Happy honeymooning!

Have the trip of a lifetime

Traditionally, the groom plans the honeymoon and foots the bill as well -- although most couples now simply share costs. There's a trend for grooms to organise 'surprise' honeymoons, but bear in mind that surprises can backfire, so before you plan an extreme sports holiday, check she wasn’t expecting two weeks sunbathing on a deserted island.

If you do plan a surprise trip for your wife-to-be, make sure you have a good idea of her expectations and plan things you'll both enjoy doing. You'll also need to advise her on what clothes to pack (beach or city?) and make sure you both have all the necessary documentation (visa, driver’s licence and vaccinations).

Joint effort

However, for many couples, sitting down together to plan the trip of a lifetime is one of the most exciting parts of the pre-wedding experience and the one wedding activity they can safely do without family interference. So perhaps you could take on the research and booking, but plan it together.

The main thing is to do what you BOTH want to do. Make sure that neither of you is simply agreeing to two weeks on a beach to keep the other happy, even though you’ve always hated beach holidays.

Remember, too, that you don't have to follow other people's preconceptions about honeymoons. 'Whatever makes you happy' is truly the key. So if playing Scrabble together is what you really enjoy, don't worry that it isn't romantic enough - just do it.

Our honeymoon section is packed full of great trip tips.