Traveling Immediately After the Reception
In today’s world, many wedded couples postpone their honeymoon plans for a bit, either to relax or for logistical purposes. However, if you’re planning to take a cue from your parents’ generation and take off right after the ceremony, make sure you’ve got everything in order for your jet-set exit.
Make arrangements for the honeymoon as soon as you can, preferably within a month before your wedding. Pack essentials, double check passports and all documentation, buy vacation clothes, and make a checklist of necessary items and “to do” chores—camera, guidebooks, contact information. The reason for the immediacy is simple: you’re not going to have free time as your wedding approaches, and you don’t want to be canceling the paper the day before your ceremony. After your wedding, and before you leave on your trip, pack last-minute essentials and double check your list. As tempting as it might be, don’t bring along wedding gifts unless intended for the vacation; you’re going to need all extra room in suitcases for purchases bought on your honeymoon.
On the day of your wedding, have all your travel gear in a convenient place, either your hotel room, home, or with a trusted friend or loved one. Make sure your travel clothes are spread out and ready to go. Pack a carry-on with items you need in case luggage is lost—medication, change of clothes, emergency numbers.
Most of your guests will know you’re leaving for your honeymoon immediately after the ceremony, but take a moment to make an announcement before you exit the reception. Let them know they are welcome to stay and celebrate until the scheduled ending time. Even if you’re leaving early the next morning, thank them now, as you won’t have time to spend with guests in the mad pre-travel rush. It’s perfectly fine to schedule activities for the remaining guests (brunch, hikes), provided they know you won’t be in attendance. Do make sure long-distance guests have all information regarding activities and their own transportation out of town.
Do not leave the reception prematurely. Should your travel plans interfere with the ceremony, either re-book the trip or change the reception hours. Make sure you go through all the formalities, and never leave before the cake-cutting. No one should feel rushed before they head off to paradise.
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