The wedding itself can be expensive, but the costs of a honeymoon can take the financial burden to a whole new level. If you’re planning your honeymoon and looking for ways to cut down on costs without sacrificing the experience, follow these money-saving tips.
Set Up a Honeymoon Fund
More and more couples are choosing to include a honeymoon fund as part of their wedding registry. If you don’t need all of the household goods you’d find on a traditional registry, you can include a honeymoon fund. Guests can contribute as much as they want to a general fund, or you can even set it up to have friends and family gift you certain experiences – such as a romantic dinner for two or a couple’s massage.
Work with a Travel Agent
There are plenty of benefits that come with working with a travel agent to plan your honeymoon. One of the lesser known benefits is that a travel agent will actually save you money in the process. While it may seem counterintuitive, a travel agent will have relationships with tourism companies, hotels and lodging accommodations, and other businesses in your honeymoon destination. That means they’ll be able to score you the best deals for an incredible honeymoon.
Plan an Off-Season Honeymoon
Seasoned travelers know that the best deals on flights and accommodations can be found during a destination’s off-season. Of course, the off-season may have less enjoyable weather, so you’ll need to look into your destination and determine what makes the most sense for your travel plans and expectations.
Be Flexible with Dates
On that note, keep in mind that you don’t have to go on your honeymoon right after your wedding. Many couples choose to have a staycation or a mini-moon, and then plan their honeymoon for later. Doing this will give you more flexibility to go on your honeymoon during a less popular season, ultimately saving you money. It will also give you a bit of a financial breather after your wedding.
Look for All-Inclusive Packages
All-inclusive honeymoon packages help you get the most out of your money. You won’t have to worry about watching your budget while getting drinks, food, or other experiences during your trip. Additionally, they’ll take a lot of the planning off of you – helping you have a dreamy honeymoon experience without the stress.
Check if Your Venue Offers Honeymoon Rewards
Getting married at a hotel? See if they offer any honeymoon deals for couples getting married at their venue. Many larger chains offer discounted (or even free!) nights at any hotel destination to couples who used one of their venues for their wedding.
Limit Your Eating Out
Restaurants can really eat away at your budget, so try to set a limit on eating out – such as only going out once a day. Stop by a local grocery store to pick up snacks and food essentials for other meals. This can even be fun if you have a kitchen or kitchenette in your accommodation. You can make meals with local goods you don’t usually find at home! If cooking at home isn’t an option for you, research a few budget-friendly and quick-service restaurants to keep spending low.
Set Your Spending Expectations
As you’re planning your honeymoon, it is a good idea to sit down with your partner and determine exactly where you want your money to go. Maybe you’re both foodies and want to splurge on decadent meals, or maybe you want to put your money towards adventurous experiences. From here, you can create your honeymoon budget and cut spending in areas that aren’t a priority to you.
Play the Honeymoon Card
During your honeymoon, for some potential extra perks at no cost to you, feel free to mention that you are newlyweds on your honeymoon. Many business employees will want to give you something to help you celebrate, like a complimentary bottle of champagne or the best table at the restaurant. You can even do this while on the phone booking hotels, restaurant reservations, or activities. While this likely won’t save you any major money, you never know what bonuses someone might give you!
If you are in the process of planning your wedding or honeymoon, come to the next Georgia Bridal Show near you. You will have the chance to meet with wedding professionals and travel agents from Georgia and the Southeast who can help bring your vision to life. You may even be the lucky winner of the Honeymoon Giveaway!
Georgia wedding vendors and travel agents, as well as other wedding professionals across the Southeast, can contact us about opportunities for exhibition and online marketing with Georgia Bridal Show.