Your Guide to Honeymoon Preparation

A bride and groom have numerous things to worry about before the big day. The honeymoon is sometimes something that gets tucked in the shadows when planning. We have provided a few lists to try and ease your worries such as what to think about while planning the wedding, what to pack for your honeymoon and what to do if things go wrong on your getaway. We have made it easier to enjoy your honeymoon since you will have everything taken care of if you follow our checklists. This article is also helpful for those who aren’t the best organizers. Most of these tasks just take a phone call and after that someone else handles it! Remember you are now part of a team. Sit down with your fiancé and decide who will accomplish each task.

Every bride has a numerous amount of things to worry about before, during and even after the big day. Many brides put so much focus on the wedding, they forget about how much preparation a big vacation requires. We’ve put together a checklist with ideas on how to solve problems before they happen regarding your honeymoon.

RESERVATIONS

Start planning early. You will want to get the best prices on flights and hotels. If you wait too long, your first choice could already be booked. Consult a travel agent to ensure you are not hitting family week at your destination!

DOCUMENTATION

Travel Documents
If you are lucky enough to be traveling abroad, you will want to make sure your passports are up to date. To keep from paying a ‘rush fee’ you will want to apply for passports months in advance. You can get information at your local post office. If you already have a valid passport, don’t forget to check the expiration dates on the IDs and passports, to see that they don’t expire while you are away!

Just In Case
Family members or a member of the wedding party are a great place to leave copies of travel itinerary, passports and IDs while you, the happy couple, goes on their trip. Also, leave ICE numbers in your phone so your loved ones can be reached ‘In Case of Emergency.’

HOUSEHOLD

House Sitting / Garden / Plants
Line up someone to make sure your home and it’s inhabitants are taken care of while you are away. It is a good idea to have them leave on different lights each time they leave after watering plants and grabbing the mail. You never want to leave the appearance that you are on a long trip.

Pets
Care.com is a great website for many things including house sitting while you are away. If you are looking for a pet-sitting service, Side Kick is a top-rated dog boarding, training and babysitting business here in Springfield. They have many advantages over other companies of the like. “We are different because we have stress free boarding, so we have a limited number of kennels in each room. The dogs get playtimes with other dogs. If they don’t like dogs, they play with people doing things such as going on walks. We have training so they can learn manners while they are with us and while you are away. We also don’t discriminate by breed like some other places,” said owner Misti Fry. “We are comfortable with pitbulls, mastiffs, dobermans and that sort of thing. A lot of our trainers have been with us for several years so we have staff that is both experienced and comfortable being here. I am the owner and have over 22 years of experience training and working with dogs. Everyday the girls put up pictures of the dogs in play groups on Facebook so you can even look on our page and see how your dog is doing while you are away.”

POST WEDDING CHORES

Rental
The week after the wedding all of the big day’s rentals must be returned. Customarily the maid of honor and best man (if they reside locally) are up for the tasks of returning rental items such as: linens, dishware and men’s wear. Just remember to let them know the plan and where everything goes and by when.

Gown Preservation
Preserving your wedding dress can be done up to six weeks after the big day, but it is best to take it a few days after. If you are leaving for your honeymoon shortly after and do not have time, you can always point things out to your mom, someone in the bridal party or whoever is taking it in for you. Be sure to compare prices from one dress preservation place to another. Ask the business that you got your dress from for any tips or favorite places that they might suggest.

Name Change
It is best to wait until after you return from your honeymoon if you made the reservations with your maiden name. This helps to reduce confusion with airports and resorts when you go. Remember, just because it doesn’t say it on your license, doesn’t mean you aren’t a Mrs. now!

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Get in Shape
It is better to start an exercise regiment, if you plan to do activities on your honeymoon that are more adventurous than your day-to-day life, such as hiking, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, horseback riding, kayaking and sightseeing, etc.

Grooming
If you are not leaving directly after the nuptials, you may need to regroom yourselves. Think about things such as haircuts or pedicures before your honeymoon and make sure to have those appointments on the calendar ahead of time.

Shots
Depending on your destination, you might need to get shots before you go or after you come. You should ask your doctor prior to leaving, but an immune system booster before you go wouldn’t hurt. When you get back, a tuberculosis shot might also be helpful.

Medications
Check your medications. Remember to fill medications so you do not run out while you are gone and don’t forget to pack them the day you leave! If you will need to see your Doctor before you get a refill, make your appointment right away. You don’t want a prescription to hold up your departure. Women need to remember birth-control if needed, as well as do men.

PACKING LIST

• An electrical converter for overseas
• Tanning lotion / sunscreen
• Aloe (for when you get sunburned, despite the sunscreen)
• Medicine (pain reliever for your headache after a long night)
• Feminine hygiene products (not all countries have the same products)
• First-Aid supplies
• Extra memory card for camera
• Lip balm
• Stain remover
• Hat
• Bug spray
• Books or magazines
• Sunglasses
• Souvenir bags (for bringing home goodies)
• Extra pair of shoes (incase one gets wet or broken)
• Dress outfit (for your super-fancy dinner out)
• Put liquid items in a baggie (so they don’t explode on your clothing)

BE WEATHER AWARE

Don’t forget to check the weather incase you need an umbrella or rain jacket. Also, keep in mind that just because you might be going somewhere exotic doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack a light sweater just incase!

GETTING AROUND

A plan for how you are going to get around while you are there is as important as planning how to get there. While most car rental companies have lowered the minimum age to 21, there are still some things to think about. Many countries will require you to get an International Driving Permit and many insurances companies don’t cover accidents out of the U.S. It is not as complicated as it sounds, but just know you may want to do some research to make the right choice for you.

Many places have trains, shuttles or buses. If you would rather, you could look for bike rental and of course you can always walk to places near by. Having a plan in mind will save you stress when you get there.

TRIP TIPS

Only bring the credit card(s) that you need, leave the others at home with whoever has your passport and ID copies. There are some places or activities that may only take cash. Have a plan for bringing cash or know ahead of time that you have an option to get it there.

Make sure all bags have luggage tags! Lost luggage is never fun. Bring at least one carry-on with enough to get you through a day or two.

Hydrate! Altitudes and climates can make a difference and sipping alcoholic drinks on the beach all day can dehydrate you. Remember to drink lots of water.

Although you may be tempted to ‘live it up’ on your honeymoon, don’t eat too much rich food. Eat a good breakfast, because you never know what the local food will be like. It is hard to mess up eggs!

Make friends with people early on so you can ask what places you should go and what places you should avoid.

Let the resort know you are traveling for your honeymoon, usually they have special privileges at no extra charge!

Don’t post about your vacation until you get back unless someone is watching your house.

Have at least one super-fancy dinner – you just got married!

When visiting tropical or exotic places, there are often different bugs than you are used to. Did you know eating bananas attracts mosquitoes and perfumes with a floral scent attracts many bugs? So when you are getting couples massages, you may opt for lemongrass or tea tree oil which are less likely to smell attractive to the native insects.

Last, but not least, make a budget and stick to it!