The wedding is just the beginning. There’s plenty of excitement planning the honeymoon as well, from choosing a travel adventure to deciding on what to bring along on the journey. And for many, planning this great “escape” is just as important as planning the actual wedding.
Regardless of where you decide to go, there are some things you should know to make it the kind of experience you want it to be.
First, you must decide on a budget. If money is not an issue, bon-voyage! However, if you’re like most engaged couples, you’re already paying more than you anticipated. Establish a budget and use it as a guide.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want an all-inclusive, one-price-does-it-all, leave-the-wallet-at-home type of trip, or a more do-it-yourself package with car rental, lodging, food, and activities on an a la carte basis. Cruises technically fall under the all-inclusive category, as do resorts.
Of course, honeymoon budgeting takes on a new meaning if you decide to do a “destination wedding”. These are becoming very popular as more and more couples decide to forego the traditional wedding costs in addition to the honeymoon expense and are especially popular for second marriages. It’s easier to get married in some countries than others, so be sure to check with a reliable source, like a country’s consulate or the U.S. Department of State, before making any arrangements.
Now you need to book and pay for this trip. Many honeymoon suppliers offer special rates for early booking, which may or may not include airfare. Packages that include airfare can offer significant savings because retailers buy airline seats in at a discount, then package hotel, and sometimes car rentals as well.
You may also want to consider using a honeymoon gift registry to help with expenses. Check with your local travel agent to see if they offer this kind of service or you can investigate more on the internet.
Here’s a quick list of Honeymoon Registry Sites:
Honeymoon registries allow guests, friends and family to contribute toward specific elements of your honeymoon, like shore excursions, parasailing, spa services, and tours.
Wedding Night & Honeymoon Worksheet
| Wedding Night
Hotel: __________________ Address: _______________ Phone: ________________ Cost/Includes: _________ Features of room/suite: _______________________ Reservations made: ___ Confirmation #: _______ Honeymoon Destination: __________ Departure date: ______ Return date: _________ Travel Agency Name: _______________ Contact person: ______ Telephone #: ________ Airline: ______________ Depart. fight: ________ Return flight: ________
|
Car Rental
Agency: _________________ Location: ________________ Phone #: ________________ Date of pickup: __________ Return date: ____________ Insurance: ______________ Hotel/Resort Location: _______________ Phone #: _______________ Confirmation #: _________ Check-in time: __________ Check-out time: _________ NOTES: _____________________ |
Your Honeymoon Budget
| Before You Go…
Wardrobe necessities: _____ Luggage: _________________ Passport/passport photos: ________________ Inoculations/medicines: ___ Sundries (suntan lotion): __ Extra pair of sun/glasses: _ Child care/pet care: _______ Camera & film: ___________ Transportation To Your Honeymoon IF FLYING… Airfare for two: ___________ Transportation to/from airport: _________________________ _________________________ Long-term parking: ______ IF DRIVING… Rental car: ______________ Gasoline: _______________ Tolls: ___________________ Snacks/meals on the road: _________________________ Other: _________________________
|
avel Package  Yes No
Total Cost: _______________ Expenses while at destination Lodging (rate x nights): ___ Transfers form airport: ____ Breakfast for ____ days: ___ Lunch for ____ days: ______ Dinner for ____ nights: ____ Snack for ____ days: ______ Tips for ____ days: ________ Entertainment (such as shows, tours, local sights, museums, etc..): __________________ Mementos from trip: ________ Other: _____________________ ___________________________ Transportation while at destination Rental car: ________________ Gas: ______________________ Public transportation: ______ Taxi: _____________________ Rail express (Europe): _____ Inter-island transfers: _____
Other:____________________ |
After The Honeymoon Checklist
Write thank-you notes for your gifts. Every gift-giver should receive a handwritten note within a month of the wedding.
Preserve your wedding dress. Have your gown, veil and headpiece professionally dry-cleaned. Inquire about various storage methods.
Deposit wedding gift checks, bonds, stock certificates. Pay outstanding wedding bills.
Develop film, choose photographs & review the videos. Develop any film taken at the wedding and on the honeymoon. Review photographer’s proofs; review wedding video to determine edited length and special editing techniques. Choose photos for wedding album and order wedding prints for yourselves, relatives and friends. Put other photos in albums.
Get together with family and friends. Invite attendants, friends and family members to your home to view the honeymoon photos and video.
Discuss a home budget and financial goals.
Evaluate your insurance needs. Consult your agent on health, car and life insurance, which may have to be adjusted to reflect married status. Have wedding gifts appraised and insured.
Now that you are hooked on Panama, take a moment to watch this interview with 
