How to Plan an Affordable Honeymoon [Infographic]

Anyone who has planned a wedding for more than five guests knows that costs can quickly add up. When you are done paying for the dress, the venue, the food, and the drinks, it seems like any time you open your wallet moths fly out.

For some newlyweds a honeymoon might feel unattainable. The stress of trying to plan (and pay for) a honeymoon may leave you feeling anything but joyful. However, there are ways to plan a more affordable honeymoon that will leave you blissfully relaxed. Thinking outside of the box just a little bit can end up saving you a whole lot.

Weather Flexibility

Many destinations are the most costly and the most crowded when the weather is the best. While it’s understandable that you might want ideal weather on vacation, you can also save money if you go on shoulder seasons or the off-season. If you and your partner are willing to be a little flexible on weather you may find some great deals. Sometimes simply packing a light rain jacket is all you need to be able to jet off to your dream honeymoon destination for a fraction of the cost.

The last thing a honeymoon should be is a point of financial stress.

Local Gems

While the word “honeymoon” often brings to mind cliché images of far-off exotic destinations, not all honeymoons have to include white sand beaches and tiki torches. In fact, you can find just as much adventure and romance much closer to home if you search around a little bit. It’s perfectly okay to take a mini-moon right after your wedding, somewhere closer to home, and then take a larger honeymoon down the road once you’ve saved a bit more money. Think of National Parks you’ve always wanted to visit, small coastal towns that ooze romance, or a nearby city you’ve never explored.

Savings Plan

If your wedding is far enough ahead you can begin a small savings plan for your honeymoon. While you may not be able to save a lot due to the extra wedding expenses rolling in, even saving 5% – 10% of your monthly income can, over time, create a nice little honeymoon nest. Many online banks offer automatic transfer options so you can set-up a monthly deposit into your savings. This easy step means you won’t forget to save every month once you become busy with other wedding to-dos.

Calendar Clues

When planning your honeymoon, it’s always a good idea to keep important calendar dates in mind. Flight prices often go up during 3-day weekends and around major holidays. Is it Spring Break for public school systems? It might be better to wait until families go back to school so you can avoid large crowds and higher prices. While you might have your mind set on leaving for the honeymoon immediately after the wedding, being flexible on your travel dates can often help save you money in the end.

Registry Help

There are a number of registry services out there that cater exclusively to honeymoon funds. This is a fun way for guests to help you have a fun and relaxing honeymoon. (We’re big fans of Honeyfund.) Based off how you set up your registry, guests might choose to contribute cash gifts or purchase part of your honeymoon. For example, someone can buy you a dinner, a massage, or a bottle of champagne. Maybe there’s an activity you and your partner want to enjoy, such as horseback riding. Putting the activity on your registry gives guests the option to purchase this activity for you!

Your honeymoon is meant to be a time to decompress, unwind, and enjoy the company of your new spouse. The last thing a honeymoon should be is a point of financial stress. With a little planning and scrappiness your honeymoon can fit your own personal style and budget just right and leave you blissfully relaxed.