The bouquet has been tossed, the rice has been thrown and it's now time for the happy couple to make their getaway.

But, to where?

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When it comes to planning a honeymoon, the logistics can be as detailed as the wedding itself. But, experts advise, the first question that needs to be answered isn't what part of the world to visit, it's how far can your budget take you.

"There is no rule of thumb for honeymoon budgets," said Susie Bell, of Travel South International in Atlanta.

"There's not a right or wrong on how much you should spend. It really should be what you can afford, and from there we can tweak it to find something really interesting."

Most couples who cross Bell's threshold are spending an average of $5,000 on their post-wedding trip. And most of them are opting for romantic destinations such as Italy.

"The movie 'Under the Tuscan Sun' has drawn so many people to places like Positano for its romantic seaside," Bell said. "It offers a wide range of accommodations, from $250 to $550 per night, in a number of small hotels where you can have a beautiful room. And once you're there, you can take a ferry to Capri or Sorrento, or drive to Pompeii."

Atlanta couples also are flocking to the close-by Caribbean destinations of St. Lucia, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

"You can stay in a hillside hotel with ocean views or in a beachside cottage," Bell said. "And you can usually find some kind of deal in just about any price point."

Privacy and pampering close to home are prized by couples who honeymoon on Little St. Simons Island. This exclusive 10,000-acre island boasts a seven-mile stretch of Georgia coastline, and caters to lovers with complimentary champagne, picnic lunches and intimate cottages with wood-burning fireplaces and private, outdoor showers. While on the island, guests have use of all the facilities, from boats and kayaks to bikes and horses.

Many of those looking for an exotic backdrop to start their married lives are opting for South Africa.

The natural beauty of the area, combined with safari excursions and trips into the wine country, make for a memorable trip.

Many of today's couples are able to enjoy such lavish honeymoons, thanks in part to their parents, Bell said.

"We're seeing a lot of parents picking up the tab," she said.