6 Tricks for a Budget Honeymoon

After the long-awaited day of your wedding arrives, sometimes all you will be able to think about is escaping with your loved one to a special destination. It doesn’t have to be fancy—every couple has their own preferences or a special spot that they want to visit. It could be Vegas, an all-inclusive resort, or even a quiet weekend on a campsite.

The traditional practice of seeing off the bride and groom has certainly changed over time; some couples stick around for the fun wedding activities, while others will put off their honeymoon altogether until their budget is more comfortable. Whatever the case may be, your honeymoon should be a relaxing getaway that doesn’t have you counting your pennies once you return home.

To help you plan more accordingly with your budget, consider these 6 tricks for a budget honeymoon that you can truly enjoy.

1. Get a travel agent

Save yourself the time and stress of trying to figure out flights, plans, and last-minute price drops. Instead, try sitting down with a travel agent and give them a list of must-haves for your vacation. The first thing on the list should be a budget that you as a couple have agreed upon previously, which the agent should stick to no matter what.

This ensures that the agent will find some options for your budget; an up-front list of your must-haves will help guide them, and they will likely be able to find you a few options. If you can, try to head into an agent well ahead of time, so that they can find you a wide range of options in terms of location and price.

2. Have your honeymoon sponsored

It’s really no surprise that a lot of couples would prefer to have some financial help rather than receive yet another toaster from a guest. There is nothing wrong with this! If you and your partner would rather have some help with your honeymoon than receiving traditional wedding gifts, then let that be known in your beautiful wedding invitations.

This is a new approach to gift-giving, where the couple informs guests that they will be accepting gifts in the form of contributions to their honeymoon or to a specific event. This can be a very fun and interactive option. If someone has sponsored a fancy dinner, be sure to take a photo of your meals and send it to the gift giver in real time so they can see that their donation is being fully enjoyed and appreciated.

3. Choose an off-season booking

The earlier you decide on a honeymoon destination, the more likely you’ll be able to find some good deals. Booking well in advance gives you the opportunity to browse an extensive list of options and, similarly, will give your travel agent more time if that is the route you choose to take.

It’s also a good idea to book in the off-season when resorts and destinations are less likely to be full and more expensive as a result. There are lots of great destinations that are cheaper in the off-season, and there is a wide range throughout the year that can coincide with your honeymoon date. Even if you are set on a specific time, it’s not out of the ordinary for couples to wait a few months or even a year before they take their honeymoons. If this is what you’re willing to do to save some funds, then it will be well worth it.

4. Consider Airbnb

If you have a very specific destination in mind, but you’d like to keep spending to a minimum, then consider booking with Airbnb. This is a newer option for travelers, which allows property owners to rent out their homes for a certain number of people and a specific amount of days.

It is generally up to the renters to bring their own food and entertainment, but this is a great option because you can find all kinds of properties in your ideal location at different price points. This will also help save on other spendings, as you have the option to pack your own food and make smart decisions financially when it comes to all of the other extra costs.

5. Stay close to home

Honeymoons don’t always have to be located across the world or on some deserted island just for the two of you. A honeymoon is simply a place for the newly-married couple to get away and enjoy one another after what may have been a very hectic wedding schedule.

If you want to have a low-budget honeymoon, consider looking at locations that are closer to home. This could be a small resort a few hours away, a campsite nearby, or even a hotel with a spa included. Staying close to home means saving on flights, expensive meals, and all kinds of other expenses. Try bringing along some recipes ideal for a honeymoon that you can both make together and enjoy.

6. Ask about packages for honeymooners

Some locations may not have these, but it’s a good idea to give it a try anyway. Some resorts and vacation spots will have packages included for honeymooners, including special rooms, spa packages, and meals. Make sure to let them know when you’re booking that you will be on your honeymoon and see what they can offer.

When it comes down to it, your honeymoon should be a relaxing time for you and your partner. Don’t let worries about finances get in your way of a great time! There are all kinds of things that you can do to cut back on expenses, including finding ways to spend less on your wedding so you can splurge a little more on your trip.

If you want to enjoy some time away but you’re worried about finances, consider these 6 tricks for a budget honeymoon that will have you both calm, happy, and ready to start your new life together.
There are plenty of creative ways to cut bar costs without reducing the fun factor. Unique elements such as signature drinks and wine and beer tastings are another way to personalize your day.

Ronnie Burg
Ronnie is the content manager for The American Wedding. When she’s not scouring Pinterest and Instagram for the most adorable weddings, you can find her on her paddleboard with her pugs, Max and Charlie.