Plan together.

Both of you should be involved in planning the honeymoon. That includes doing the research, possibly meeting with a travel agent, and then making reservations. Discuss what type of honeymoon experience you want. A lazy beach get away? A tour of a European country? A week of sky and scuba diving? Make sure you are in agreement. If you dream of biking in Italy but he's visualizing cocktails by the pool, aim for something in the middle.

Set a honeymoon budget.

Plan your honeymoon budget beforehand too. This may be your first major expenditure together - and the cost may surprise you. In the frenzy of adding up wedding and reception expenses, don't forget to plan for the expected (and unexpected) costs of the honeymoon. Beyond transportation and lodging, the honeymoon budget should also include meals, transfers, souvenirs, sight-seeing and sports-related costs, tips, taxes and the little luxuries, like a massage or poolside charges for lounge chairs and towels. Before you book a budget-buster getaway, consider some less expensive options. Don't go into debt to finance a honeymoon.

Honeymoon registries.

It's perfectly acceptable to register for a honeymoon. Modern wedding gift registries run the gamut from stocks and mutual funds to travel and home-building supplies. The crucial part? Share your registry information appropriately. Let family and friends know that you've registered for a honeymoon by way of word of mouth. (But, never include this information in the same envelope as a wedding invitation). If you're asked point blank what you'd like for a gift, say: "Whatever you chose will be wonderful I'm sure, but contributions to our honeymoon registry are on the top of our wish list." Arm your friends and family with the reasons why you chose this registry: "They've always dreamed of a trip to Italy." There will be guests who will prefer traditional gifts. Accept any gift graciously. The choice of what to give really belongs to the gift giver.

The honeymoon you don't want.

What if someone offers you their vacation home or time share for your honeymoon but you had other plans in mind? First, thank the person for their generosity. It's a kind offer that should be considered. Your first reaction may be "no way," but is there a silver lining? Maybe you'll save some money or enjoy visiting a new area. But if that's not the case, decline the offer. It's OK to say no, just do so politely. "Thanks so much for the offer to use your time share Susan, but we have our heart set on a week in the Caribbean so we'll have to decline. But we really appreciate your generosity."

Plan for your children and your honeymoon.

Many couples marrying for the second time bring children into the marriage. Remarriage can be unsettling for kids, especially young children who are dependent on their parent. They may feel that they are being abandoned or will become less important in your life. If your kids feel threatened by your marriage, you may rightly be concerned about leaving them immediately after the wedding to go on a honeymoon. This is a clear conflict, as you and your new spouse may be eager - and certainly deserve - to share some private time together.

Some couples decide to take their kids on the honeymoon with them, making the trip a family vacation. This is fine - as long as you and your mate are enthusiastic and in complete agreement about this. Others find ways to divide their honeymoon, with the first part a time for the two of you alone and the second part a trip as a new family. This gives your children something to look forward to during the few days you are away from them. Or you could plan a special kids' party after you get home from the honeymoon. If you do decide to take a honeymoon away from the kids, think of ways to remember them while you are gone. Call often and send plenty of postcards or Emails. You can even make videotapes or audiotapes to mail overnight to the kids, describing your vacation spot and sending your love.

Pamper, indulge, relax!

This should be a once in a lifetime event for the two of you. So don't be afraid to splurge on a few extras. It could be his and hers massages at the hotel spa - or pack your own supplies for giving each other spa treatments in the privacy of your own room. Other possibilities: a sunset sail, if you're near a beach, or get your honeymoon off to a sweet start with an extravagant meal of delicious, honey-glazed duck and creamy honey ice cream. Whatever the indulgence - enjoy! This is a special time