Find out if your vacation spot includes a registry. This will make things easier for you. Since you will probably be spending this precious time far from home, it's unlikely that you will be able to visit the locale to set up your registry. Find out if this can be done online; most honeymoon spots now offer this service, or at least can supply you with a list of vacation extras your family and friends can purchase for you.
Setting Up Your Registry
Setting up a honeymoon registry isn't hard. You will be asked for your name, your fiancé's name, the honeymoon dates and other relevant information. Generally, this service is free.
If your vacation spot doesn't offer a registry, go ahead and make one of your own. Hop on the computer and make up a spreadsheet or just a simple text document. Include your names, the dates, the location, a list of people you will want to notify of the registry and information on what special gifts you'd like to receive.
The Fun Part
Once you have set up your honeymoon registry, the fun begins. Find out what services are available at the locale. These may include:
- spa visits
- massages
- manicure or pedicure
- yoga classes
- lessons (horseback riding; scuba diving; tennis)
- special shows, plays or movies
- dinners
- gift certificates to popular shopping spots
- hotel expenses
- airfare (due to the expense, this is usually in small partial payment options)
Spread the Word
Get the word out to loved ones and friends that you've set up a honeymoon registry. You can have a close relative do this for you if you like. If your friends are hosting a wedding shower for you, have both the wedding and honeymoon registries accessible to them.
You may want to have the person coordinating your shower split up the gift-giving to make things easier for your wedding guests. For example, have them select from the wedding registry for the wedding gift, and the honeymoon registry for the bridal shower gift.
Politeness Counts
Don't forget the thank-you notes! Make sure to personalize them to the gift you have received: "Dear Aunt Edna: Thank you so much for the wonderful gift of a manicure at Spa Forever Love. It was just what I was hoping for." "Thank you for the horseback riding vouchers. John and I had a fantastic time learning something new."
You can also include a photo of the gift in action. This personalizes your thank-you and shows the gift giver how much his or her present was appreciated.
Good Advice
If you like the way your honeymoon registry turned out, suggest this fabulous idea to an engaged friend. You can even sit down with her and help her set up her registry. Look at what your friend's honeymoon locale offers and point out to your friend which activities you and your groom enjoyed. She will appreciate the help -- and the registry -- as much as you did.