Q1. I've heard of people who receive money from their guests for their honeymoon. What's the etiquette for this?
Some travel agents and other outlets now offer honeymoon registries. It works just like a gift registry where you have an itemised list of experiences from which guests can choose something to give you. For example if you want to jet off to Italy, your registry could include a lovely meal out, a trip on a gondola in Venice and a room upgrade in your hotel.
Q2. We want to slip off after our reception and go on our honeymoon. Is this OK?
Of course. It's really up to you when you leave for your honeymoon. Some couples like to stay a few days after their wedding if they have overseas guests to continue the celebrations. But if you want to leave straight after your reception you can do this too. It may be a good idea to enlist the help of a trusted family member to lend a hand with your luggage and perhaps driving you to the airport.
Q3. We would like to combine our wedding with our honeymoon. Is it possible?
There are many places both here and overseas which can now cater for the weddingmoon. An obvious example is Fiji. Why not take a few close family and friends and jet off to a luxury island in Fiji hold your ceremony and then relax poolside or even jet off to another island for some well-earned privacy? There are specialist companies that can cater for this, or you can organise it yourself.
Q4. I'm not a very good flyer, what are the options closer to home for our honeymoon?
We are lucky enough to live in Australia with a huge diversity of culture and landscapes. What about a retreat in the snow, a gourmet vineyard honeymoon or relax by some of our fantastic coastline? Try an interstate city break and spoil yourselves in a luxury hotel for a few nights. What about crossing the country on a luxury train or taking a driving trip - you could drive to Melbourne or Adelaide from Sydney via the Great Ocean Road. You don't have to get on an aeroplane to have a truly luxurious honeymoon right on your doorstep.
Q5. My hubby-to-be and I have completely different holiday tastes. How can we come up with a compromise?
Ah yes - an extremely common problem and an easy one to fix. Just choose somewhere that can cater for the two of you. For example if he likes trekking through mountains and you like lying on the beach, choose a destination that has both of these things. Many places in Asia could fit the bill."¨What if you like shopping and he doesn't? Again, choose somewhere with lots of fab shopping and other activities like snorkeling, game fishing, wine tasting or even scooter hire while he can explore and leave you to shop in peace!"¨Of course, if he likes snowboarding and you want to work on your tan, poolside then one of you might just have to compromise a bit...well, after all, that's what all good marriages are about!