Pay for extras that create one clear memory, such as a private dinner or a long massage. Skip the ones that look good for five minutes and cost the same as a real meal. Use the three-question test below on any offer before you agree.
This page belongs to our occasions topic. If you are also comparing packages, our honeymoon packages page explains how they are built.
What is the three-question test?
Ask these in order. Two yes answers is enough to keep an extra.
- Will we still talk about this in a year?
- Will we both be present for it, with time to enjoy it?
- Would we choose it if it were a separate line on the bill?
The third question matters most. A cake that feels free inside a package is still part of the total.
Which extras are worth paying for?
The table groups common extras by how much memory they tend to give. It is a guide, not a rule, so adjust it to your own taste.
| Extra | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Private or special dinner | Pay | Two hours together, no distractions |
| Couple massage with enough time | Pay | Rest is the real gift for a busy decade |
| Late check-out | Pay | Gives an easy last morning |
| Room upgrade with a view | Maybe | Worth it only if you will spend time there |
| Photo session | Maybe | Good if you have few photos together |
| Room decoration | Maybe | Short-lived unless you stay in all day |
| Cake and flowers | Skip, or make it small | Easy to arrange yourselves |
| Generic welcome drinks | Skip | Small and quickly forgotten |
Our package extras checklist shows how to read what each extra actually includes.
Resort add-on or do it ourselves?
Resort extras save effort and are on site. Doing it yourself can feel more personal, such as bringing a handwritten note or booking a restaurant you love.
Read resort surprise add-on versus doing it yourself before deciding. The answer depends on how much time you have to coordinate.
How do we judge a spa or dinner extra?
Ask four things in writing: the length of the session, whether it is private or shared, what is included, and what happens if it rains or the date changes.
For spa, compare a fixed credit with an included couple treatment. Our guide on spa credit versus an included couple massage explains the difference.
If the budget is tight, a good meal beats a long list. See romantic dinner for two on a small budget.
What if we do not drink or have dietary needs?
Some anniversary extras assume wine or a specific menu. Tell the resort early and ask for a version that suits you, such as a halal-certified kitchen or a non-alcoholic pairing. A swap at the start is easier than a refusal at the table.
How do we set an extras budget?
Decide a total for extras before you look at the offer. Keep it as a small share of the whole trip, so the room and food still come first.
Write the amount down, and add every extra to the same page. Our honeymoon budget calculator can hold the list so you see the combined cost.
What should we do next?
- Run the three-question test on every extra offered.
- Mark each as pay, maybe or skip.
- Ask the resort to confirm the kept extras in writing, with timing and rain terms.
- Send us the offer if you want a second pair of eyes. We will go through it and explain the total for two.