Everyone dreams of taking a romantic getaway after they tie the knot, but saying “I do” is a hefty investment, and with so many other expenses to consider, new couples are often left wondering whether they can even afford to go on a honeymoon. Consider the cost of rent, a down payment or mortgage, student loans, car payments and health insurance just to name a few. Being a newlywed couple means planning ahead for your future together, and whether that involves moving to a bigger place or starting a family in a few years, there’s tremendous pressure to save every penny and forgo something as expensive as a honeymoon. Although you might not think it now, there are actually plenty of ways you can save up six months to a year prior to your wedding. These budgeting tips and honeymoon ideas will help you plan a vacation that will help you start your new life together on a high note.
Pick a Destination Early
The further away you want to travel, the more you’ll need to put away. Airfare is cheaper if you book tickets months in advance, so talk about where you’d like to go and how long you plan to stay long before your nuptials. One option to save is traveling overseas but staying for a shorter duration and vice versa; if you keep it local, you’ll be able to afford a longer trip because you save on travel expenses. Keep in mind that you have a lifetime to vacation together, even if your honeymoon doesn’t take you to Paris or Rome, you can still have an incredible trip together and look forward to future adventures.
Keep Looking for Deals Online
Booking an all-inclusive honeymoon package can save you hundreds of dollars and possibly give you a much better experience overall. But you can also score amazing deals by following different airlines and hotel chains on social media. Whenever they have a good deal, take advantage of it. You’d be surprised at how often discounts are offered. Make sure you comparison shop for at least a month before booking anything, and try to avoid any deals that rope you in and don’t offer a refund.
Look for Practical Ways to Lower Your Expenses
The best way to budget is to obviously have more money to work with. This can be done by addressing any area of your life that takes the most out of your paycheck. For many young couples, that’s student loans. Both you and your partner will likely be paying for years to come, but that doesn’t mean student debt has to rule your life. Refinancing your student loans can help you lower the cost of your monthly payments, leaving you with more to spend on your wedding, honeymoon and important occasions. Other ways to save more each month include buying groceries in bulk, cooking instead of eating out and reducing or cancelling your subscription packages.
Set Up a Honeymoon Fund
You can set up a honeymoon fund like a regular gift registry. This allows your guests to directly contribute to your trip in lieu or in addition to traditional wedding gifts, like home goods and houseware. You can ask for monetary donations for specific things, like airfare or food, and allow your guests to contribute directly toward whatever they want. This is a great, no-pressure way to ask wedding guests for money instead of gifts.
