5 Tips for Planning Your Honeymoon

After photographing so many weddings and just having genuine conversations with my couples, I’ve noticed that there is a pattern with honeymoon planning. Over the next couple of pages, there are 5 tips for planning your honeymoon that may be helpful as you are trying to make big decisions about where to go, what to spend, and what will be a great fit for you as a couple!

1. Know Your Budget

Debt can be a huge stress on any marriage, especially a new trip. One thing you want to avoid is coming home from your Honeymoon with a pile of credit card debt. Inevitably, that will provide some newlywed tension! There are definitely great, affordable options for honeymoons. Don’t feel like you have to keep up with the Instagram Influencers and go to crazy locations. However, if your budget allows for a crazy location, then go for it! Just remember, your honeymoon is a big deal, but you have decades of anniversary trips ahead of you!

2. Plan This Trip for You AND Your Significant Other

This may sound super simple, but let me explain. What you’re used to doing on a vacation may be very different from what you’re significant other is used to! No matter what your dynamic is, I recommend checking in with one another about your Honeymoon expectations as you plan. Trust me, this can save you from a lot of unmet expectations and tensions that could arise on your trip, something you do not want on your Honeymoon.

3. All-Inclusive vs. Not

All-inclusive vacation options can actually be an amazing option! It is so nice to not have to worry about the budget once your honeymoon begins. This is one reason a cruise is a good option because everything is included
and you don’t have to think about food options. Something to consider about all-inclusive resorts is that you would more than likely be spending a lot of time at the resort, so you’ll want to do some thorough research about the pools, the beach amenities, reviews on the food, etc.

Bonus Tip: One thing that helps me decide about trips and where to go is to follow a resort’s Instagram account for a while just to get a feel for what they have to offer and what people choose to do there. This will give you more of a real-life peek into the resort, instead of what you would find on their website or booking site.

4. Credit Card Points

I know, this can be a touchy subject for some. However, the year prior to getting married can be full of some decently large expenses. If you have a credit card with great points, be sure to use any large purchases to your advantage so that you can collect points to use on your honeymoon. For those of you that may not fly often, but want to be dedicated to one airline for the sake of points, it’s smart to choose an airline whose hub is near you. There is so much that you can get for free simply by doing your research. Some cards offer special bonus points during your first three months, so be sure to look into those options.

5. Excursions

Like I said before, if you are staying at a resort or on a cruise, there are normally options to do great excursions that will allow you to see more of the area, go shopping, do something active or visit a historical site. Some stuff you can do includes zip lining, sunset cruises, snorkeling, hikes, four wheeler tours, helicopter tours, etc. These are an added cost that can add up quickly, so keep that in mind and discuss them with your partner. Be sure to read reviews on excursions and look for honest feedback about whether or not it’s worth the investment!

6. Final Tips for Planning Your Honeymoon:

The Truth About Cruises: You may be thinking “there is no way we are going on a cruise” for our honeymoon. The truth is, not all cruises are like Carnival Cruise lines. I promise, there are classy ways to cruise that will allow you to rest, enjoy good food, see multiple places without ever changing lodging locations, and do some adventurous excursions while also getting to have some beach days. I suggest trying to book cruises during the school year so there are less kids and families on board. Also, cruises are starting to create exclusive areas for a higher price. So if it is in the budget to splurge on the upgrade, it is totally worth it!

— Bonus — Delayed Honeymoons:

I work with a lot of couples who go on delayed honeymoons and just get away for a couple of days right after the wedding. This is a great option if you’re wanting to save up for a longer trip! I’m currently making a blog about how to have the best minimoon in Traverse City, Michigan which you will see in a few weeks!

The honeymoon is definitely different for each couple, but hopefully these 5 tips for planning your honeymoon help you get started!

Cheers & Happy Wedding Planning!
Stephanie

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leave a comment