Every bride and groom wants to have the perfect honeymoon to follow the perfect wedding reception. 

Some couples still follow the "traditional" route where the groom-to-be surprises his blushing bride with a dream honeymoon. Other couples spend months brainstorming over their ideal honeymoon together. No matter which route you follow, the following will make your planning easier:

Firstly decide on the type of honeymoon you want. Of course it must be romantic (I would say that is a given!), but as for the rest? Are you looking for fun in the sun or a breakaway in the bush? Maybe a ski-holiday in the mountains or even a tour where you can experience 7 countries in 7 days?

Secondly, decide how much you want to spend on your honeymoon. For many couples, once they've paid for the wedding ceremony and wedding reception, there is little money left over to plan an expensive honeymoon. Talk to your travel agent well ahead of time so that you can find out about any specials that are going to be available at the time of your wedding.

The great thing is that a lot of tour operators specialize in honeymoon packages, and those packages often include great savings and free gifts! Resorts in the Indian Ocean Islands are particularly popular for their honeymoon specials, where the bride sometimes only pays 50% of the standard rate! Make sure to enquire with your travel agent, and compare the various packages on offer. Some resorts will want to see your marriage certificate as proof, be sure to keep this safe with your other valuables.

Even if the venue does not offer honeymoon packages, be sure to still inform them that you will be visiting for a honeymoon. Some venues have honeymoon suites available which are more spacious and luxurious than other units, and such a suite will usually have some champagne, candles, flowers and even chocolates ready for the couple's arrival.

Do as much planning as possible in advance. You do not want to return from your honeymoon with a list of places you "should have visited!" But it’s also very important to schedule some quality time with one another. The weeks (and even months!) leading up to the wedding can be quite stressful, and you need to use this time alone to appreciate one another again and fall in love all over again!

Planning your honeymoon doesn't have to be a daunting and difficult task. No matter how much money you have available to spend there are options for you.  Even if it means that you have to settle for a location that is less than perfect, the main thing is the you and your loved one are together to celebrate your union.

So switch off from civilization for a while! Even though your friends and family are dying to know how much fun you're having on the honeymoon…they can wait! Switch of your phones, leave the laptops at home, take tons of pictures and most importantly: Have a blast! 

Article courtesy of For Ever After Bridal Directory (www.foreverafter.co.za) - where you will find everything from the day you get engaged, right through to your honeymoon!