"A friend introduced me to the idea of a wedding website. Initially, I was using a free service but found it difficult to work with. After searching many services on the Net, I found Brilliant Wedding Pages. The cost was better than I expected and the options presented were awesome."
- Christine
Volume 6
Issue 5
Planning Your Honeymoon
Think it's too early to start planning your honeymoon? Think again! It's a very good idea to start the preparations for honeymoon planning as early as six months before your wedding. Why? To save money, of course!
First, you need to decide what kind of honeymoon you would like. Would you planning to be lazy the entire time, lying in the sun on a beach? Or, are you the kind of person who likes to go, go, go. Make sure to talk this over with your fiance, as you may discover you have different intentions for your honeymoon - in which case, a compromise is in order.
Second, you need to decide and plan for your budget. Many people can have a "go, go, go" vacation in the big city nearby on a very small budget. But, you can also spend a small fortune on lying on the beach for a week - especially if you want to do it in Italy. So, before you decide where you want to go, first decide how much you can afford or how much you are willing to spend.
Now you can narrow down your honeymoon choices. Will you spend your honeymoon on the beaches of Florida or Mexico? Or, would you rather ski in Vail, Colorado? Are you enchanted by a Disney honeymoon or compelled to go abroad for this one-time chance to be newlyweds alone together. Wherever it is you plan to take your honeymoon, make sure it is within your budget.
So, the next step is to call your travel agent or do some research online. Find out what airline tickets are going for. Or, if there are any specials on a cruise stopping at your desired destination. Find out as much information as possible about the cost of your possible honeymoon. Don't forget about all the details - airline, hotel, car rental, food, entertainment, tipping, taxes, souvenirs, etc.
Keep a spreadsheet of all of these costs for the different possibilities you are considering. I have an example honeymoon planner spreadsheet to help you out - just keep in mind that these are fictious prices (I made them up!). But, the layout of the spreadsheet may be helpful to you as you plan for your honeymoon.
Finally, the key to planning your honeymoon ahead of time is that you now have time to watch for the best deals! Check the internet frequently or have your travel agent give you updates as to deals that come available. Right now, there are some great deals out there. So, if your honeymoon is coming up quickly now might be a great time to book!
