The honeymoon is a period of time, usually beginning the day after the wedding reception, where the bride and groom refrain from working and other everyday chores and spend quality time enjoying each other’s company. Although most honeymoons are spent traveling to vacation spots, they can be equally as enjoyable spent relaxing at home.

Honeymoons and Groomsman Gifts
Let your honeymoon destination inspire your groomsman gifts! Personalized beach towels will make fun groomsmen gifts if you plan to spend your honeymoon in the Caribbean, backpacks are great groomsmen gifts if hiking is on your agenda, or a beer stein (a collectable groomsmen gift) if you'll honeymoon in the Swiss Alps. This type of groomsmen gift says "thank you" for the past and looks to the future.

The Key to Honeymoon Success
Honeymoons range in length. It is not uncommon for newlyweds to spend 10-14 days together, traveling, relaxing, and learning more about each other. While some couples prefer to postpone the honeymoon, the majority elect to go on the honeymoon either immediately following the wedding reception or within a few days thereafter. Depending on how much time and money the newlyweds can afford, a honeymoon can last several weeks or even months.

Traditionally, as the wedding reception is paid for by the bride’s parents, the honeymoon is paid for by the groom’s parents. Either due to financial or logistical reasons, many marrying couples do not follow this rule and, instead, elect to pay for the honeymoon themselves.

Although it sounds good on paper, actually breaking away from the hectic routines and demands of our daily lives can be difficult for some, especially those in high-profile employment positions. For a honeymoon to be a success, the bride and groom both need to set aside their day-to-day worries and focus on each other. The following tips might be used as a guideline:

• Leave your laptop at home.
• Establish a reliable co-worker or assistant who can handle your job responsibilities while you are away.
• Give your cell phone number to a limited number of important persons, who are only to call you in cases of real emergency.
• Be prepared and get involved with the honeymoon process. This would include the following:

o Familiarize yourself with your honeymoon destination (do some research, if needed).
o List common activities you and your new spouse might enjoy together during the honeymoon.
o Note places in or near your honeymoon destination you and your new spouse can explore together.
o If you know friends or family located in or near your honeymoon destination, visiting them may cut into your private time. Don’t commit to seeing anyone other than your new spouse during this time – your loved ones know you are on your honeymoon and will understand!

• Refrain from ‘calling the office’ every day, and checking or sending back and forth e-mails. If you are truly concerned about your job, your workflow, or any employment-related component, set aside a time every few days where you can get an updated status and have peace of mind.
• If you need blood work or medical tests that, according to your doctor can wait until after your honeymoon, take your doctor’s advice and wait until you return. If not, you will spend the entire honeymoon worrying about the results and phoning the doctor for an update.
• Plan a message or a visit to a spa with your new spouse while on your honeymoon.
• Have fun and relax. Remember, you may not get this opportunity again for a long, long time!