Honeymoon Planning Checklist

Booking a few months ahead usually gives you more choice of flights and accommodation. It also leaves time to check passports, entry requirements, any recommended travel health advice and time off work. Deciding now whether to travel straight away or later helps you plan the days after the wedding with less pressure.

• Book travel in the names on your current passports, even if one of you plans to change names.

• “Do we want to rest, explore or a bit of both?
• “Would we enjoy it more if we waited a few months?

The days just before a wedding are busy with deliveries, setup, rehearsals and guests arriving, and the days after are often needed for rest, returns and goodbyes. Asking early gives you the best chance of getting the dates you want, especially in busy seasons. Workplace leave policies vary, so checking now also shows whether you need to save up days or arrange unpaid time.

• Often forgottenCouples often forget to book a day off after the wedding, when rentals, belongings and goodbyes still need attention.
• Keep at least one full day free before the wedding with nothing work-related in it.
• Share a short handover note so colleagues know who to contact instead of you.

• “Does our workplace offer any leave for weddings?
• “Are there busy periods when leave is harder to approve?

The final days fill up quickly with rehearsals, guests and last details. Packing gradually lets you notice what’s missing while there’s still time to buy it, and keeps wedding-day items separate from honeymoon luggage. It also makes it easier to hand bags to the right person on the day.

• Often forgottenAn outfit and toiletries for the morning after are easy to forget when everything else is packed.
• Pack one outfit and essentials for the day after the wedding in a separate bag.
• Take photos of important travel documents and store them securely.