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Honeymoon nitty gritty Getting down to the nitty gritty Once the two of you have decided on your dream destination - the perfect place to start your married life as you mean to go on - you need to get down to planning the details. Perfect timing As soon as you have set your wedding date (8 to 15 months prior to the Big Day), turn your attention to the honeymoon. You should aim to book it as soon as possible, especially if you're getting married during a peak holiday season, such as July/August or Christmas/New Year. If you're about to splash out on a 'once in a lifetime' trip, you might even want to set the honeymoon date first. But bear in mind that, although the majority of British weddings take place in June, July and August, this may not be the best time to travel to your chosen destination... For a safari in Kenya, for example, the climate is most pleasant in December. If you're California-bound, avoid the tourist rush, but get the great weather by booking for early September. That romantic gite in the Cote d'Azure or your dream Tuscan hideaway will be twice the price and overrun with school kids during August, and bear in mind that it rains on those deserted Thai beaches from June to August. The other big consideration is the timing of your departure. Traditionally, the blushing bride and groom take leave of their guests in the early evening and head off on honeymoon immediately. Most modern couples like to enjoy their whole reception with their guests and spend their first night together in a nearby hotel. Often, the wedding party meets again the following day and couples leave for the honeymoon that evening or early the next morning. Budget or bust Visitors to confetti.co.uk spend an average of £3050 on their honeymoons. This figure includes travel, accommodation (including the 'first night hotel') and spending money. You don't have to spend this much to ensure an unforgettable trip, but there are certain areas where it's really not worth skimping. Don't underestimate how exhausted you'll be once the wedding is over. You need a good break and it's worth paying a little more to stay somewhere decent. Last-minute bargain breaks are not really a good idea, unless you really don't mind when and where the honeymoon takes place! Planning well in advance may cost a bit more, but it means you'll get what you really want, when you want it. Don't add extra stress to the trip by leaving too many elements to chance. Book at least the first week's accommodation up front; plan the itinerary and book your car hire or internal flights. You can even plan and book activities, such as city tours or scuba diving, in advance. Search online for the local tourist board and get some ideas of what you can do while you're away. travel insurance is important for peace of mind. Should one of you fall ill, or a theft occurs, you'll be covered. Make sure your policy covers the value of wedding and engagement rings (or consider leaving them behind). If you're marrying abroad, take out a special wedding policy, which will cover your wedding outfits and gifts. It's your honeymoon, so you'll want to treat yourselves. Make sure you build lots of spending money into your budget, so you can indulge in a little luxury. There's not much difference between a four and five-star hotel - the money you save can be spent on having fun. Delays are more likely on chartered, so you're better off spending your money on scheduled flights instead. You don't want to spend your first night as husband and wife in a departure lounge! Check this Your essential honeymoon checklist! Three months prior to your wedding: Flights should be booked (long ago!) and you should have the tickets in your possession You should have a basic itinerary and have booked the first few days' accommodation at least Make sure your passports are valid - if the bride is changing her name, contact the passport office to do this at least three months in advance Your first night's hotel accommodation should be booked Have all necessary vaccinations Investigate insurance policies. Three weeks prior to the wedding Your itinerary should now be firmed up, some activities pre-booked and hotels confirmed in writing You will have arranged transfers from the reception to your hotel; from the hotel to the airport; from the airport home on your return Order your currency - remember LOTS of spending money! Collect all the necessary paperwork - tickets, passports; addresses and phone numbers of hotels; driver's license; insurance details - and file it together in a safe place. Find someone to collect your wedding clothes from the hotel and store or return them to hire shops Begin to plan your packing - don't leave it to the night before your wedding! Make arrangements for someone to look after your wedding presents - honeymooning newly-weds are often prime targets for break-ins. Relax! If you've followed these steps, it's all under control...	Tips & Articles Q & A's, Helpful Facts Planning & Worksheets
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