A honeymoon is usually a week long and the memories you get to make while bonding with each other as man and wife far outweigh the lace on the placemats or the name of the band playing at the reception. Here are some tips on making sure you get o go on a great honeymoon

Plan Ahead

Make a firm wedding budget and allot your desired amount for the honeymoon. Don’t let cake, flowers or bridesmaids gifts eat up any part of that budget. Don’t postpone the honeymoon saying that you’ll take it later; tomorrow never comes for honeymoons. Now is the time; later work, kids, family and everything piles up and the charm of a honeymoon at the right time fizzles out.

Go Local

If airfare is eating up your entire budget, forget about Hawaii or Europe and save the flying time and airport hassles by going away some place local. Not only will you save big money, you won’t get lost as much, you’ll have a honeymoon memory you can visit again if you like and you can even come home early if the place doesn’t turn out to be as you expected.

Stay Savvy

The least expensive way of going on a honeymoon is to stay at someone’s house while they are away. Look into home exchanges where someone can stay at your place while you see a different locale. Similar to the Cameron Diaz- Kate Winslet movie, you might snag a great deal on seeing a new city without spending a dime on hotels.

If you can’t find a time share or other free accommodation, you can still have a great honeymoon by skipping the five star hotels and staying at a bed and breakfast instead. The rates are much lower, the policies less stringent and the innkeepers more friendly.

Souvenirs

There is no need for you to get souvenirs from your honeymoon for all your friends and family. Chances are you threw a great wedding and everyone got a favor; pick up a trinket or two for your new place together but leave it at that.

Many businesses shy away from providing a honeymoon suite because they feel it is not as multi-purpose as other rooms. They do not expect an elderly couple, a family with tantrum throwing kids or a couple of students to want the same décor and features as someone would in a honeymoon suite. However, there are options to create a honeymoon suite in your lodging establishment while keeping it versatile enough to be used year round.

The main thing is to market your honeymoon suite well but require advance reservations. That way you can make your executive suite into a honeymoon suite without having to go through a major overhaul.

Colors

Pick a few of your top-rated rooms and see to it that the color schemes are neutral yet have warmth and personality. For instance, white walls are neutral but they are so hospital-like that no one would feel warm and invited there. Conversely, bright yellow may be perfect for a kid’s suite with bunk beds and a Spongebob Squarepants theme, but would be hard to make versatile. Instead opt for taupe, deep ivory, pale green and other such colors that can be multi-purpose.

Furniture

Long gone are the days when a honeymoon suite had to have a four poster canopy bed complete with lace bedding. Younger couples today like contemporary design, straight lines and minimum fuss. The important thing here is that the size of the bed should be king or California king, the mattress should b top notch and the bed linen of a very high thread count.

Bathroom

It amazes analysts why many hotel guests are fascinated with bathrooms and rank good bathrooms as top features in surveys. Again, stay with modern, elegant design with a hot tub big enough for two people ad plush towels and bath robes easily available.

Service

Guests in a honeymoon suite will usually not follow a schedule so 24/7 room service options with a friendly, not groggy, bellboy would be perfect. Some hotels get business the conventional way, by offering something ‘free’. A free extra night in the honeymoon suite if you book two, for instance is a very tempting offer which many newlyweds might find hard to refuse.

The Fuzzy Extras

Any room can quickly be converted into a honeymoon suite by arranging fresh flowers, stocking the mini-bar with premium choices, having a box of fine chocolates, scattering rose petals on the bed and respecting the ‘Do not Disturb’ sign.

Don’t let the plethora of information on honeymoon destinations overwhelm you. Approach this the other way around. Instead of looking at bridal magazines and websites about the various honeymoon destinations, talk to your spouse-to-be about where you would like to go and take it from there.

Step One: What Are Your Interests?

What do the two of you do when you have time together? Water sports? Hiking? Antiquing? Beaches? Casinos? Look back and see where you were the last time you had a great vacation together? Was it a Vegas-like nightlife setting or something more tranquil such as Tahiti?

Step Two: Allot a Budget

Once you’ve decided whether you want to hit the beach or the discotheque, then figure out how much of your wedding budget are you going to devote to the honeymoon. Set a dollar amount and skip the bridal registry in favor of a honeymoon registry if you would rather have friends and family contribute to your honeymoon destination instead of more sandwich makers and microwave ovens.

Step Three: National or International?

If you want to save some money, try a local place; preferably a drivable distance from where you live. However, if you can splurge, then experience some place new. If you do have the budget to go international, enquire about visas and passport information before hand so that you are not disappointed later on.

If crossing borders is part of your plan, Canada and Mexico are great options but if a longer flight is what you fancy, Europe must top your list. Whether its breathtaking Austria, romantic France or some other European nation, such a honeymoon destination will surely be different from the usual and something you will cherish for a long time.

Step Four: Fix Dates

Figure out whether you want to leave for the honeymoon immediately following the reception or wait a few days? Either way, have your dates firm and book accordingly. The earlier you do so, the better changes you have of scoring a great deal. If you are going for the sun and sand, try some less popular beaches to save some money. The water will be the same; just some of the amenities will be different and if you’re not into parasailing or water sports and just want time alone, a less crowded, less touristy place would be the better choice anyways.

Wedding planning is also not what it used to be; from choosing vendors to picking bouquets and place settings for the 200 people you barely know is a tough job and it requires meticulous planning even if you hire a professional wedding planner. If you are into details, and most brides are for their once in a lifetime (hopefully) event, then they want to do most of the choosing and shopping even if they have a planner. All this spells out months of exhaustion and tension on the big day if everything will fall in to place.

After everything does go smoothly, all brides want to do is sleep. Some grooms may not share the same definition of a honeymoon night but they really can’t do much about it if their new spouse has dozed off on the way from the reception in the limo.

Also because the majority of couples have already had sex before the honeymoon night, there really is little charm for going through the effort on the day when so much more is going on.

Bring Back the Sizzle in Honeymoon Nights

You could spice up your honeymoon night for traditions sake at least by postponing the honeymoon for a few days. By not leaving immediately after the wedding ceremony or reception, you get to recuperate from the exhaustion and can start the honeymoon on the right note

Even though it sounds archaic in this day and age, but few (actually very few) couples are holding off sex until the honeymoon night. And just by waiting to sleep with one another after the vows, makes their honeymoon night that more special. Don’t fret too much about whether the flowers in your bouquet match the ones on the centerpieces; focus on your partner and the new life that you are about to begin.

Even if ultimate intimacy is not on your things to do list, at least exchange a special gift, see the wedding pictures on your digital camera, relax in a hot tub for two or anything else that will make the honeymoon night more memorable than sleeping.

The honey moon registry idea is perfect for couples who have careers and their own separate places and therefore have all the basic stuff one would need to start living together. If they are practical enough to think that he has silverware and she has silverware; why register for another set, then they can opt for a honey moon registry instead.

This way their friends and family can buy gift certificates in any amount they choose which will go towards their trip. There are several companies and websites such as the Wedding Channel that offer such registries. However terms and conditions vary; therefore be careful in reading the fine print as service charges may apply and certificates may expire should you choose not to honey moon immediately.

Spread the Word

After selecting which honey moon registry appeals to you the most, ask your maid of honor or best man to spread the word in the shower invites or choose the email option where the registry service sends the announcement on your behalf. This way you’ll be helping friends and family who are stumped as to what to get you and it will prevent you from getting yet another toaster or place setting.

Many times close friends and relatives want to give the couple something meaningful and something they are sure to use. With a honey moon registry they can be sure that their money was well spent and appreciated. You could send a picture of you and your spouse on the trip as a thank you note instead of the traditional cards.

Cruise Options

This new registry business has branched out in to the seas as well and you can even register for honey moon cruise registry if you so wish. Honeymoon Voyages and other such companies can make it very easy for you to set up a registry and gift givers can purchase certificates in increments of $50 or $100.

However, honey moon cruises also have their pros and cons. While you only have to unpack once and cruises are usually all-inclusive, they might not provide you with as much privacy as you would like. If you want time alone with your spouse, you would want to choose a balcony cabin so that you don’t feel cramped in an inside cabin. Some cruises have the option for you to dine alone, but many don’t. So find out all the details before signing on with a cruise for your honey moon.

Simplify Your Planning

Because all-inclusive honeymoon packages include time at resorts, where there’s fine dining, activities to do, and a place to stay, taking this route while planning your trip takes care of a lot of the little details of your trip. Rather than concentrate on all the small details of your trip, you need only find the honeymoon packages that satisfy what you need for your trip, which allows you to devote your time to other things, such as your wedding plans, or your spouse. It’ll save you some stress.

Help Plan Your Budget Ahead Of Time

The big benefit to all-inclusive honeymoon packages is that things like meals are included, which means all your budgeting for food is done up front, when you purchase the package. This means that for those who plan their honeymoons well in advance, it’s easy to make sure enough money is set aside for your trip. Rather than find yourself needing to break out the credit cards at meals, look for all-inclusive honeymoon packages and ensure that your meals are taken care of.

Take Advantage Of Activity Planners

On an average honeymoon, you’d have to make arrangements for snorkeling, dancing, and other activities yourself, which can be difficult if you’re not too familiar with the place you’re going. However, it’s a little easier to research the reputations and quality of all-inclusive resorts, and to find out what sorts of activities they offer. Because they’re in the business of helping people to have fun, the activity planners at all-inclusive resorts are sure to ensure that you have plenty to do, helping you to keep boredom at bay while you’re on your honeymoon, another advantage to these honeymoon packages. So, to simplify your planning, to ensure that you’ve got your meals taken care of well ahead of time, and to ensure that you have plenty to do on your honeymoon, look to all-inclusive honeymoon packages when you’re getting ready to make your plans.

A Private Dinner

While your honeymoon destination is likely to have any number of great restaurants in the area, you can easily arrange a romantic, candlelit dinner in your own hotel room, allowing you to dine in privacy. A quiet dinner in your hotel room allows you to share some time with your spouse without anyone bothering you, and also gives you an evening where you don’t have to worry about making arrangements for travel to a restaurant.

Practice Some Massage

Another great idea for a romantic honeymoon is to pick up a book on massage at your local bookstore before your trip, and to pack it with your travel guides and other materials when you go on your honeymoon. The touch that comes from a massage can be quite sensual and can be a way to share some closeness with your spouse. The relaxation and the nice feelings that a good massage can provide can help add to your romantic honeymoon.

Bring Some Candles

Another way to add to a romantic honeymoon is through the use of soft lighting, and little beats out candles for this. With just a few small votive candles, you can bring the light in your hotel room down to a nice, romantic level, perfect for enhancing the area around a Jacuzzi or around your bed. Either way, it sets the mood for quiet conversation or cuddling, providing a backdrop for a romantic evening.

Prepare Some Music

Whether you’re using songs from your wedding reception, the first tune you and your spouse danced to, or just a mix CD of your favorite love songs, bringing along the right music can enhance the time you spend with your spouse. Just as a romantic meal, dim lights, or massage can set the tone for an evening, a night of quiet, romantic music or dancing in your hotel room can lead to a more romantic honeymoon. So when planning your honeymoon, keep these ideas in mind when you’re getting ready to go, and you’ll be able to add an extra spark of romance to make your honeymoon unforgettable.

Taking Advantage Of The Off-Season

Some winter honeymoon destinations like Venice, Italy, make for a beautiful honeymoon any time of year, but the advantage of a winter honeymoon there is that you beat the crowds and the higher prices you’d see during the busy season. Best of all, Venice only gets snow on a few days a year, so you’ll still be able to enjoy a romantic ride along the canals without getting buried in white powder.

Celebrating The Cold

If you don’t mind truly cold weather, then try some winter honeymoon destinations that use the cold as an attraction. For instance, every year in Quebec, an ice hotel is erected for guests that want a truly unique stay in a cold destination. With a movie theater and a chapel for those looking to also hold their wedding in the cold, this ice hotel is a chilly way to start off your new life with your spouse!

Another great way to enjoy cold winter honeymoon destinations is with a cruise. Cold-weather cruises can be an experience as unique as their counterparts from warmer waters. Take a flight to Alaska and enjoy a winter cruise where you can watch stunning icebergs and glaciers, and enjoy your honeymoon in a nontraditional way.

Searching Out Warmth

Still, some people want winter honeymoon destinations that are warmer, and it’s understandable! A break from the cold and snow is a great way to spend a honeymoon. For such a trip, Hawaii is a great destination, any time of year. With an average winter temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the tropics make a great place for you to celebrate a new marriage and to soak up a little sun while your home is still under snow. So, give the sun and sand a go for your honeymoon! So whether your destination is somewhere romantic, somewhere extra cold, or whether you go for warm waters, keep an open mind and plan a great winter honeymoon.

Aruba

While there are plenty of Caribbean destinations for your honeymoon, Aruba is one of the top honeymoon destinations due to its unique climate. Despite its location, the climate of Aruba is relatively arid, and it exists outside the path that most hurricanes take when they’re in season. Because of this, travelers are almost guaranteed that they’ll have a great honeymoon without a chance of getting rained out. With such a guarantee, it’s no wonder that Aruba is one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations.

Italy

For those who want to celebrate their honeymoon in Europe, many of the top honeymoon destinations are in Italy, and for good reason. With a rich history that goes back thousands of years, cities like Rome still have ancient architecture in place, providing sightseers with plenty to view. Other cities, such as Venice, provide beautiful, romantic canal rides that are perfect to celebrate a honeymoon. And of course, it goes without saying that the wine and food you’ll get in Italy will be wonderful, making this a great place for your honeymoon!

Florida

If you’re looking for top honeymoon destinations that are closer to home, consider Florida for your honeymoon. While it’s not quite as tropical as Hawaii, its location on the mainland makes it easy to get to, and there are still plenty of beaches and attractions to go to. Whether you go for relaxation in the Florida Keys or Cocoa Beach, there are plenty of places where you can get to the ocean. And if you don’t mind being around families, there’s always the theme parks of Orlando for the young at heart.

So, if you want a great vacation without having to get a passport, look no further than sunny Florida. But no matter where you decide to go, whether in the country or not, whether you go for sun and sand or for history and culture, these three top honeymoon destinations are great places to look at when you start your search for where you and your spouse want to go.

Be Tasteful

Even if you purchase some lingerie for your honeymoon with the intention of spicing things up in the bedroom, be sure to buy something that’s a little more conservative and tasteful for your collection. Even a simple chemise can look attractive without being too revealing. Keeping the majority of your lingerie on your honeymoon tasteful also ensures that should housekeeping burst into the hotel room or your curtains allow anyone to see in, even a little, you’ll be decent.

Pamper Yourself With Fabrics

Just because the lingerie on your honeymoon should be tasteful, however, doesn’t mean you need to skimp on the material it’s made of. Silk and satin are materials that are soft on the skin and comfortable to wear, which is what you’ll want when you’re trying for a little romance in the bedroom. Not only will you feel better wearing such nice things on your body, but it will better encourage your spouse to hold you when cuddling at night, or in the morning, which is what you want while on your honeymoon.

Buy Something For Him

While you’re out shopping for lingerie for your honeymoon, don’t neglect your husband, either. Just as new lingerie for your honeymoon will make you feel better at bedtime, so will some new bed wear for him, as well. Buy a pair of silk or satin pajamas or boxers for your husband, and he’s almost certain to appreciate the care you’ve taken in helping him to look elegant in the bedroom.

And while you’re buying some pajamas for him, consider looking for some his and hers bathrobes that match. Not only will it be a gift that helps to reaffirm your new life together, but also it’ll make a nice look as you lounge around during lazy mornings during your honeymoon. With just a little care, you’ll find that you have some great selections of lingerie for your honeymoon.