There are almost always high levels of stress, endless challenges faced, and a very high standard of expectations when it comes to getting married. But few think about the challenges they will face when selecting the honeymoon location and theme.

Honeymoon expectations can be as equally high as the marriage because most brides and grooms have only seen honeymoons unfold in film: The heroine is blinded-folded and taken to a remote location where she sleeps on a bed of roses and frolics on an empty beach in her flowing, perfectly-pressed sari when her newly betrothed lifts her into the air with one hand onto a white horse so they can gallop down the coastline while the sun is setting in the horizon.

Reality check! Do you really think this is how it will unfold?But even if it doesn’t compare to the latest Bollywood depiction, your honeymoon can be romantic, stress-free and worth a lifetime of memories with just a little bit of planning and adventurous spirit.

COMPATIBILITY

Honeymooning is about the likes and dislikes of two individual people coming together to form one mutual lifelong union. It is important to rule out vacation styles that don’t match either party. If the bride has never been swimming, don’t take her on a scuba trip. If the groom is allergic to animals, don’t head to a safari. It might sound overly simple, but recognizing things you don’t want out of the honeymoon is extremely important.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING

Creating a list of limitations will be helpful in ruling out certain honeymoon destinations. If you only have five days for your honeymoon and you are getting married in the U.S. and leaving immediately after on your honeymoon, India is not the most optimal location to select. If this scenario fits your situation, consider the majestic islands of Hawaii or the exotic coastal resorts in Mexico which are closer to U.S. shores.

AT THE END OF THE DAY

At the end of the day, you want a honeymoon that fits your desires, is within your budget, and feasible for you both to achieve. Romance is most often found in the very small private moments that are unplanned and spontaneous.
So plan your honeymoon, but don’t over-plan your honeymoon. Keep your time one-on-one with each other sacred, and make it a point to schedule in plenty of private time during your vacation regardless of where you are or what you are doing.