flip-flops, watch your posture and walk.
- No tights!
Top photograph of The Private Island, Lake Garda, Italy.