Kara Segedin, travel expert at Cheapflights.co.uk, talks about how you can honeymoon in some of the beautiful places on the planet without spending the earth

Your honeymoon is a chance to do something slightly different. Although given the effort and emotional stress that can go into wedding planning, it’s completely understandable that a lot of couples want to splash out on a super luxury beach getaway where they are waited on hand and foot – particularly if they’ve spent months in negotiation with in-laws and event people, planning and focusing on tiny details.

If cash is tight or you want to save money for other things, how about looking at different accommodation options. Serviced apartments are great if you’d like a city centre location at a fraction of the cost – and can be a great way to explore a city whether you opt for Paris, Rome, Dubrovnik, Venice, or Prague. Save the cash here and you could cover more romantic destinations or a few fancy restaurants.

Carefully consider where you go and when – and whether you can afford to leave it late to book what you want. Most of all, make sure you do your research and compare – then sit back and enjoy your time together; you’ll never get another chance like it.

If you’re looking to budget and still want to go somewhere great, it pays to find out about shoulder season; this can be a great way of saving cash, particularly on some of the more popular long haul destinations like Barbados, St Lucia, the Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

Shoulder season is between low and high seasons; it can be great for people with an eye on their wallet but who still want to bag a great holiday – and usually with decent weather! Shoulder season can be a good option because: it’s cheaper,  there is more space (on the beach or slopes), queues are generally shorter and it can be more temperate (no blazing sun – but pick your destination and it’s still sunny). If it’s the Med you can still get sun in mid to late September and early October if you pick wisely.

Post Easter, from mid-April onwards, prices in the Caribbean start to fall so you can begin to take advantage – you might get some rain but this tends to pass quickly and you’ll still get temperatures in the 70s and 80s (20s to early 30s Celsius). Mid November to mid-December might also be worth considering ahead of the crowds.

If you’re considering Shoulder Season, do check out dates and weather carefully – but there can be some great savings to be had. Who’d have thought two little words could save you so much?

Can honeymooners benefit from booking last minute?

Shoulder season bargains may be a better way of saving. While there are some last minute holiday bargains to be had, the last thing that most couples want to be doing is run around before the wedding, adding to nerves and rushing what is supposed to be a great experience.

That said, some couples are happy to leave things late, and, if you’re on a budget, opting for a last-minute break can be a useful tactic if you’re prepared to be flexible on destinations and you’re less concerned about when you go – for example if you decide to put the honeymoon off until significantly after the wedding.

Typically the best last minute savings are around 6 weeks before you’re due to travel. The big discounts here are on packages rather than flights – and there are great deals to be had if you’re prepared to be flexible and less specific about which hotel you opt for.

You’re less likely to get deals to the likes of Mauritius (less capacity; more competition) but there’s usually plenty of late capacity in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Late packages to Barbados and St Lucia are ripe for last minute deals if you pick your time. There are cheap – or even free – upgrades available on rooms and board on those resorts with inventory to move so it’s definitely worth checking your options.

Can newlyweds get free extras by mentioning they’re on their honeymoon? (free bubbly/spa treatments etc.)

Getting free extras and upgrades depends on where you go – but hotels tend to be quite generous with upgrades and free items if you’re prepared to splash the cash in the first place. Negotiating freebies is less likely in specialist honeymoon destinations, routes and resorts – there’s greater demand and competition from other couples; on the flipside they’re also more used to looking after guests and lavishing them with attention.

If you’re looking for free extras a lot of this is worth doing well in advance – not least so you’re not blagging in front of your partner. If you’re dealing with a travel operator over the phone  bear in mind agents can often put comments and requests on the booking so it’s certainly worth being nice and seeing if you can get this mentioned.

It’s not unheard of for brides taking their wedding dress as hand luggage (just to make sure it doesn’t get crushed) to get the odd upgrade. It’s certainly worth weaving your wedding into conversation at the check-in desk – and being super nice!!

What can you get? If there is capacity or you’re going at a quieter time, say shoulder season, there is certainly scope for room and board upgrades. If this isn’t an option hotels are often good with the smaller touches when it comes to honeymooners; free bubbly, spa treatments, chocolates, flowers and fruit baskets are all on offer to the right couples!

Looking at destinations? Thailand is great for free nights and things like spa treatments – although this isn’t just a honeymoon thing, and the Caribbean can be good for room or board upgrades if you’re prepared to leave it late and take a chance.

Will newlyweds be charged more by mentioning they’re on a honeymoon? (Do hotels bump up charges for ‘honeymoon’ rooms that are actually standard rooms)

There are sometimes mark ups on Honeymoon-friendly destinations and resorts – which makes comparing prices and doing your research essential.The biggest mark ups are in high season where there is higher demand and less capacity.

If you’re worried about this, it might be worth making your initial booking online to get the best deal – and then mentioning your honeymoon at a later date when you contact the hotel direct. A direct call to the hotel or follow up is also a good opportunity to have a discreet conversation about upgrades and remind them of your upcoming wedding; perhaps asking them about romantic restaurant recommendations? Book in advance for those special restaurants – and, again, there is certainly scope for extras like free bubbly and special personalised deserts; just make sure you notify in good time.

Again the bottom line is do your research, compare prices online – and don’t be afraid to negotiate a little on those special extras.

Diamond Wedding Ring in white gold

Picking the perfect wedding ring is an important step for any couple as they are the symbol of eternal love and are likely to be worn for the rest of your life. Vashi Dominguez, CEO of DiamondManufacturers.co.uk offers his top 10 tips on how to choose the perfect wedding bands.

1. His and hers
Do you opt for identical his and her wedding rings or buy different wedding bands for you and your partner? Matching wedding rings doesn’t have to mean that you both end up with the exact same wedding ring.

2. Budget
Weddings are expensive, but a wedding ring is for life. You and your partner will need to decide how much you can realistically afford to spend on your wedding rings. Don’t get carried away by fabulous and expensive rings, but don’t buy wedding rings too cheap either and regret it in years to come. Know your budget and stick to it. Do your research and get the best wedding ring you can possibly buy for your money.

3. Combination
Will the wedding ring be worn alongside an engagement ring? If the answer is ‘yes’, then you may want to consider buying her a curved wedding ring or even one that matches and complements the engagement ring. A curved wedding ring will sit smoothly around the diamond on her diamond engagement ring. A popular choice is to have both engagement and wedding rings designed in the same metal and style.

4. Comfort
If you and your partner enjoy sports and an active lifestyle in general, you may want to opt for wedding bands that are robust, secure and don’t scratch easily. A diamond wedding ring with a whopping great stone looks fantastic, but you may find it uncomfortable in the long run. It may also scratch or get caught in clothing more easily.

5. Setting
A flush or bezel setting for a diamond wedding ring is more secure, but a prong setting allows more light to go through the diamond. In other words, a diamond solitaire ring with a prong setting creates more sparkle. Wedding rings with a bezel setting or a flush set diamond show only the top of the gems with a nice edge around it, making it less likely to catch on your clothes.

Channel Set Diamond Wedding Ring

6. Metal
Should you go for white gold wedding rings, platinum wedding bands, silver or for a yellow gold wedding ring? Silver is a relatively soft metal and will tarnish over time. Gold, whether white gold or yellow gold wedding rings, is fine as long as it not more than 18k (pure gold is 24k, whereas 18k gold is made by mixing 75% gold with 25% other metals). White gold is coated in rhodium, a metal similar to platinum, to create a real white look. Unfortunately, this thin layer of rhodium will eventually wear off. To keep a white gold ring looking its best it should be re-rhodium plated approximately every 12 to 18 months. Platinum is the strongest of the jewellery metals, resistant to damage and won’t tarnish, making it a great choice if you can afford it.

7. Style
Remember that you are likely to wear your wedding ring for the rest of your life. A ‘Twilight’ style goth ring may set your pulse racing now, but will it still be a fitting choice twenty years from now?

8. Design your own wedding ring
For something truly unique, why not design your own wedding rings? Although a wide range of beautiful pre-set wedding rings is widely available, you could decide to create your own, very personal wedding ring designs. Just remember though, that you are very likely to be wearing your wedding rings for the rest of your life.

9. Diamonds
It used to be said that the size of a diamond was proportionate to how much you loved your partner. Nowadays we know better. Quality is just as important. When you buy your diamond engagement ring or diamond wedding ring, it pays to read up on “the 4 Cs of diamonds” (cut, colour, clarity and carat weight).

10. Engravings
Engraving your wedding band is the best way to make your rings unique and personal to you. Possibly opt for your names and wedding date, or a message of your choice for a special, personal touch.

Here’s some lovely summery dresses with a wide ranging budget, that are sure to make a great statement when you’re stepping out… 

Jacquard Print Prom Dress with Belt £89

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Classic prom style jacquard printed dress with scoop neck. Sleeveless, with pleat detail and flared hem. Comes with the self fabric belt. Lined. M&S

Complete the quiz yourself and share with the bride-to-be to get an idea of her hen personality type and the different activities she may like to do on her hen party. Pampered Pet, Sophisticated Sophie and Party Queen are among the personality types assigned to hens by the quiz and activities suggested range from Charleston dance workshops to the latest adventure craze of coasteering.

Explains Josie Maclean, hen weekend planner from Maximise: “In recent years hens have been less inclined to go with a one night affair and are now more likely to plan a whole weekend away with the girls.”

“This can include anything from spa pampering sessions to once in a lifetime experiences, like bungee jumping. The maid-of-honour has to take all this into account when planning the hen do, which is why we created the quiz to give her a helping hand.”

You can complete the two minute quiz below:

Quiz powered by Maximise Hen Weekends
 

Choosing a gorgeous, stand-out outfit – but not too stand-out to look like you’re competing with your daughter, God forbid! – needn’t be a nightmare, nor a one-off outfit never to be seen again. Here’s a selection of high street outfits to suit all budgets with silhouettes to flatter many shapes that we think are stylish, classic and stand-out – for you equally gorgeous mothers.

NYX CUTWORK COAT £250

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A standout coat for sure! This collarless dress-coat has elaborate mesh floral cut out and button detail. Cinched at the waist with a slim waist belt and fully lined. Fabric: 3% Elastane,97% Polyester Coast

Set across one floor on a quiet corner of Mayfair, Little House can accommodate 55 guests for dinner in the restaurant area, with the additional option of hosting 150 people for drinks and canapés. Bespoke menus will be created by the Executive Chef to tailor to the bridal party’s requirements.

For the first time the private hire is available for both members and non-members on Sunday evenings from 5pm and upon application on public holiday Saturdays throughout the year.

Launched in May 2012, Little House is Soho House’s seventh property to open in the UK, providing members with great food and wine in typical Soho House style and surroundings. The house features authentic fireplaces, exposed brick walls and a salon bar. It draws on inspiration from the 1920′s with reclaimed furniture alongside plush leather dinning booths, bar stools and hanging lamps creating a cosy atmosphere.

Showcasing a stand-out art collection, curated by Jonny Yeo and Francesca Gavin, Little House claims to be a relaxed and unique location for an intimate and memorable wedding celebration.

http://www.littlehousemayfair.com

Dilemma does not really seem to suit the feelings and expectations one imagines when speaking of or thinking about where to go on one’s honeymoon. But isn’t there a dilemma? Where should we go, what should we do? Shall we lie on the beach for 10 days straight or go trekking on the slopes of Kilimanjaro?
For those of you who are on the fence on which way to go for this special occasion, here are a few ideas from two extremes (and one in between) of the honeymoon spectrum.

Kia Orana – See, that means ‘hello’ in Cook Island speak. Home to sand so white it looks fake. It’s not.
This island is located in the South Pacific Island, near the Fiji Islands. It is the ideal place for a couple looking for a relaxing, spa-infused, Polynesian heaven getaway. The island offers many a honeymoon resort and hotel, targeted more toward the couple looking for the height of relaxation.

How about a trip down the Amazon River? Something for the adventurous and eco-conscious soul, the Amazon and its basin flows through six South American countries (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador), which are all experiencing an increased rise in tourism and interest from environmentally aware travellers. Many of the holiday/honeymoon packages here include accommodation which runs on solar power, along with an itinerary of filled with adventure, like informative river boat rides, treks in the rainforest, bird-watching and visits to the local tribes.

Or how about something completely out of left field, combining heat and ice cold temperatures, adventure and extreme luxury, how about the IceHotel in the very north of Sweden. Not only are the surroundings breathtaking with white snow and ice as long as the eye can see, but couples can take a dogsled tour, snowmobile safari or visit the local Sami people. At the end of the day you can slip into your sleeping bag in a bed lined with reindeer skin. Cozy, wouldn’t you say?

For many couples, especially those who go on their honeymoon straight after their wedding, they tend to opt for the relaxing, white sand option, following the stress-fest that is planning, organizing and attending one’s own wedding. But as the world has become more accessible and information available for all, it seems the occasion of a honeymoon is a chance for a couple to put their imaginative juices to fruition.

Etsy is a great place to explore for all things wedding related – particularly if you are looking for unique and vintage ideas, or are stuck with a limited budget. With particular emphasis on hand-made and creating an individual look, Etsy can inspire you or help realise your dream theme. Or for those who have done it before – make you wish you could do it all over again with some of the most beautiful hand-crafted and imaginative touches your heart could ever desire!

Lace and satin vintage wedding gown £67

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Sorry grooms, but it all starts with the dress. Often the dress can be the catalyst to creating the theme for the rest of the day. If vintage style lace rings your bell, this could be the one ( - and won’t kill your budget either); Gown with satin base and lace overlay that creates the sleeves and belvedere cuff. Beautiful satin bow fits securely with several snaps and the high neck is made of the same lace overlay. Size 6 in modern sizes. Klein Design Vintage

We’re not all lucky enough to get the groom’s parents (via the tax payer) to pay for the happy day!

By Cecilia Rydberg

Along with being one of the happiest days of your life, a wedding is an occasion for moral dilemmas, financial woes and two or ten tantrums. When a marriage was a matter of economic opportunity and yes, also often a matter of love, it was standard that the family of the bride pay a dowry to the groom and his family – a payment of sorts for the bride’s future habitation with the man in question.

However, in more contemporary times, the dowry has evolved to a responsibility shift in the form of the parents of the bride paying for the wedding and all the costs that go along with it. 
Yet, why should the parents of the bride dole out the cash? Well surprisingly, this tradition is no longer in the majority in the UK.

Pass the Buck

In the UK it is found that roughly 52% of couples nowadays pay for the expense of their wedding festivities, and this change, head of commercial at John Lewis Insurance says “may have come about because weddings are getting more expensive, meaning people are less willing to burden the bride’s parents with the whole cost.  It might also be that the increasing age of marrying couples has given them greater financial independence.”

Average Cost of a Wedding

According to the popular go-to website weddingguideuk.com, the average cost of a wedding lands on around £11,000. “My husband and I paid for the wedding ourselves and I’d say the average cost is between 5000 to 7000 for a ‘normal’ wedding,” says Wiveka Eklund, a native of Sweden.  ”But in Sweden I think the trend is much the same as in England, it is about financial stability and whether you have the means to fund your own wedding or if you fall back on tradition, and let the parents of the bride (or groom) pay for the party.”

Splurge or Spend

For the couple that do not or cannot rely on their parents to dip into saving for financing their wedding some necessary steps need to be taken to come to a conclusion on how best to save, what to prioritise in terms of dress, venue, catering and so on, and when to spend!

Ways to save can be asking yourself the question of what can you do yourself; is it an option to make the invitations by hand, with a little home-made creative flair, is that something you would as a couple be able to take on in order to save a few hundred pounds?  Do you need a traditional 7-tiered white cake?  ”My bridesmaids paid for their own dresses, I do not know if this is unorthodox, but it is something they offered to do and my wallet was grateful,” says Chatz Fernando who had a beach wedding in Sri Lanka.

Priorities vary from couple to couple, the venue and dress may be the most important to some and therefore couples might be more willing to cut back on the material expenses in order to snag their dream location. Having a good plan of action for the wedding, might as unromantic as it sounds, help make the transition into the marriage smoother.

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