With wedding costs at an all-time high— a survey from The Knot found the average nuptials were $30,000 in 2022—it’s easy to get so wrapped up in that budget that you’re scrambling to find money for a honeymoon. But consider this: Your wedding, while a milestone day, is just that—a day. Your honeymoon, on the other hand, could be anywhere from 7 to 12 days long in advance will help you enjoy the trip without blowing through your budget.
How much should a honeymoon cost?
When it comes to honeymoon planning, there’s no easy adage to follow (like the saying that the engagement ring should cost two months’ salary). Everyone’s budgets are different and travel costs vary by destination, time of year, duration, level of luxury and more.
The best plan is to commit to how much you want to spend, and then begin to choose your destination based on that number. High-end destinations (think St. Barths or the Maldives) are going to be more expensive than a backpacking trip or a stateside vacation.
Breaking down the costs
In every category, there are ways to splurge and save. At a minimum, you’ll need to plan on travel to and from the destination, the hotel, three meals per day and possible extras, like tours and location-specific excursions as well as general travel around your destination. Sometimes staying at an all-inclusive resort can bring the costs down. And, before you disregard a pricey hotel, check to see what’s included: There may be a concierge floor that offers breakfasts and/or lunch, saving you from eating out.
Ways to save
If you’re planning an active honeymoon, consider renting equipment there. Golf bags and surfboards translate into extra airline fees; call ahead to your hotel or local shops about rental options.
What about delaying your honeymoon—by a few days or even months? Leaving your reception and climbing into a car to be whisked to the airport sounds romantic, but given that most weddings take place on the weekends, you’re likely flying on the weekend too, which is more expensive. Midweek and off-season travel are likely to save you serious money.
Finally, now is the perfect time to cash in on loyalty points and miles that you might have earned from credit cards and rewards programs. Even if you don’t have what’s required for free nights or free flights, you might be able to get an upgrade that would otherwise be an impossible splurge.
Honeymoon registry
In the same way that friends and family can buy you kitchen appliances and china, your guests can chip in for specific portions of your trip thanks to honeymoon registries. Making it really specific, such as “one meal at Le Jules Verne” or “poolside couples’ massage” lets your guests choose the experiences that they want to contribute to.
Don’t forget to factor in pre-honeymoon prep.
The easiest thing to forget in all this planning is how much you’re likely to spend just getting ready for a honeymoon. Do you need a new bathing suit? Are you going to a climate different from your own that requires appropriate clothes? How about essentials you might not have, like sunscreen, pillows for the airplane, and guidebooks? Don’t forget to factor in these “little” items, or you’ll be surprised to be spending extra even before you’ve said “I do.”
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