Regent Travel would like to give you some free advice that comes from years of experience of booking weddings abroad and honeymoons. Often couples have always had a dream destination in mind for this special holiday, they set the date, start looking for the gown, flowers, church etc etc, they then come in to us to book their trip and we say "you do realise that it's during the rainy season". Of course we always offer some lovely alternative destinations if the weather is an important factor, but just bear this in mind when booking your wedding date. Here is a guide to some of the most popular destinations rainy seasons so that you know which to avoid if you want to laze on that beach:

• MALDIVES - September through to December.
• THAILAND - depends on the region but mainly May through to October.
• SEYCHELLES - October through to February.
• CARIBBEAN - depends on the island but mainly June through to October
• MAURITIUS - January through to April
• SRI LANKA - April, May, September, October, November.

The above are only a guide taken from average rainfalls, for full advice please do not hesitate to contact us. Of course you may think to go skiing on your honeymoon you have to get married in the winter ? Not always, the best month to go skiing in Chile is August !

FREE WEDDING  - if you stay a minimum of  7 nights at a Sandals Resort the ceremony officiant, bridal bouquet, groom boutonniere, wedding cake for four are all FREE, you will also have a team of wedding planners at your disposal to care for every detail. A Sandals wedding can be as intimate as a ceremony for two under a gazebo or a custom made extravaganza elsewhere on the chosen resort. Also ideal for honeymooners  with Sandals, everything is included in a one up-front price, so you never have to worry about tipping, picking up a bill, or picking up anything for that matter. A resort stay includes every land and watersport under the sun, from tennis to scuba diving. 

 

P&O CRUISES TO OFFER THE FIRST WEDDINGS AT SEA

P&O Cruises have become the first cruise line exclusively serving British holidaymakers to offer weddings at sea. Some cruise lines offer weddings in a cruise port but now happy couples will be able to say "I do" actually at sea on board liners Arcadia, Oceana and Artemis. Weddings at sea will be offered as a bespoke service with couples having a choice of venue.  Speak to one of our cruise specialists for advice on cruising or first hand information on the ships.

WHY NOT HAVE YOUR WEDDING LIST AT REGENT TRAVEL?

With more couples already having a home when they decide to get married it can be very difficult for guests to buy a wedding gift that's actually wanted or needed. To help you afford that extra special honeymoon or help pay for your wedding abroad Regent Travel can set up an account in your name for your guests to contribute towards.  Guests make their donation and then get a voucher to present to you at your wedding. You can either book at the time of setting up the account or wait until you have enough funds available to suit your budget. All monies must be received at least ten weeks before the big day and your guests can either send a cheque or pay over the telephone by debit card. 

LOVE IS IN THE AIR .....

possibley quite literally, because more and more of us are flying far away to get hitched. Whether it's a Vegas drive-in or a luscious tropical island, what most couples want is beauty, romance and really really nice weather ! A passport and sunscreen are fast replacing rain and distant relatives as cornerstones of British weddings. According to a recent survey, in the last two years a quarter of couples turned their back on tradition - and bad weather - to head abroad to get married.

Weather reliability is an overwhelming attraction, but you also get romantic locations, novelty value and control over that dreaded guest list. For some, the fact that an unpopular auntie hates to fly or an adult only hotel is more than enough resume to head to the skies for their dream wedding.

The top ten spots to tie the knot

1. South Africa (6%)
2. St Lucia (5%)
3. Antigua, Jamiaca, Las Vegas, Mauritius, Republic of Ireland (all 4%)
4. Greek Islands and Hawaii (both at 3%)
5. Barbados (2%)

Italy is also growing in popularity and other fashionable choices include the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia and the US.

Some things to remember for that big day away from home -

• Give yourself time - to plan, to get there, and to arrange legalities. Give guests time to save up and book time off  work - so book your special day in plenty of time.
• Check conditions for the time of year and dress accordingly
• Worried about the dress ? Think small and easy care. Carry it on to the plane if possible and just in case, check out local laundry and repair services.
• Spend time with your guests before the wedding then make sure you have time on your own afterwards ! Maybe move to another hotel or island afterwards.
• Check how many weddings are being held the same day at your venue.
• Keep rings and vital documents with you , dont risk putting them in your luggage which would get lost or delayed.
• Check you have all the legal documentation required, plus local rules and regulations.