What is the recipe for the ultimate wedding? For many, a few margaritas, a man dressed as Elvis and a chapel in Las Vegas is enough (indeed, Britney Spears ‘accidentally’ got married in such a manner). And why shouldn’t it be? Despite the diminishing public presence of religion in society, weddings in the Western world have become bigger and bigger. 

The average UK wedding costs over £11,000 – a gargantuan total just under the average annual income for an employee on minimum wage. But how can costs rocket so high? And, if people are willing to spend that much on their special day, how can they be sure to get value for money? 

For many, the number of guests is the most decisive factor in bumping up the cost of a wedding. Getting married in the UK can often be an opening of the floodgates in which couples decide to invite hundreds of acquaintances. As such, room hire suddenly doubles, as does catering – thought the result is probably a very impressive haul of wedding gifts and a real party atmosphere. 

For others, the key to a wedding is simplicity and understatement. Some prefer to have a private ceremony, and in recent decades the increasing trend has been to get married abroad – not necessarily in Las Vegas. 

Not ironically, some couples choose to get married in a honeymoon destination – downsizing the wedding party, but giving everyone a holiday, and staying on to enjoy the destination as newlyweds. 

Certain areas of the world renowned for their natural beauty and seclusion are becoming mini wedding industries. The Seychelles is one such destination – a beautiful cluster of islands in the Indian ocean, combing wildlife, stunning beaches and now, luxury hotels.

The first thing to remember, however, is that religious weddings performed in the Seychelles require that a civil ceremony has already been performed and ratified in the UK. Such a double-ceremony will require time and effort – and careful planning. 

The travelling and accommodation elements of the trip need not be the most stressful. With the foreign wedding industry at a peak, there are plenty of companies with offers for lovebirds looking to tie the knot abroad. For their holidays, Thomas Cook are worth a look, and it is worth getting in touch with them personally to arrange the logistics of the entire event.