Top 5 Honeymoon Etiquette Questions:

1-     When should we leave for the honeymoon?
The anticipation of the honeymoon is sometimes becomes greater than the anticipations of the wedding.  The idea of going away with each other to a wonderful destination makes you want to go as soon as possible.  Keep in mind several things when planning your departure date for your honeymoon.  If your wedding is a Friday night wedding you are more than likely going to be up late at the reception celebrating with friends and family.  Most flights depart early in the morning add on to the early arrival time that you have calculate for check in you may be lucky to get 3 hours of sleep in.  Why not plan on having a relaxing day after the wedding either at home or at a hotel in the city near the airport you will depart from.  Leaving 2 after the honeymoon keeps you from exhaustion this way you can arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to relax and enjoy the honeymoon.

2-     Who pays and plans the honeymoon?
Traditionally the groom is responsible for paying for and planning the honeymoon.  The bride and her family are typically the ones paying for and planning the wedding.  By the groom planning the honeymoons this frees up the bride from another task on her ever so long to do list.  There are lots of couples that do pay for the honeymoon together as a couple however the planning of the honeymoon should still be on the responsibility of the groom.  The groom can keep the honeymoon destination a surprise or the details a surprise. The couple may also do the planning together however one person should be in charge of the details.  The groom or the couple does not have to do the planning alone.  Just like the bride will hire a wedding planner there are travel professionals that do specialize in planning honeymoons.  Travel professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise which will make the honeymoon planning process effortless. 

3-     What is a honeymoon registry and is it okay to have one?
Just like the registry you have for your china and household goods there is also now something called a honeymoon registry.  This is all done virtually through an online host.  There are several honeymoon registries to choose from.  Honeyfund.com is a great one that has a free and a paid version.  Guest give you money to go towards your honeymoon.  The funds are deposited into an account that you collect on a specific date using a direct transfer to your bank or pay-pal. Some resorts such as Sandals have a direct honeymoon registry for guests staying at any of their resorts.     You can use the money to go directly towards the honeymoon cost or use it for your excursions, spa treatments or specialty dining.  
There are some different opinions on having a honeymoon registry.  You know there will be that Aunt that has to get you a place setting or silverware.  If you happen to be getting married a second time then a honeymoon registry is a great way for loved ones to give you a gift that you and your fiancé will love and use since you are more than likely already combining two household of "stuff".

4-     How do we decide on a place to go that we both will enjoy?
This is a very important question.  One that should take time on both parties part to discuss, contemplate and answer.  Think about the places that you have been individually.  Have you already traveled together?  Each of you should write out your top 5 list of places that you want to go without the other one seeing it, then compare notes.  Do you have any destinations that match? Do you have all completely different answers?  You will need to discuss why you want to visit those destinations. 
You will also need to think about how you want to spend your honeymoon.  Do you want to spend it in Europe where a lot of walking and touring are entailed?  Do you want to spend it in the snow being active on the slopes? Or do you want to relax and rest on the beach?  Consider that you will both possibly be somewhat exhausted from all of the wedding festivities that have taken place over the previous months.  
The key point to deciding on a place to go is communication with each other.  Makes sure you both want to go so you will both enjoy the honeymoon.

5-     Is it ok to go off the grid?
Absolutely!  You do not even have to tell your friends and family where you are going.    You do want to leave information with an emergency contact but that is all.  This is your time.  Even if the resort you will be staying at offers WiFi do your best to avoid being active on social media, texting and checking emails.  This is time for you to be in the moment.  This is the time to create memories that will last a lifetime.  You can upload pictures at a later time to show friends and family what a great time you had and the beautiful scenery.  Phone calls, texts and emails can all wait until you return.  Friends and family will respect your wishes.  Be in the present moment on your honeymoon.  Enjoy the company of one another leave the electronics in the safe.  Listen to the sounds that surround you.  Look at the beauty that you are immersed in.  Smell the aromas of flowers, the sea, the mountains or wherever you may be.  Allow yourself to feel and enjoy the sensations of the emotions that you are feeling with each other.

Author

Shannon Cunningham LeBlanc is the CRO(Chief Romance Officer) at Paradise Vacation Escapes.  She specializes in personalized honeymoons, destination weddings and helping couples reconnect through travel.  She is the author of Say Yes to The Honeymoon- The Expert's Guide to Planning The Perfect Honeymoon.