Planning a wedding is usually a joyful experience rather than a stressful one, and arranging the perfect honeymoon can be the icing on the cake. It’s a special time to celebrate your marriage and enjoy intimate moments with your new spouse, without worrying about invitations, outfits, seating, or centerpieces. It’s all about you two enjoying a romantic setting and each other’s company.
Given the financial strain weddings can cause, honeymoons often become an afterthought. Considering the average honeymoon costs about $5,000 for a week-long stay, it might seem challenging to afford one right after the wedding expenses.
However, you don’t have to give up on your dream honeymoon. With careful planning, you can make both your wedding and honeymoon exceptional. Here are some tips to help you achieve that.
**Honeymoon Donations Instead of Wedding Gifts**
Wedding gifts are lovely but not mandatory. If you’re having a traditional wedding with many guests, consider asking them to contribute to your honeymoon fund instead of bringing a physical gift. Many people already give money, but if all your guests did, it would significantly reduce the costs of flights, accommodations, meals, and activities for your trip. When you send out wedding invitations, mention your preferred honeymoon destination and how important it is to you. Ask guests to donate to your honeymoon fund, providing a PayPal link or allowing them to give their donation at the wedding. Plus, you’ll have fewer items to take home after the wedding!
**Cut Wedding Costs**
Another way to afford an amazing honeymoon is by cutting some wedding expenses. Talk with your partner to prioritize what’s most important for your wedding day. Could you reduce flower arrangements, choose simpler dining options, skip a designer dress, or forgo a wedding planner? Maybe an all-inclusive venue could save you money. Focus on what matters most and save on less critical areas. Small changes, like moving your wedding to a Sunday or skipping an open bar, can save you thousands. Most guests won’t notice, and it allows you to have a quality experience without overspending.
**Use Credit Card Rewards**
If you have credit cards with rewards, you might be able to use those points or cash back to pay for your honeymoon. This approach worked for my husband and me. After getting engaged and setting a wedding date, we each opened two reward cards—one with an airline and one with a hotel chain. We earned bonus points by spending a certain amount in the first few months. We used these cards for wedding costs and everyday expenses, always paying off the balance in full each month. Soon, we had enough points for a week-long, all-inclusive honeymoon in Jamaica, costing only $400 in fees. Everything else, from flights to meals and drinks, was covered. This strategy isn’t for everyone, especially if you have a poor credit score, existing credit card debt, or trouble controlling spending. Stick to what you can afford to avoid debt.
**Delay the Honeymoon**
Another option is to delay your honeymoon. While it’s tempting to go immediately after your wedding, waiting a few months or even a year can give you time to save for the trip. Many couples now opt for a ‘later-moon’, aligning it with their first anniversary. Although waiting might not be as appealing, it allows you to plan an affordable yet fantastic trip. Continue saving and planning during this time to avoid missing out on your honeymoon. You could also consider cost-saving options like Airbnb, avoiding major airlines, or traveling in the off-peak season.
Don’t let money issues stop you from having an amazing honeymoon. Start planning early and use these strategies to turn your dream honeymoon into reality.
What steps are you taking to afford your dream honeymoon? Where do you plan to go?