If you get engaged to a foreign partner, you might have a bit more things to worry about than the normal couple. Transnational weddings can be complex due to the mix of culture and more preparation needed to have things run smoothly. You should always start early, do your research and plan ahead of time for this type of wedding. Here are some tips that we find helpful for soon-to-be-married couples who come from different countries. 

Understand the cultures

Weddings are an important occasion in every culture and each of them celebrate it differently. You should sit down with your significant other during the wedding plan process and try to understand his/ her culture view in this topic. It is essential to have an overview of the wedding process in both cultures that you come from so that you can predict the conflict and prepare for them. For instance, a wedding can be an one-day activity in the Western world but in India, it can take a week or more with many small rituals leading to the big day. There can be a lot of questions to ask, some of which you might not have an answer for. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from parents and elders, who have experience and can explain the details for you. As you plan for your wedding together, you should be sensitive to the other’s traditions and norms. You might not agree to all of them but instead of rejecting them immediately, try to understand the cause of it and find a way to adapt. Your future husband is a Catholic while you follow Buddhism? It’s time to plan a wedding that can accommodate both religions.  

Get a hold of the legal process

Getting married is more than a fun and glamorous wedding day. It is a real commitment that can have legal impact. If you come from two different countries, you should do research or even consult a lawyer about the legislation in both locations. Some countries might accept civil union while others only protect your rights when there is a marriage certificate in place. You will need to decide where you will register your marriage and how to proceed. Don’t underestimate this part of your wedding plan. It can be costly and time-consuming if you don’t get it right from the beginning. For example: Vietnam might require your foreign fiance to provide a certification to prove he/ she is single at the time the marriage happens and he/ she will also have to go through a mental health test. These activities can take time. A legal marriage is necessary to protect you and your significant other’s rights and obligation. You should get it done as soon as possible. 

Pick your wedding location

If you have the resources, the best option is to have two weddings in each of your home countries. However, it can be costly for both families to travel and attend it twice. In case your wedding budget doesn’t allow this option, you will need to make a decision about your wedding location. Most couples will opt for their current city since it is convenient for their guests (friends and colleagues) to join their big day. Some couples might choose a destination wedding so that no one gets the favor in this situation. If one family is more easy going than the other, the problem will be solved quicker. The wedding location affects your wedding plan and wedding budget greatly. You should make the decision as soon as possible.

Set your budget

Planning a transnational wedding can be costly. You will incur some expenses that other couples might not have such as international flights, long-term accommodation for a large group of people, etc… In case you have a wedding budget constraint, start your wedding plan early so that you have enough time to look for saving options. There are some tips that you can consider such as planning the wedding in the off-season to get a better quote, saving money on wedding venues, booking flights early to get a discount, using credit card points to cover some flight and hotel costs, etc...Hosting a wedding in foreign countries also comes with uncertainty and risks such as fluctuate exchange rate or inflation. It would be better if you can set a reserved fund for your weddings in case these situations happen. 

Have a clear wedding vision

Now you have decided the location(s) and set your budget, it is time to work on your vision. A cross-culture relationship can give you a lot of inspiration for your wedding plan but at the same time, add more constraints on what you can do. You should determine the key components of the wedding vision before going into small details. Do you want to have a culture mix for your wedding or only celebrate one from your wedding location? How would you like to refer to your country in the wedding? Don’t limit yourself to the bride and groom only. You can always display your culture through decoration details and groomsmen & bridesmaids’ outfits. Try to avoid violating the taboos from both cultures in your wedding plan. A set and clear wedding vision will help guide your next step and provide instructions to your wedding vendors. 

Arrange the logistics

If your family has to make multiple international trips to attend your wedding, you should give yourself extra wedding plan time to arrange the logistics. It can make or break your big day. In addition to the wedding day logistics, you will need to take care of flight, accommodation and transportation for your family members to ensure everyone will show up on time. The optimal scenario is having capable family members who can take care of these logistics themselves, you can coordinate a timeline for everyone and give some suggestions. In that case, remember to reserve extra time for unexpected circumstances. If your family needs more support, you can consider the option to contract a travel agency to get everything done. This option can be a bit more expensive but it gives you the peace of mind. There is no need to add more stress on your wedding planning schedule. Don’t be shy to ask for help from local friends and family so that they can take some burden off your shoulder as well. For busy couples, contact your wedding venue for suggested options and opt for one that serves all the basic needs. 

After you have the basics done, it’s time for the real wedding plan. Preparing for a transnational wedding can be hard but it can also be joyful and fun. Take it as an opportunity to learn more about your significant other and overcome the struggle together. You will be alright.