DESTINATION & HONEYMOON

Destination weddings have become increasingly popular over the last ten years. More couples want to go somewhere exotic to exchange their vows. Destination weddings generally cost less than a traditional wedding and most are all- inclusive, which means they may provide unlimited food and beverages for your guests (excluding alcohol of course). There may also be personnel on hand who specialize in helping to reduce the stress of planning your wedding day, including coordinating your guest list. Last, but certainly not least, a destination wedding provides an amazing memory for you and for all of your guests, who get a vacation along with a wonderful celebration.

Another great thing about a destination wedding is that you can combine it with your honeymoon! You can tie the knot on the large island of Hawaii, and then take a quick flight to Maui for the week following your wedding. Or, if you prefer, you can board a cruise ship, say your nuptials at the beginning of your cruise, and enjoy the rest of your trip as a newly married couple.

Traditionally, the honeymoon has marked the first time that a couple was alone together. It was the time for the official consummation of the marriage. These days, a honeymoon is considered more of a romantic getaway vacation, and a special chance for newlyweds to devote time only to each other, away from the demands of work and the “real” world. This is a fabulous chance to relax together and remember all the special wedding day memories you’ve just created.

According to traditional wedding etiquette, it’s up to the groom to plan the honeymoon. Today, travel agents can handle every detail imaginable. They can book airline flights, package and charter tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals and much more. Travel agencies will first inquire about your budget for the honeymoon. Your budget for the honeymoon should be carefully planned and included as a part of your wedding budget. If you’re beat after the big day, don’t worry – you don’t have to rush off to your honeymoon. Some couples are too exhausted to enjoy their honeymoon because of the stress and pressure of the wedding and choose to take their honeymoon a couple of weeks later.

Couples should communicate to each other about the type of honeymoon they would prefer. Your partner might want to sleep in, lounge on the beach, and stay up late at night clubs, while you want an action-packed vacation full of hiking, scuba diving, biking, boating and water skiing. Make it the trip you both want by talking and planning ahead.