You’ve spent the last 12 months planning your destination wedding. Finally, the time has arrived to pack your bags, leave the city, and head to the beautiful island of Capri. This is where you’ll spend the next couple of weeks experiencing the sights, sounds and culture of Italy. You’re on an emotional high.

While you’re ready to escape and begin this next chapter in your life, planning a destination wedding and Italian honeymoon involves leaving your home for an extended period. The last thing on your mind is a robbery. But here’s the reality, leaving home for any extended period can leave you vulnerable to a criminal breaking into your house.  It only takes one person to rain on your parade, and if there’s ever a good time to strike your house, now is the time.

You might be halfway around the world, but you’re not completely helpless. There’s no reason to stress or worry about your home. Simple steps can protect your home and ensure your peace of mind.

1. Yes, you’re excited and want to share details about your perfect fairy tale nuptials. Understand, however, sharing information online and posting your wedding and honeymoon photos can cause problems while you’re out of the country. Don’t place all your trust in privacy settings on your social networks. Burglars can bypass these settings and discover your whereabouts.

2. A stack of newspapers next to your front door is a dead giveaway. You might as well post a sign that reads, “I’m away, please break in.” Call the newspaper and postal service a week before you’re scheduled to leave. Ask a relative or friend to keep an eye on your place and pick up any unexpected packages, flyers, or handbills.

3. Any changes in the appearance of your house are additional tell-tale signs of your absence. If your meticulously manicured lawn starts to overgrow, or if your colorful, healthy plants start to droop, thieves may note the change and strike while no one is around. Hire a lawn service for routine maintenance while you’re away, or ask a relative to keep the yard in tip-top shape until you return.

4. Don’t run up your electric bill with around the clock lights. Instead, replace your exterior door lights with motion-sensor lights and put your interior lights and television on a timer.

5. Burglars look for houses that allow quick, easy and sound-free entry. The more obstacles you put in their way, the better. Installing an alarm system is the number one way to deter burglars. Check services like ProtectYourHome.com to assist you in securing your home. Yard signs and window decals will send thieves packing; and with 24-hour monitoring and quick response times, you can enjoy your honeymoon knowing that your house is in good hands.