• Plan early. The best resorts can fill up a year in advance. We generally recommend that you book about nine months in advance.
• What do you enjoy together? Think about your shared interests.Do you like to golf or snorkel together? Do you share a hobby like photography? Why not add some of these elements to your honeymoon to make it even more memorable?
• Good Food makes for Good Times. Food is an often overlooked element of the honeymoon. There is nothing worse than being in a resort that offers nothing that you enjoy eating.
• Surprises or extras win brownie points. Throw in something unexpected, like a cooking class or a couple’s massage.

(Photo from recent post on St. Lucia’s Ladera Resort)

Just a few friendly reminders from StrictlyWeddings.com! Check out our other tips and ideas for Grooms and Honeymoons.

1. Say “Fab” – No matter how “fab” something is … no matter how hard you try to drill it voodoo-style into our vocabulary … we’ll never say it. There could be a million Swarovski crystals hanging from a single centerpiece … we still won’t say it. It’s not you. It’s us.

2. Multitask At Your Level – Somewhere in our DNA we lack the chromosome that allows us to have six browser windows open while simultaneously emailing our wedding party, texting the photographer, faxing contracts, and phone conferencing with vendors. So pat us on the head and let us work at our own pace.

3. Cry Over Minor Milestones – We may tear up on the day, but don’t expect us to cry when we book the old school photo booth. We’re excited about it, too, but our lacrimal glands are limited — we need to save up our tears for the big day. We do that for you.

4. Help Plan Your Bachelorette Party – This doesn’t apply to every bride … but some do like their man’s advice when planning their last night of single womanhood. We won’t do it. It’s not that we’re uncomfortable with the idea. And we’re certainly not jealous, no matter how many police officers in tear away pants you may hire. We’re just afraid that you’ll want to reciprocate and help plan our bachelor party. And that’s just not an option.

5. Admit How Involved We Are – We know. You’re just thrilled that you are the one bride among all your bride friends who has the guy who’s involved. And, without hesitation, you’ll announce this at social gatherings, game nights, double dates, shindigs and soirees — but we won’t admit to it. We’ll laugh and deny it and quickly change the subject, especially in mixed company. So let’s keep our enthusiasm between us.

Source: ManRegistry.com

Photograph courtesy of Jai Girard Photography, Chicago

• Start slowly! Every woman wants help from her groom, but overwhelming him with too many wedding details that he hasn’t formed opinions about will overload him.
• Start simple with choices about things guys are interested in: music entertainment, alcohol, photographers, and food. He’s not ready to make decisions on centerpieces, decorations, and table linens (and may never be!).
• Compromise. This is a new world to your groom. All of his ideas may not be winners. However, if you want his help, don’t shoot down every idea he’s got.  A little trust goes a long way!
• When you’re on a tight budget you generally pick three items you’re willing to spend money on, and cut costs everywhere else. Do the same thing with wedding decisions. Pick 3 that you feel strongly about and compromise everywhere else. It’s BOTH of your days and perhaps the biggest party you’ll throw.
• Find fun blogs online and browse them together or send them to him (There’s lots of great info right here in our blog so send him to some of our resources). There are blogs expressing every viewpoint out there. If he connects with other guys getting married he’ll be more willing to help plan. Reading other groom’s stories are the best way to realize he’s not alone!
• Start a website together. There are tons of free website services to keep your guests well informed. Picking colors for the website is a good way to talk about picking the colors for your wedding!. Guys are more visual than women. If you describe chocolate & pink table runners, he doesn’t know what it looks like, but if you pick the colors for the website he’ll immediately connect. Or show him pictures of the colors online; he’ll be able to see what they look like.
• Remember to have fun. This should be the happiest time of your life. If it’s not, take a step back, go out on a date and don’t talk weddings. Taking a night off is a great way not to overwhelm BOTH of you.

Resource: Templeofgroom.com

Photograph courtesy of Rick Aguilar – Chicago