The wedding guest list has been compiled, and the Save the Dates have been sent. Your wedding website is up and running, and you have come up with the perfect Instagram tag for your big event. Now all that is left is it buy the perfect dress, pick out your flowers, find a photographer, caterer, venue, food, cake…
With all there is to do to plan a perfect wedding, it is no wonder that many brides and grooms do not take time to prepare the ideal honeymoon. After all, a bride’s to-do list is so long that the honeymoon often gets put on the back burner. Don’t let this happen to you. Here are five things you need to know to plan the perfect honeymoon.
Make the destination decision together
Choosing the honeymoon destination is not the “groom’s job,” just as choosing the wedding venue is not just the “bride’s job.” Choose the honeymoon destination together. This may not be easy. In fact, this may be one of the first difficult decisions you will have to make together as a couple. Try not to be stubborn or hard headed. Even if you have always dreamt of a Disneyworld honeymoon that does not mean your future spouse has had those same dreams. Perhaps you are an avid skier, and you would like to do nothing better than swoosh down a mountain to celebrate your new life together. This is an excellent idea if your spouse is a skier too. Otherwise, you may have to turn to plan B. A great honeymoon is a lesson in compromise.
Consider choosing an all-inclusive resort
What color shoes will the bridesmaids wear? What gift are you giving your best man? What color ribbon will you use in your bouquet? What will your something borrowed be? There are so many decisions to make when planning a wedding that sometimes a bride may feel decision fatigue. All-inclusive vacation locations give you a break from focusing on so many details. You don’t have to think about how much money you will need for each meal. In fact, you don’t have to research restaurants, beaches, or transportation. Honeymooners at all-inclusive resorts just literally have to show up, and the rest of your time can be spent blissfully relaxing…or whatever you and your partner choose to do with your time.
Set a budget and stick to it
While your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, going on a trip isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t go into debt to celebrate your love together. Your honeymoon will not be nearly as enjoyable if you sit on the beach thinking about the pain of opening your credit card statement when you return to reality.
Consider registering for a honeymoon
Perhaps you have been living on your own for quite a while, and you already have pots and pans, a coffee maker, and a set of dishes. If you can’t see yourself using eight place settings of China or crystal candlesticks, why not register for your honeymoon? Instead of purchasing a picture frame, your guests can put their money toward paying for a portion of your honeymoon expenses. It is not uncommon for young people to spend more money on experiences rather than things. Your guests who have similar philosophies will be happy to put your money toward airplane tickets rather than a heart-shaped candy dish.
Pick a trip that is right for you as a couple
Don’t feel pressured to choose a honeymoon destination that will create the best photo opportunities. Yes, everyone loves photos of pristine beaches and turquoise water, but if you and your partner enjoy history more than hanging out on a beach, perhaps you would rather honeymoon in Boston rather than Barbados. If you are science geeks, go to NASA instead of Nassau. Follow your own hearts. Don’t worry if you get quizzical looks when answering “the honeymoon question.”
Take advantage of your youth and freedom
If you can afford it, take advantage of your youth and freedom to travel to destinations that you have always wanted to visit. Children are blessings, but it is easier to go to Budapest without kids. Jobs, your parents’ health, finances, and your own health can throw a wrench into the best-laid plans. Anyone who has watched the first five minutes of the movie “Up” will understand. Go now! The new car can wait. Who cares if you rent for another six months than buying a house immediately? Live the life you want now.
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