Kat, a marketing manager, decided to get married in Costa Rica for a number of reasons. She had never wanted a large traditional wedding and after a holiday in Costa Rica, the couple were inspired by the beautiful landscape and rich culture. The tropical climate also held appeal and so the decision was made – and a quick budget check showed that choosing an intimate spot in breath taking surrounds would have cost the same to a larger wedding in London. We spoke to Kat about how she’s found the process of planning a wedding abroad.

What is it like organising a wedding overseas?

I have found it quite straight forward. Most venues have a wedding planner onsite and a list of options to choose from, which keeps it simple. Whilst you can organise it all from home, we chose to take a trip to finalise some of the finer details. We felt there was no replacement for actually tasting the food, for example, although I think that you can check reviews and check the menus online as long as that sort of detail doesn’t nag at you.

How have you found working with a wedding planner?

We have put a lot of trust in the wedding planner; at first there was a bit of an adjustment to make as Costa Rica has a laid back culture and a different approach to organisation. I’m more used to the demands of a busy job, but I have to say that their expertise and understanding has been invaluable. We found the trip to check the details a great way to put our minds at rest, and we’re going out a week before the wedding so we can make sure all the finishing touches are done. 

What else is left to organise? 

We only have a few details left to finalise – we need a band for the main event, and after that it’s all the added extras such as day trips during the week and special dinners, but we’re nearly there. Soon I will be able to sit back and start looking forward to the big day.

What tips would you give to people organising a wedding abroad? 

If you’re looking for a way to plan your wedding then this has been relatively stress-free. However, I would say that it’s only going to work for couples who are happy to let go of having full control. If you need to know and double check every single detail then this might not be for you, but I have really enjoyed personalising our wedding whilst letting someone else take care of the details!

Paying for a wedding overseas

If you’re planning a wedding overseas, or are expecting guests from across the globe, a currency specialist can help you and your loved ones manage some of the costs. While relying on your high street bank to settle expenses overseas might seem the simplest option when you have so much else on your plate, a specialist has a number of advantages – not least lower fees and more competitive exchange rates to make the most of your budgets. A dedicated personal account manager can offer guidance on the best way to make international payments and you’ll have access to a range of tools including a convenient online account and mobile app. If your wedding is an international affair, a currency specialist can help you get the best value from your international payments and provide a convenient service that helps you concentrate on more important elements of your big day.

Benefits of a specialist currency service

• Market guidance – the currency market is constantly fluctuating, and it can be hard to get to grips with the ups and downs of the foreign exchange market in a way that helps you manage your budget. A specialist can provide guidance and information via email and text alert to help you keep on top of the market.

• Specialist tools – a specialist can also provide guidance on which tools might work for you – from urgent transfers to automated regular payment plans, targeting specific rates or even fixing a rate for a period of up to two years to provide more certainty in the cost of your transaction. 

• Competitive exchange rates – Poor transfer provider rates can end up unnecessarily adding hundreds of pounds on top of the cost of transactions and your high street bank may not provide the best value options

• Low fees – while high street banks may charge up to £40 per transaction, International Payment account owners with moneycorp can enjoy low-fee transfers online and over the phone.