Where do I start?

With wedding preparations in full swing, chances are the last thing you want to take on is more planning. But for a honeymoon to remember, it's worth taking time to get it right.

Who organises the honeymoon?

Traditionally, it's the job of the groom to organise and book the honeymoon -- perhaps even keeping it a secret from the bride (if he's romantic... and brave!). Conventionally he should foot the bill too, although most couples now simply share the cost and enjoy organising the honeymoon together.

The surprise honeymoon

If you do plan a surprise trip for your partner, make sure you have a good idea of her expectations and plan things you'll both enjoy doing. Think about something that she'll really look forward to, bearing in mind that your honeymoon will probably be straight after your wedding. Just because your bride-to-be loves rock climbing, doesn't mean she'll want to do it on her honeymoon. She might prefer to relax and recuperate after the excitement of the wedding. You'll also need to advise her on what clothes to pack (beach or city? sun or snow?) and ensure she has all the necessary documentation and vaccinations.

It takes two

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 something they can do without family interference. So even if the groom takes on the research and organisation, make it a joint venture and enjoy it. Think about what you both want to do. Make sure that neither of you is agreeing to two weeks on a beach or a month's trekking in the Alps just to keep the other happy.

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

Honeymoon money

It's not a fun subject and it crops up all the time, but you really do need to think about what you can afford to spend on your honeymoon. Think of it as part of your wedding budget and plan accordingly. Bear in mind that it's generally better to choose a less expensive holiday and have more spending money than to find you have a week in a fantastic location with just about enough cash to buy two coffees.

If you have your heart set on somewhere that you really can't afford, you have two options. The first is to take out a loan, which you obviously must be confident about paying back, and the other is to wait a while. Postponing your honeymoon and saving up for a few months might not seem hugely exciting, but it's certainly something to look forward to after the excitement of your wedding has died down.