Honeymoons - how to make your money go far

By Sarah Modlock

14 February 2006

A cynic might describe the honeymoon as 'a short period of doting between the dating and the debting'. For newlyweds it is a chance to relax, reflect on their wedding and begin married life in a special way. It also requires careful planning.

Whether you are heading for sun-kissed tropical shores or a snowy highland hideaway, there are various ways to make your money go further at a time when every penny counts.

Wedding night tips

OK, not those sort of tips. Expert advice on silk lingerie and body massage techniques is for another article entirely. If you are holding your reception in a hotel that has a bridal suite then you could spend your first night of wedded bliss there. After all, it has to be more romantic than an airport departure lounge. When booking your reception ask to see the suite and make sure it is available on your chosen date. Then ask for the room to be included in the price of the reception - essentially as a freebie. If the hotel is not that generous then at least make sure you get a meaningful discount and breakfast in bed. If several friends and family are staying in the hotel that night then everyone should get some sort of discounted rate.

Leaving on a jet plane

A foreign honeymoon may be cheaper if you depart on certain dates. Think about whether your wedding will be during the high or low season for your honeymoon trip and the impact that may have on cost. If it is cheaper to fly on a certain day of the week use the time to your advantage - many newlyweds like to have a couple of days to catch their breath, pack and spend more time with friends and relatives who may have travelled to the wedding.

Going all-inclusive will mean your food, drink and activities are all in the price, but be sure to find out exactly what you are getting for your money - you may have paid for lots of water sport activities when all you really want to do is relax on the beach. A half- board package may give you greater flexibility in some destinations.

It may be dull but it pays to get the paperwork right. Take your marriage certificate with you as many honeymoon packages offer upgraded rooms, free bottles of champagne and meals to couples on their honeymoon, if they can prove they have just got married. Shop around for your traveller's cheques and foreign currency, ensuring the service is commission-free. Don't forget to update your passport with your married name at least three months before your wedding. Contact the travel agent one month before your wedding day to confirm your travel arrangements.

If you are planning to get married abroad then find out if your tour operator can offer you a special deal. Alternatively, opt for a beach blessing and combine it with a honeymoon in the stunning Maldives . You can enjoy a romantic blessing or renewal of vows on a paradise island resort such as magical Laguna. The ceremony takes place on a private white sand beach decorated with fragrant flowers and palms against the idyllic backdrop of the turquoise sea. The happy couple are accompanied by flower girls and a procession of traditional Drummers attired in national dress, ensuring the ceremony is distinctly Maldivian in style. It includes wine, wedding cake and canapes for up to 12 guests. Kuoni offers renewal of vow for £704 per couple - the full package includes photographs, massages, flowers and more. Seven nights room and breakfast at Laguna , Maldives , Deluxe Rooms leads-in at £747 per person between 04 June 2006 and 08 July 2006 when flying on Monarch Airlines.

The price of paradise

Kirker Holidays offers a tailor-made wedding service in Rome , Florence , the Italian Lakes or the beautiful Amalfi Coast . The four-star superior hotel Sirmione enjoys a fairy-tale location right on the Piazzo Castello overlooking Lake Garda . Happy newlyweds can dine under the stars on the waterside terrace. Prices start at £524 and include three nights' accommodation with breakfast, return scheduled flights, return transfers and the wedding package.

The owners of Hotel Casa Santo Domingo in Antigua fulfilled their dream of converting a Dominican convent and church - jewels of 17th century Guatemalan architecture. At night, the hotel, its antique furnishings and walled gardens are lit by hundreds of candles. 14 nights' B&B at the Casa Santo Domingo staying in the honeymoon suite costs from £2,099 pp (based on two sharing) with Sunvil Latin America. The price includes return flights via Miami (Heathrow) and transfers.

For something closer to home, the Carfury Piggery (yes, piggery) in Penzance sleeps two. The Grade II Listed barn converted into a retreat is in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is an ideal base for walking the moors. The property's charming and cosy interior has stripped floors, high vaulted ceiling and wood-burner. Classic cottages offers a week's stay from £129 pp in low season.

And finally...

For the perfect happy ending to your dream wedding, the expert team at Universal resorts recommend:

•  Booking early. With all the wedding preparations a honeymoon can often be last on the list of ‘things to do' and you could end up disappointed if your dream honeymoon is fully booked.

•  Making sure you chose a honeymoon that has something for both of you. If one of you can't stand sitting on a beach all day while the other is a sun worshipper, make sure there is something to keep each of you happy.

•  Doing your research. You are not only starting married life together but paying out a lot for a holiday too. Ask questions, look at the options and draw up a short list. Remember it should be fun so make sure planning your honeymoon is an exciting part of the build up to your wedding and new honeymoon.