Buy a Hirst painting
people who come might be the only ones you want there, however, you might upset people who have been left off your list.
Budget-wise, getting married abroad is generally less expensive than the average British wedding. Many couples buy their own tickets and, while
the bride’s family may pay for the wedding package, which can be booked through a travel operator, it’s acceptable for guests to pay their own
way. Alternatively, you could jet off alone and get married in a romantic, private ceremony, but be sure you won’t end up regretting not inviting any family members.
A final important consideration is your honeymoon – unless you head off for a second week somewhere else, be prepared to spend it among your friends and family!
Shop around for the best Honeymoon packages, which often include an upgraded room, champagne and flowers on arrival, gifts and even a free candlelit dinner. To be eligible you usually have to produce your marriage certificate, so make sure its packed safely inside your hand luggage.
Be demanding of your travel agent. Spell out your ideal honeymoon package and see if they can come up with a trip to match your dreams. If they don't seem very imaginative try somewhere else.
If possible, don't travel on the same day as your wedding. Wind down together in a pretty local hotel and then fly out the next day once you've recovered from all the excitement (and stress) of the big day.
Don't be fooled by glossy brochure-speak, pictures are often of the best rooms. Even a double bed is not guaranteed unless you outline your requirements beforehand, preferably in writing.
Just because this is a honeymoon, don't imagine you have to spend every waking minute together - it would be too much for even the most love-struck couple! If your fiance fancies playing a game of golf or two, arrange it. A few hours apart will make your time together even more fun.
Many of the 'couples-only' resorts in the Caribbean are all-inclusive which means everything from food and drink to watersports are paid for in the one price. These can be good value but if you're not the active type and don't want to use all the sporting facilities, they can be expensive. It may be worth considering a half board package and then paying for your own romantic extras.
The Caribbean is the number one hot spot for honeymooners but it is expensive, especially during high season. Watch out for special deals during their low season, our summer months. The weather can be unpredictable but the savings are worth it and honeymooners are more likely to be upgraded when the resorts are not so busy.
Ask one another how important the traditional honeymoon extra's like a four-poster bed are to you both. You don't want to skimp on your room but you could be spending the additional budget on more worthwhile extras like wonderful food or interesting day trips.
Try to pick a hotel in a romantic setting; overlooking a lake, on a deserted stretch of beach, on a wooded hillside or near some famous landmarks. If the setting is right, moonlight walks will take on a whole new meaning.
Everyone loves a honeymoon couple. Don't be shy especially when making reservations with your travel agent, in hotels, restaurants and on aeroplanes, you should be pleasantly surprised by the special treatment you receive. A glass of champagne, a room upgrade, a candle-lit dinner, a free gift or just extra special service.
Send a dozen roses: 11 red roses and 1 white one. The note: "In every bunch there's one who stands out - and you are that one."
"The art of love ... is largely the art of persistence" Dr Albert Ellis
Write him/her a check for one million kisses
Something for the Honeymoon or anniversary.... a lottery ticket and a note: "I hit the jackpot when I married you."
Book A Massage to give your partner a professional massage..
Kiss every square inch of her body S-L-O-W-L-Y !
Hide a love note in a bottle of vitamins. The note will say: "Try some vitamin L."
Scatter rose petals all over the bed.
Buy the music CD "Let's talk about love" by Celine Dion.
Write notes on Post-it notes and stick them around.
Don't buy cheap lingerie unless you plan to rip it off her in passionate lovemaking.
Hide a love note in his pants pocket.
Other places to hide a small note:
* under the pillow
* in his shaving kit
* between the pages he/she is reading
Guys: know her dress size, shoe and stocking size, blouse and nightgown size, bra and panty size, pants and coat size, and of course her finger size (for rings that fit).
Gals: know his coat size, shoe and hat size, shirt and pants size, finger size (for bowling balls that fit)...
Give the gift of time (wristwatch) with this inscription: "I'll always have time for you."
NEVER, never, never say "I told you so".
Mail a lock of your hair to your lover.
him to pick a number between 1 and 50, then reward him with that number of kisses.
Make a habit of taking a stroll after dinner every evening.
"Women fall in love through their ears, men fall in love through their eyes." Woodrow Wyatt.
When dining, share everything: your meals and desserts.
Make love on top of the washer/dryer (while it's running).
Attach a note on the TV remote: "Turn me on instead!"
Before getting out of bed, face your partner, give him/her a kiss and say: "I'm so thankful I have you in my life."
Sign your letters: "Forever and a day"
Place a heart-shaped sticker on your wristwatch to remind you to call.
On your lover's birthday send his/her mother a "Thank you" card.
Hide a pair of earrings in a box of chocolates.
Celebrate the anniversary of when you first met.
Shower together by candlelight.
Use the little strips of paper from Hershey's kisses as coupons redeemable for one kiss each.
Tell your mate that you - love, adore, admire, cherish, desire, want, need, prize, esteem, idolize, revere, treasure him/her.
Hide a little gift for her so she'll find it during a walk together.
Leave a note: "I know we are soulmates because....."
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" - Albert Einstein
Give her your jacket when she is chilly.
Nothing is impossible to a willing heart, so let your imagination go wild...
Guys: Hold her dinner chair.
"One does not fall 'in' or 'out' of love. One grows in love" - Leo Buscaglia
Buy her an outfit while she's trying it on; let her wear it out of the store.
Slip a little love note into his wallet, in between the dollar bills.
Drip chocolate syrup on selected body parts before lovemaking.
Inspiration for long time lovers: "The older the violin, the sweeter the music" - Anonymous
Gently brush her cheeks with your lips.
Give him a lottery ticket. Attach a note: "You are one in a million"
While slow dancing, whisper something sweet to her.
Get the song "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston.
When attending a wedding, whisper: "If I had to do it over, I'd marry you again."
Hide a teeny, tiny gift somewhere on your body and make him find it.
Fill his toolbox with lingerie. Make him "work" to get his tools back.
Fold a love note in a fluffy bath towel.
Run your hands under warm water before going to bed.
Let a Shakespearean quote speak for you.
Gals: Never, never, never talk about your past boyfriends in front of him.
Sprinkle perfume on to light bulb. When light is turned on the scent of the perfume will fill the room.
Listen to a romantic audio tape, fix a cup of hot flavored tea, and light two candles.
Keep a journal of your romantic fantasies. Share it with your soul mate.
Take a picture of yourself in the most sexy outfit possible. Hide in a secret spot in your house and leave him or her clues on how to get there. Watch the sparks fly!
Play "hide-and-seek" in the rain. It's fun and VERY sensual!
Fill bathtub with warm water sprinkled with rose petals.
Invite your sweetie to an intimate dinner at your place. Make a pizza and with the pepperoni you can write something sweet, like "you are the one for me".
Surprise your lover with a kiss before they can finish a sentence.
Write your own love poems then record them on a tape and give them to your sweetheart.
Give your love an antique compass and say "You will never lose me". Your love will swear the needle always points to their heart!
While your love takes a shower, write the words "I love you" in the condensation of the bathroom mirror.
Leave a trail of "Hershey's chocolate kisses" from the front door to the bedroom, right up to the bed. On the bed leave a note that reads 'I kiss the ground you walk on.' Make sure you're not home when s/he gets in!
Planning Tips
Here are some of the most common tips that go a long way in making your honeymoon a most enjoyable and memorable experience.
1.Always to book a double bed room in the hotel.
You may laugh, but it's important when reserving hotels, especially abroad, and crucial if you are going on a cruise.
2.Avoid making reservations for an early departure the morning after your wedding.
If you're planning an evening reception, you can be sure you're not going to bed early on your wedding night. A later flight or train reservation may save you from walking bleary-eyed through the airport or the railway station..
3.Don't skimp on your accommodations.
Maybe on other trips, but not a honeymoon. The ambience of your accommodation could be the single most important aspect of your honeymoon trip as most of the couples tend to spend max. time there. Even if you think you won't spend much time in your room, you'll be sorry if your accommodations are not special.
4.Set a honeymoon budget
Before you go, agree about what you'll splurge on and where you'll skimp to avoid any possible money hassles en route. (Click here for our honeymoon budget planner).
5.Both of you should be involved in planning.
After all, this honeymoon is for both of you. If one of you does all the work, he/she'll feel guilty if things don't go perfectly. If you don't take part in the planning, you'll probably end up dissatisfied.
6.Don't ignore cost-saving travel packages.
Talk to a travel agent. Many packages will allow you to have all the frills you want...and save you money.
7.Plan to spend some time away from each other doing separate things
You'll both be happier if you plan one or two separate activities on your honeymoon....and think how much fun you'll have sharing your experiences with each other.
8.Don't Keep mum about being honeymooners.
Don't be bashful...especially with hotels, cruise lines, restaurants...Tell them when you make your reservations and you're likely to enjoy special treatment.
9.Don't rely too much on friends and family.
Ask for recommendations from friends and family, but don't let yourselves be overly influenced. Do your own thing. It's your honeymoon afterall.
10.Consult with a travel agent
A capable agent will help you plan a honeymoon that's right for the two of you-- at a price you can afford.
Advanced Planning Tips....... don't leave anything to change
BE AS SPECIFIC AS YOU CAN WHEN BOOKING YOUR TRIP.
•Outline your needs and interests to the Travel Agent.
•Specify what size bed you want. King? Queen?
•Ask for the airline seats, rail coupe , cruise ship cabins and/or type of room you want.
•Learn how you will be getting to your hotel from the airline or railway station
•Specify the time of day you would like to leave.
GET INFORMATION ON WHAT THERE IS TO SEE AND DO IN YOUR DESTINATION BEFORE YOU GO.
•Call local Tourist Boards for brochures and information on the most romantic restaurants, the most exciting things to see and do, etc. Most of the tourism boards have offices in Delhi.
USE THESE TO MAKE A THEORETICAL PLAN FOR ONE OR TWO DAYS.
A typical plan might include:
•Leisurely breakfast in bed
•Morning to afternoon city tours
•Late afternoon nap
•Evening free
•Dinner at a restaurant that serves under the stars at the water's edge
CHECK WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS, THINGS TO SEE AND DO.
FIND OUT HOW FAR AWAY YOUR HOTEL IS FROM DOWNTOWN. READ ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION IN A GUIDEBOOK.
•You'll end up having a gorgeous sun rise breakfast at one of the island's prettiest hotels, finding the perfect hideaway beach, starting off with just the right store on your shopping spree; dining in the most beautiful restaurants and dancing in a place with a knockout view!
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Far and away – marrying abroad:
Taking off and getting married abroad can be an attractive prospect, but it is important to weigh up pros and cons.
Although it will mean you can celebrate your special day in an exotic location, friends and family might not be able to afford to travel abroad. The