What's Your Honeymoon Budget?
What kind of budget do you have for your honeymoon? Just as the wedding and reception budgets fall into modest, moderate, and luxurious categories, a honeymoon budget offers the same options.
A Modest Budget
If you are on a modest budget, try to compromise between what you want and what you can afford. For example, if you'd love to go to a tropical island but don't have the budget, think about visiting California, Florida, or Hilton Head in South Carolina and staying in one of the smaller beach towns.
Don't think of it as less than what you wanted. Think of the hassles you'll save yourself — passports aren't necessary! When you're sitting on a sandy beach, a mai tai in your hand, you may feel like you've found the island paradise for your budget.
Alert
If time and money are short, consider a “minimoon.” Take an abbreviated honeymoon at a nearby locale to get away. This will still give the two of you a chance to be alone and relax after the stress of planning a wedding.
Learn to Bargain
Most Americans aren't used to bargaining, except perhaps when they go car shopping. However, there is no reason for you not to seek a better deal on vacation accommodations.
When Nick, our college graduate on a modest wedding budget, calculated what a bed-and-breakfast in a nearby state charged, he figured that he and Susan could afford to stay for five days. But they wanted to stay a week. So Nick called the bed-and-breakfast and explained his problem.
Essential
Play the honeymoon card. Many people are happy to help newlyweds celebrate. Ask your airline ticket agent for an upgrade to first class, and let the hotel check-in clerk know how much you'd appreciate a room upgrade. Even if officials can't accommodate your wishes, at least you will have tried.
And guess what? “They did it!” he enthused. “They never would have if I hadn't told them about the honeymoon and if I hadn't asked! It really helped us since we are students on a budget!”
A Moderate or Luxurious Budget
If you're like Kylie and Sean and your family is paying for much of your wedding, you may have a bit more to spend for your honeymoon.
“We're going for one of those all-inclusive package deals in the Bahamas,” said Kylie. “We found some great deals in the back of a bridal magazine, looked into it, and it's just what we wanted. It'll help stretch our budget for the honeymoon.”
Essential
Check visitor's bureaus and tourist organizations for lists of hotels and motels. Compare the price of a rental condo with other types of accommodations. Some people prefer these because they can cook an occasional meal, or do a load of laundry.
Stretch your budget by not booking the best room in the best lodging in your location. After all, you're sure to be out and about so much, you won't care that you don't have the most deluxe accommodations.
Reserve a portion of your budget for that unexpected special restaurant you spot or a gift you just can't resist in a little boutique you discover. Remember to set aside money for tips and unexpected expenses.
