The day of your wedding is likely one of the biggest days in your life, and the months leading up to the big event may be focused solely on planning for the day. But many couples enjoy taking some time by themselves after the event to go on a honeymoon. Planning it may feel stressful, especially with everything else you must do, but it can be worthwhile when you get to enjoy a relaxing trip with your loved one.
Start with the Framework
Before you book anything, take some time to build the framework of your trip. Sit down with your significant other and choose a realistic budget. It should not be so expensive you can't afford it, but it shouldn't be so low you can't afford to do the things you want to do. Talk about what is non-negotiable to you in your trip so you both do what you want to. Be realistic about how much you are willing to spend. Still, even if you compromise on the budget, you don't have to compromise on your honeymoon. You can take out a personal loan to make up the financial shortage in what you are willing to spend. If you're thinking of going this route, you can compare rates from different providers in one online marketplace.
Book Ahead of Time
Don't procrastinate on booking your honeymoon because it could lead to you missing out. Instead, make some time to plan early enough. Once you have the dates set, you can start searching for accommodations. It is rare to find many last-minute deals on hotels or flights, and this is especially true if you are getting married and traveling during the busier summer months. It's best to look about six to nine months before the dates. This also ensures you have more options to pick from and are not stuck with the priciest one.
Choose a Less Expensive Destination
Consider going with a location that is affordable and easier to get to. An island in the Caribbean is much harder to get to than a beach that is only a five-hour drive from your home. Do your research on the climates in the areas you want to travel to. It might look cheaper to go to Mexico during the summer months, but that is also their rainy season.
Set Up a Honeymoon Registry
You may not need more chinaware or towels, so you may struggle with what to put on your wedding registry. One option would be a honeymoon fund, where guests wanting to give a wedding gift can contribute. This type of registry allows you to receive an experience instead of a physical item. You could have them contribute cash so you can purchase travel must have's or different packages. One guest may choose to gift you an activity like a day at the spa and another may gift you a surfing lesson. Many wedding website builders allow you to register for different kinds of activities, and this can help your guests feel more involved.