PLANNING a wedding is a bit like directing a movie – there are costumes to be designed, music to be arranged, casting (from guests to caterers)… the list goes on. And then, there’s the icing on the matrimonial cake: the honeymoon – a time when you and your loved one can run away to suitably indulge in dedicated ‘us’ time. But honeymoons may take a sour turn if inadequately thought out. To help ensure you don’t become a honeymoon statistic, here are a few tips that can collectively make a big difference.
GO GO GO! Thinking of skipping the honeymoon altogether? Are you insane? After all the kerfuffle that goes into planning a wedding, the honeymoon – time to spoil yourselves silly – should be high on your agenda. Couples who ditch their honeymoon often regret it later. Don’t deny yourselves the joy of what may just be the most magical part of tying the knot.
PARTNER UP Marriage is all about compromising. So, given the significance of this getaway of a lifetime, it’s wise to involve your significant other-to-be in the honeymoon preparations. Sure, surprises are romantic, but they can fall flat if you independently choose a destination only to discover it doesn’t appeal to your partner.
PLAN AHEAD Don’t leave honeymoon arrangements to the last minute. The best hotels and restaurants can get full months in advance. It’s clever to choose a destination that isn’t at peak tourist season – not only will costs be more competitive off-peak, there will also be fewer people to contend with. Do your hotel research thoroughly – squealing kids running riot around the pool, or a resort that hosts noisy evening receptions, can be veritable romance-killers.
OUTSOURCE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS I’ve heard more than a few horror stories about botched travel plans thanks to independently-made online arrangements. Do yourself a favour and leave the planning of this all-important holiday to a reliable third party, whether it’s a travel agent or wedding planner. Not only will this lower your stress levels, it also means you’ll have someone to turn to in the event something goes awry when you’re away.
LEGAL MATTERS It’s best that women make all reservations in their maiden name, given the likelihood of a delay in the official surname change documentation (if you choose to change your surname, that is). To avoid potential paperwork headaches, women should use the same name that appears on their passport. For country-specific details, consult the relevant embassy.
upgrades, champagne on arrival, free restaurant meal, etc), so it pays to broadcast the fact when making accommodation reservations. In fact, do so whenever you book anything – you’d be surprised at how generous businesses can be towards honeymooners.
CHILL, BABY, CHILL Weddings can be downright frazzling. Don’t make the mistake of cramming 101 activities into your vacation, and keep the first day or two free to do sweet nothing. Remember, a life of holidays together awaits, but you only honeymoon once (unless, of course you re-marry one day – but let’s not think about that right now).
