Top Tips For Grooms When Planning The Perfect Honeymoon

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It’s no secret that guys often get a bad rap when it comes to wedding planning. I’ve had male friends whose only job on their wedding day was to turn up on time, cleanly shaven, in a decent suit. The bride had taken care of absolutely everything else – invitations, venue, music, decorations, seating plan, you name it. But the honeymoon is where the fun begins, so put those organisational skills to good use and get involved in planning the perfect getaway for you and your new bride.

Stick to a budget
Unless you want to start married life together with a debt hangover, it’s crucial to make a budget and stick to it. Think of transport, accommodation, meals, drinks, taxes, tips, and insurance as a start. Don’t forget to think of a “time” budget, too. Is a 20 hour flight for a two night stay worth your time? A money (and time) budget will help determine where/when/how long you can go for.

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Share the planning
‘Marital Mondays’ are a good way to put time aside for one night every week to plan the honeymoon. Doing it together means both of you can tailor make the holiday you want. If one person wants to relax on a beach, and the other wants to hike up Mt. Everest, it’s time to compromise. Think of it as good practice for a long life together. Decide on logistics like the destination, length and activities, then start researching. The internet is your best friend. Decide early whether you want to enlist the help of a travel agent or holiday specialist.

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Don’t copy someone else’s honeymoon
This is a fairly common trap, targeted at lazy planners! You see photos of Steve and Claire’s honeymoon on Facebook and decide to sign up for the exact same trip. But here’s the thing. They planned that trip with themselves in mind, not you, so chances are you won’t enjoy it as much as they did! Take recommendations and inspiration from friends, but remember to be original. Putting you two first isn’t selfish, it’s well-deserved! After all, when will you be able to go on another holiday and do exactly what you want? Whether your trip is based on food, adventure, luxury or volunteering, make it unique for you two as a couple.

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Don’t over schedule
People often fall into one of two camps when it comes to holiday planning: saying ‘yolo’ and winging it or planning absolutely everything on every day down to the hour. What you’re after when it comes to planning the perfect getaway is the sweet spot in between these two extremes. Definitely book flights and accommodation early, especially if you’re going in peak season or staying in sought-after resorts. But packing in too many activities can also be stressful and limits your freedom. Remember, the lead-up to the wedding will be full of scheduled activities, so it’ll be nice to have some flexibility on your honeymoon. If it’s raining but you booked that hike three months ago, no one’s going to be happy.