Stay-cation - Honeymooning in the UK

Have you, or would you, ever considering honeymooning in the UK?  Yes, okay, I do know how mad that sounds, but hear me out...

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As the adverts on TV say, why would you want to go abroad in 2012?  Around the country there are many events and festivals taking place to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee and the London Olympics.  There are a wide variety of museums and art galleries for all you culture vultures out there, including the newly opened Titanic Belfast museum.  

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If you think that honeymooning in the UK is only for those who can't afford the Maldives or a Caribbean Island, think again.  Kate Winslet honeymooned in the Cotswolds with her first husband Jim Threapleton following her 'bangers and mash' pub reception.  Nearly every newly-wed couple in the royal family has spent part of their honeymoon in the UK.  You don't need to go abroad to have proper one-to-one time with your new husband.

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One massive (and very romantic) advantage of travelling in the UK is that you can book your accommodation in your married names before you get there.  If you want to travel abroad using your married name, this will have to be changed on your passport before you're married.  The only way to do this is to change your name by deed poll ahead of the ceremony.  Not a problem if you don't need a passport.

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The other great advantage of staying in the UK is that, by saving money on travel, you have more spending money to treat yourself to souvenirs and days out.  Have you always wanted to go to the opera?  Maybe you've dreamt of going to that fancy restaurant you've had your eye on for years?  Now's the time, seize the moment!

 

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The honeymoon is often the part of a wedding that couples end up looking forward to the most. A lot of people do not appreciate just how stressful planning a wedding can be.  That's why having a honeymoon, or even just a few days away together, alone, after the festivities is vitally important.  It gives you a chance to reconnect as a couple and reflect on your special day.

Remember: Marriage is a tricky business and the wedding is just the start.

Do It Like A Duchess - how to be the perfect wedding guest

Before she became recognised as being one of the brides of the century, it was a case of 'Always the guest, never even the bridesmaid' for Kate Middleton.  We all have that Hugh Grant/Four Weddings moment when we seem to have a wedding to attend every single Saturday, but perhaps in this, we can learn something from Her Royal Highness: 

Sticking to a range of comfortable colours and simple styles is the key.  There is a place for daring fashion, but your best mate's big day is not it.  Do as the Duchess does and stick within your normal pallett.  While she looks divine in cool blues and gorgeous golds, you will know which colours suit you best.  Kate likes her skirts to sit just above the knee and she has a nice cleavage which she shows to effect (but never revealing too much!)  It's important to remain modest at a wedding - leg or bust, never both.

One pit that is sooo easy to fall into is wearing the all black ensemble, especially for a winter wedding.   Some might call it classy; everyone else will say funereal.  Kate's tried to lighten her outfit here with some burgundy shoes, but they're simply not enough.  The LBD can look great at a wedding, but weddings are happy occassions.  And it's scientifically proven fact that bright colours go hand in hand with happiness.  Inject some colour a bright pair of shoes, hat or fascinator, or even a bag.

 

When it comes to hats, Kate's got it nailed.  Never too big, never too small.  You need a hat that has character without having a full-blown story to tell.  (Princess Beatrice: we're looking at you!)  Rule of thumb: if you can't travel in a car with it on your head, it's probably too big.

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When it comes to shoes, smart but comfortable is the way forward.  For all that you want to look your best, you will be on your feet for quite a long time.  Will the corns from those amazing 6-inch Manolos really be worth it in the morning?