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.
Gifts & Registeries, Honeymoon | No Comments »
Now is NOT the time to worry about finding your size by number - you need to concentrate on finding your perfect size by fit. So, get out your tape measure and well, measure yourself.
Peruse the bridal magazines to get an idea of what dresses are being offered.
You want to make sure you stay within your budgeted amount for your dress. If you don’t win one auction, look around -or even do so before bidding so you know what your options are- chances are that you’ll find that same dress listed somewhere else.
