The honeymoon is often overlooked with the mile long to-do list of planning a wedding, but it shouldn’t be! This special occasion is a time for the newly anointed Mr. and Mrs. to celebrate each other and the commitment they made together–preferably in a beautiful destination surrounded by good food, music and drinks!
The honeymoon can be a once in a lifetime vacation for the newlyweds and sets the tone for the adventures to come during their marriage, so don’t underestimate the honeymoon process.
Whether you are wanting to do a lavish honeymoon in a foreign country or are set on an epic cross country road trip with your new spouse, you will want to do a little planning in order to make it a successful start to your marriage. Consider these honeymoon planning tips to help transform your honeymoon into everything the two of you hope it to be!
Honeymoon Planning Tips
1. Don’t book your honeymoon the day after your wedding.
Most brides and grooms want to stay until the music stops when it comes to their reception, which could mean a late night. Don’t make the mistake of having your honeymoon start bright and early the next morning. Have at least a day in between so you can say your goodbyes to guests and recover from the wedding before you begin the romantic time alone.
This is especially important if this is the first time traveling with your new spouse because it will be a learning curve for both of you and nobody wants to start off crabby!
2. Have a budget
Whether it’s the bride or groom paying for the honeymoon, the budget should be a number they are comfortable with. Remember that you only get one honeymoon, but real life will be there when you get back. So, if you are paying for the majority of the wedding, having a baby or moving into your first place together make sure the honeymoon fund is realistic and reasonable.
Writing down a physical number is so important to the planning process because it sets the expectations. You can’t have a caviar palate on a McDonald’s budget. So evaluate your expectations–maybe you’re comfortable with a 3-4 star hotel compared to 5 or doing that catamaran cruise is non negotiable. When you understand what your limits are, you know what options are best for you.
3. When and for how long
Depending on the destination, there are certain times of the year that are better than others so it may make more sense to go on your honeymoon 4 months after your wedding for example. If so, I suggest taking a day or two off right after your wedding to have a mini honeymoon before you splurge for the “real deal.”
Not sure how long to go for? If you have long travel days to get to your destination, make sure you’re there long enough to enjoy it! You don’t want to spend two days getting there to only enjoy two full days there before you’re traveling again.
4. Plan early
You don’t want to be in the deep end of planning a wedding and planning a honeymoon at the same time–it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. You also want ample time to decide on a destination and ensure availability so the earlier the better.
5. Plan together
A honeymoon is usually the biggest and most expensive trip the two of you take together so make sure you’re both getting what you want. Discussing what you both imagine to be an ideal vacation can help you find what’s best for the both of you.
6. Use a travel agent!
Take some of the stress off of yourself and use a travel agent. An advisor will help you find your ideal destination, the best value and assist you during travel if needed. They may also get you extra perks such as discounts on massages or romantic dinners.
7. Domestic vs international
Do you plan on traveling often with your partner? Have either of you been out of the country? Are you comfortable in a foreign country? Looking for an epic road trip or luxurious resort? Ask yourself and your partner these questions to help decide if somewhere close to home or an exotic location is best for the two of you. Time, budget and personal preferences also can help narrow down your options.
8. Passports
Apply for them early enough so you’re not stressing when it comes time to leave because processing times have fluctuated in recent years and may take longer than expected.
And the most common misconception for new spouses is that the last name has to be your new married name–it doesn’t! If you have a valid passport (pre marriage) then you just need to make sure your travel documents match the valid identification. So I know it’s exciting to finally be a Mr. & Mrs. but wait to use it on documentation until all your identification is listed the same.
9. Is an all inclusive the right choice?
This depends! If you don’t want to worry about costs during your vacation then an all inclusive might be a good option. All inclusive are also great if you want selection but not to be overwhelmed and have amenities and activities in one location. Do note, the majority of all inclusive are outside of the United States.
If you prefer to be fully submerged into your destination and want to experience how the locals do it then a European style resort or local boutique might be a better fit.
Now that you have your honeymoon planned and booked, it’s time to start packing! What you do (and do not) bring can make a big difference in your honeymoon experience. Check out these honeymoon packing tips to help you get ready.
Packing for the Honeymoon
10. Variety
Whether you’re doing an all inclusive or road trip, you want to make sure you and your new spouse have clothes for all occasions. You’ll most likely have a romantic dinner or two so dresses, trousers and closed toed shoes are recommended.
11. Valuables
You just got that new beautiful ring and are ready to show it off but depending on your destination, you may feel more comfortable leaving it at home. Substitute the real thing with a fun replacement during your travels.
12. Pack early
You will be busy with last minute wedding details days before the wedding so get the packing out of the way early. Just remember to keep the travel documents in a location of easy access.
13. Add something special
Don’t feel silly packing items that celebrate the occasion! Matching shirts for the airport, custom Mr. & Mrs. tumblers or new lingerie are all fun ideas!
A honeymoon is a vacation spent together by a newly married couple so remember to enjoy this special time with your spouse and make the most out of this once in a lifetime vacation.
Tips to Enjoy Your Honeymoon
14. Types of travelers
If your honeymoon is the first time traveling together, know that there might be a little turbulence along the way. For example, my husband hates getting to the airport early but I prefer to wait at my gate with plenty of time to drink my overpriced coffee (or wine). Or if you’re on the ultimate road trip and are fighting about the radio station–welcome to married life! We all have our travel preferences so it may take time to adjust to one another.
“There are two kinds of people. The ones that pack six days before a trip, and the ones that wake up day-of and realize they need to do a load of laundry. And they marry each other."
15. Announcing Mr. & Mrs.
When you’re traveling on your honeymoon, don't feel awkward telling people because that’s how you can get small perks along the way. A flight attendant may bring a complimentary champagne or the hotel might provide a free upgrade. You never know and it doesn’t hurt to share your excitement about this special occasion with others. Remember to always let your travel agent know if you’re celebrating a special occasion!
16. Put the phone away
Your destination may be totally Instagram worthy 24/7 but remember why you’re on your honeymoon! So put the phone down and enjoy this time together without all the distractions.
17. Balance
Decide on how much relaxing vs adventure time you both want. Unlike the months of planning your wedding, the honeymoon does not need to be detailed down by the minute.
18. Be intentional
Schedule a couples massage, candlelight dinner, catamaran cruise, private tour etc.
19. No pressure
The honeymoon is a time to truly be with your new spouse and celebrate the commitment you made to one another but be realistic that someone may be tired, grumpy or not in the mood 24/7 and that’s okay.
20. New experiences
You (usually) only get one honeymoon so don’t be afraid to try new things, especially now that you have your best friend traveling with you! So explore that cenote or enjoy a new local dish. Your most fond memories will be the new things you did together.
It doesn’t matter if you are spending time on a luxurious beach, snuggling together under the stars in the mountains or enjoying time in a new and exciting city, just being together in this exciting season of your lives and celebrating what is and what is to come is the most important thing about your honeymoon.
With these twenty helpful honeymoon tips, you and your partner can feel excited, confident and ready to enjoy your romantic special vacation together!
Congratulations and safe travels,
Jessica
Comment below with the best honeymoon tip you’ve ever received or something you wished to have known before planning your honeymoon!
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