We never really set out to have a destination wedding when we married at the Icehotel back in 2009. We simply wanted something different, and I think we succeeded there. When you live in a warm country like Australia, announcing to people that you’re going to get married in an igloo is regarded as a rather *interesting* choice. For us, the fact that our family and friends were spread out across the globe made it a logical and fair decision, and the fact that we got to say “I do” in an absolutely jaw dropping location was a huge bonus!
Planning a wedding is stressful. Exciting, but stressful. Planning a destination wedding adds a whole other level of anxiety. Anyone who’s ever done it will understand how nerve wracking this can be. You only get one shot at your wedding day, and planning to marry somewhere unfamiliar takes a massive leap of faith. I’m thrilled to say that in our case, it was the single best decision we could have made. Our wedding day was one of the most amazing, unique, special, and memorable experiences that I’ve ever had. The fact that our guests had all travelled so far to witness it, and the absolutely spectacular setting just took the whole experience to another level.
One thing that really stood out to me during the planning however, was just how little advice I was able to find online. Sure, there were a few travel websites with some information on the hotel, and there was a little bit of information about weddings on the Icehotel’s own website, but I really struggled to find much in the way of independent, practical, first hand advice. The kind of advice that would have made me really confident that we were making the right choice, and the kind that would have highlighted the different options available, or given me some inspiration on what was possible.
Enter, Brides Without Borders.
Brides Without Borders was launched with the sole purpose of educating and inspiring couples planning a destination wedding. It’s your online destination to browse real weddings from all around the globe, and hear the couples’ stories, find out why they chose that location, how they planned everything, what they loved, and what they didn’t. We also share expert advice from the industry’s finest wedding professionals, so you can be armed with all of the information and advice that you need to plan a wedding day the exceeds your expectations.
BWB launched all the way back in 2011, and almost a decade later, my own love affair with destination weddings continues. I’ve even had a few more in that time, celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary back at the Icehotel and celebrating our 10th with a snowy vow renewal in St Anton! Today, it seems that destination weddings are practically mainstream, and the question isn’t just “when are you getting married?”, but “where?”. What couples will always need however, is information, advice and inspiration.
So if you’re a couple planning or considering a destination wedding, this is your place. Whether your wedding is lavish or low key, a simple elopement or a massive multi-day affair, at the beach or knee deep in the snow, you’ll find all the advice and inspiration that you need right here. And if you’re a talented and experienced wedding professional who’s keen to share your work or maybe some expert advice, welcome! None of this would be possible without you.
Kirsten McGuire – Editor
Photography: 1. Hans Olaf-Utsi / 2. M&J Studios / 3. Wild Connections Photography