Fwd: Here comes the Bride

Follow this timetable to make sure you’re on schedule with your wedding trip plans.

6 months before

• While you're doing the wedding planning, discuss the type of honeymoon you want—whether you crave a sunny beach vacation, a rugged hike in the mountains or a cruise to places full of history and culture. Keep in mind that if you are planning a large wedding, you will be tired and may not want to maintain a hectic schedule.
• Determine how much time off from work you will be able to take. Some trips—such as those to the South Pacific and Asia—require too much travel time and acclimation to the time difference to be taken comfortably in just one week.
• Start reading up on potential destinations. Look through travel books, magazines and the travel section of your local newspaper. Discuss your honeymoon dreams together and imagine what different trips would be like.
• Set a realistic budget, factoring in everything from the plane tickets and the hotel fees to meals and souvenirs. The first few weeks after the wedding are not the time to accrue credit card debt.

5 months before

• Finalize your destination, and make sure that you’re both happy with the decision. Try not to change your mind—you can always take a different trip another time.
• Be sure to thoroughly research hotels, airlines and rental-car companies before you book anything. Keep in mind your wedding budget and how you might go over it, and make sure you have leeway in the honeymoon budget just in case.

3 months before

• Make your reservations and charge all necessary deposits. Keep a record of confirmation numbers and requests for things like non-smoking rooms, king-size beds and window seats.
• Be sure that your official travel documents, such as your passports and any necessary visas, are in order.
• Research travel insurance, and purchase whatever coverage you need.

2 months before

• Make sure you have the proper luggage, as well as travel essentials like a toiletry bag, a voltage converter and a travel iron. There’s still time before the wedding to add items you need to your bridal registry.

1 month before

• Write up a list of everything you’ll need to pack, including clothes, toiletries and accessories, and purchase last-minute items such as sunscreen. You won’t have time to deal with this stuff closer to the wedding, so it’s best to do it now.
• Buy or borrow a camera and video camera if you need them, and pick up film and extra batteries.

1 week before

• Confirm all travel arrangements.
• Make a copy of your travel itinerary, including phone and fax numbers where you can be reached, and leave it with friends or family in case of emergency.
• Pack medications, a change of clothes and toothbrushes, as well as tickets, passports and money, in your carry-on bag. Save room for honeymoon gifts if you receive any at the wedding.

Day of departure

• Be sure to arrive at the airport early to allow for security checks—a minimum of one hour before domestic flights, two for international.
• Drink plenty of water so that you arrive fresh and hydrated.
• Get on the local time as soon as you arrive at the airport, even if that means drinking coffee to stay awake. The sooner you adjust, the better.
• Relax and have fun! You’re married, the wedding is over, and all you have to do now is enjoy each other and your well-deserved vacation.