Millions going overseas for weddings in 2014

It may be a little premature to start thinking about it on a first date, but marriage is definitely a goal for many daters, and all wedding days can be traced back to a first meeting, after all!

In recent stats, it's been shown that over a million Brits have plans to go overseas to attend a wedding in 2014 – whether that be an event at which they will be a member of the wedding party, or one where they'll be a guest.

The exact number revealed through ABTA research (carried out by Arkenford) came to 1.5 million. ABTA has also noted that 850,000 of these wedding attendees are under the age of 35.

The organisation has provided some couple-focused tips when it comes to overseas weddings. For example, it advises booking using a reputable, trade-association-member travel provider.

It also says people should look into whether they have to live in a country for a certain length of time before they marry.

And another tip it gives is to check the ceremony will be legally binding – otherwise a pair will have to have the official wedding on UK shores, but can still have the blessing overseas.

Mauritius and the Caribbean are just two of the locations that ABTA members who specialise in overseas weddings have named as popular destinations for this sort of trip. Thailand is another example.

Italy is apparently one of the most popular wedding destinations when it comes to Europe, with Greece and Cyprus two other examples.

Since there are lots of great locations to pick from, it's no surprise that there's a growing popularity for weddings overseas, commented ABTA head of communications, Victoria Bacon. The Association cites Mintel research from 2011 as proof of this trend.

"Weddings are one of the most special days in a couple’s life, so it’s very important that if you’re planning a wedding abroad, you research your options thoroughly: talk to a travel professional, who will be able to offer you advice about destinations and experiences; check travel advice with ABTA and the Foreign Office and always book with a reputable company," Ms Bacon added.