The Honeymoon

A honeymoon is an opportunity to wind down from the nervous tension and excitement of preparation and the wedding day, and is traditionally arranged by the groom. However, this custom came from the times when women would have had little or no travel experience, and nowadays the majority of couples will plan the honeymoon together.

Most honeymoons are of two or three weeks' duration, not the original `moon', or lunar month, of earlier tradition. Even so, a change of pace and place after the adrenaline rush of the countdown to a wedding day, is generally most welcome. A honeymoon can be romantic almost anywhere, whether it is spent ten miles from home or halfway around the world.

Planning

Think about booking your honeymoon well in advance, especially if you plan to go during a busy holiday season, such as July and August, or over Christmas or Easter - particularly if the destination is popular.

The honeymoon is said to be so-called because mead, made of fermented honey, was served to newlyweds during the first month (or moon) of their married life, in the hope of promoting fertility and early conception. Of course, it's possible that the strong alcoholic content helped in that respect just as much as the magical properties of the honey!

Passports and Visas

Like any other holiday, you will need to check well in advance to see if any visas are needed for the country you are visiting.

If, as the bride, you would like to travel in your married name, you can arrange to change your name in your passport before the wedding. This can be done up to 3 months before you get married - however, as it will be post-dated to the wedding date, you will not be able to use it in the meantime. You will need to get the registrar or minister who is conducting the ceremony to complete a form to confirm the date of the wedding ceremony.

Alternatively, you can continue to use your original passport until it expires, but should keep your marriage certificate with it while travelling in order to avoid any possible confusion.

Health

If you are planning to go abroad, consult your doctor well in advance (preferably at least two months) of your departure, for advice and to arrange immunisations. Some may need more than one dose, spread out over a period of time, and some take time to become effective, so make sure you plan well in advance to guarantee that you are fully protected.

Your GP might also help you rearrange your menstrual cycle. Consult them in plenty of time, if you think it might impact badly on the honeymoon!

TOP 10

5. Honeymoons

6. Wedding Photographer

7. Marquee

8. Wedding Caterers

9. Engagement Ring

10. Cruise

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