Now that you both said I do and it’s time to jetset to the luxurious paradise built for two, that naturally that means it’s time to splurge on a honeymoon destination.
After all, if you found the diamond of your dream for less and didn’t give your last penny to the florist -- but let our friends at Fifty Flowers hook you up instead - then why the heck not? This is the time to celebrate your new vows in the biggest, most glamorous way possible. Preferably with white sand, right?
But before you book that 5 star island resort and dive into the infinity pool head-first, let’s get the best bang for your buck. Because that's what we do, remember?
Whether your thing is sipping Mai Tai’s at the pool bar overlooking the Caribbean sea , or adventuring on an African Safari, here are our favorite ways to get a luxury honeymoon want without breaking your new joint bank account.
Honeymoon Registry
You have all those extra dollar bills saved up from the money you didn’t have to spend, but did you know you can also start a honeymoon registry?
Um, helllloo extra draaaanks!
In a nutshell, it’s a way for your guests to know how to get you a gift you actually care about. Because let's face it, you probably don't really want that crockpot from Crate & Barrel. And people feel weird just sticking cash in a card. To most friends and family, the cash route just feels less personal. So it's your job to make it easy for your loved one to send you to Italy, New York, or the French Rviera - in an ocean view suite - no less.
Setting up a honeymoon registry (like Zola) makes it easy for your guests to get you to Paris.
Timing is everything
When we think of a traditional honeymoon, we tend to think of the lovebirds flying off to their all-inclusive resort while the wedding reception is just winding down.
But thankfully times have changed and there’s a lot more flexibility. And flexibility means better deals, and a better honeymoon experience.
You don’t have to go on your honeymoon the moment your wedding ends, or even the week after. You can take your honeymoon any time you and your partner see fit. The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex, delayed their honeymoon, and it wasn't because they were trying to save money.
The best part? Because you're not committed to going on your honeymoon right away, you can choose a honeymoon destination in it’s off season and save BIG.
Off-season does not always mean “bad/cold/uncomfortable weather". In fact, most island resort type of locations have beautiful weather year round (I mean that’s probably why there’s a resort there, right?), it just happens that some seasons are naturally busier than others.
Just be sure to research what the “off-season” means for your dream location. Extra perk? If you decide to travel when the weather's perfect, but everyone else is in school or at work - you can look forward to having the plunge pool all to yourselves!
Anchors Aweigh!
Going on a cruise for your honeymoon is usually not the first thing comes to mind… and that’s exactly why it may be the best thing ever.
With the exception of alcohol, most cruise lines are floating all-inclusive resorts and offer an affordable honeymoon with a luxury, pampered feel. You'll get the added perk of visiting multiple locations - and only having to unpack once.
If you want to save even more money, travel agents suggest booking your cruise either a year in advance, you can usually put a deposit down and pay the trip off before 90 days of travel.
P.S. If you really want a luxury cruise, either try a river cruise line (like Viking) or Disney. Yes, you read that right. Disney Cruise Line is nothing short of a five-star luxury experience, with pools and areas on the ship dedicated just to adults. Not to mention, Disney has the best entertainment, food, and on-ship dance parties. Oh, and fireworks at sea. Because what’s more romantic than fireworks over the open ocean?
Honeymoon Packages
Don't want to think too hard about where you're going, what you're doing, and only feel like unpacking once (but get little seasick).
Think honeymoon packages at all-inclusive resorts. Resorts like Beaches, Sandals, and even some boutique hotels offer honeymoon packages with special bundle rates, and help you save on luxury accommodations. These packages usually include all meals, beverages, with nothing to plan. You can add your flight directly onto the reservation - and there's literally nothing left for you to plan. Pay one flat fee to enjoy all the food, drinks, activities and white sandy beaches with your new husband or wife.
Want a Luxury Honeymoon Experience for Less?
Become a planner
....and plan together.
It may be tempting to split up the honeymoon planning duties, or even leave the honeymoon arrangements to one person, simply because planning a honeymoon on top of a wedding is a bit stressful.
If even the word "plan"gives you hives. See a travel agent. And if you happen to find a better deal online - many of them will match your price, but still do all the heavy lifting. Because if you've just picked out the dinners and centerpieces for 300 guests, the last thing you feel like doing is figuring out time zones, hotel reviews, and flights.
Most luxurious tip of all? Enjoy. There is nothing more 5 star than a honeymoon you get to completely bliss out on, after months of planning a wedding.
