Marrying in Israel? Ten things you should know

F YOU are one of the many people who have your heart set on getting married in Israel, an incredible experience awaits. However, before the big day you have to organise the wedding; find a venue, pick menus, flowers, the band, photographer... So to make the process easier, here are 10 tips for any couple planning a wedding in Israel.

1. FIND A LOCAL WEDDING PLANNER

Planning a wedding is not easy but doing so remotely is even harder. So first find a local expert — one who not only has experience planning weddings in Israel but who also understands that Israeli weddings and UK weddings are very different and is used to working with clients from abroad, a planner who understands your wedding style, knows the best suppliers and is able to manage everything without your having to hop on a plane every month.

2. IT’S EASIER WITH A ONE-STOP SHOP

Some wedding planners in Israel offer packages including the venue, catering, photographer, band and so on. Especially when marrying abroad, this makes the organising so much easier than having to research each item sep- arately yourself. Ask your planner to suggest a small selection of their top suppliers, to ensure you get the best recommendations with the least effort on your part.

3. READ THE SMALL PRINT

It is normal for venues and wedding suppliers to ask for a deposit to secure the date. Before you sign the contracts and pay the deposits, make sure you are completely familiar with the terms for cancellations and refunds. In Israel, many of these contracts will obviously be in Hebrew; a local wedding planner can guide you through the process so nothing gets lost in translation.

4. AVOID HEARTBREAK

Even if you have a specific idea of your dream wedding venue, keep an open mind towards the wide variety of options that Israel has to offer — the urban surroundings of Tel Aviv and Jaffa; the beautiful gardens in more rural areas of the country; the ancient ruins of Caesarea, or perhaps an elegant beach wedding.

5. MAKE A HOLIDAY OUT OF YOUR BIG DAY

Why not start your celebrations from the minute you land? You could book a room at one of the hotels in Tel Aviv, arrive a few days before the wedding, tour historic sites, relax on the beach, drink a coffee on the street and take in the local atmosphere. In the evenings you can sample the local dishes or any of the culinary styles that take your fancy at one of Tel Aviv’s many restaurants. Then hit the bars and clubs, in the city that would rather party than sleep.

6. DITCH THE SECOND PIECE OF LUGGAGE

When you’re packing for your wedding, it’s easy to fall into “everything but the kitchen sink” mode. But you don’t have to take all that stuff. There’s a lot of great shopping to be done in Israel. You could even buy your wedding dress from one of the top design- ers there. Set up some appointments for your pre-wedding trip.

7. SAVE THE RIGHT DATE

Before you send out the save-the-date cards, make sure your choice doesn’t clash with an Israeli holiday or memorial day. Your local wedding planner is the best person to help navigate the Israeli calendar and select a date.

8. THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG

No traditional wedding would be complete without a band playing live music at some point but there is no need to choose between a band and a DJ. Israel has lots of talented DJs and there will be no problem mixing live

music with recorded tracks.

9. WHEN IN ROME...

Besides the sun, sea and sand, other reasonstohaveaweddingabroadaretoadd a little local flavour and to have a truly different wedding day. So if you marry in Israel, use what the country has to offer.

Instead of holding the celebrations in a hotel, why not take advantage of the views, with an outdoor chupah in a place of natural beauty? And add a little Israeli spice to the banquet with authentic local food and drink — and include an Israeli set in your music.

Whether you are looking for something traditional or something quintessentially Israeli — or a combination of UK and Israel — your party planner will help you get just the right balance to please your guests and you.

10. THEY HAVE COME A LONG WAY, SO TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR GUESTS

Most of the people you are inviting will be travelling from abroad and they may not know the country very well. They may be unsure of how to get to the wedding venue, or reluctant to drive on Israel’s infamous roads.

Even local residents may prefer to enjoy their evening and have a few drinks without worrying about who is going to be the designated driver on the way home.

The easiest way to ensure your friends and relations arrive ready to celebrate your big day is to hire a bus to pick them up from their hotel and return them safely at the end of the night — you decide when the night ends! So arrange a price in advance with the coach company, allowing for all stops and timings. Tips from Israel wedding specialist, easywed (www.easywed.eu) London office: 07826 845 032 Israel office: 00 972 3 7441511