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Plan
For Wedding Pros
Planning your honeymoon should feel exciting, not overwhelming, but I know that if you’re also in the midst of planning your wedding, then it probably does! So many decisions! My husband and I actually postponed our honeymoon for this very reason — I simply could not imagine doing any more planning or decision making.
That’s why I’ve put this guide together to help break down everything you need to know about honeymoons, plus some super helpful tools to help you pull it together without a ton of added stress.
Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical escape, a national park road trip, or a romantic city getaway, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planning the perfect honeymoon (with links to more in depth guides on every topic). From budgeting to booking to packing your bags, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s dig in!
Let’s start with the basics…what is a honeymoon, anyway? Today we consider a honeymoon a time to celebrate your union and it also serves as a fantastic transition from the whirlwind of wedding planning and saying ‘I do’ and officially starting your life together. I know honeymoons are the highlight of this season of life for a lot of couples!
Whether or not you need a honeymoon is totally up to you! I would say we could all use a little more time on vacation, but that’s just me. You do you, but I say, book the honeymoon (even if it’s not right after your wedding).
Your honeymoon is no different than any other trip. Plan way ahead and get the best deals, your pick of flights and accommodations, and more. Last minute planning can also reveal some great deals but you also run the risk of less choices.
The ideal timing to plan your trip is 6-9 months before you plan to take it. Some couples plan to jet off the morning after they say “I do” which is common, but some decide to wait, opting for a later honeymoon due to their location being better at a different time of year or to spread out the expense. No matter what you decide, giving yourself a little more time to allow it to come together exactly how you envision is ideal!
Like I said, planning your honeymoon is just like planning any other trip, but this one is probably a little more special so it’s likely that you’ll put more time and energy (and potentially more funds!) toward this getaway! Here are the steps I recommend taking to start getting things organized.
Anytime I go to plan something (literally everything) I always start with my priorities. When I say priorities this could be anything related to:
Pick one or two things that you really want to be true on your romantic escape. This is so helpful especially when faced with what could feel like endless opportunities. Maybe you already have a destination in mind but if you don’t, setting priorities will come in especially handy to help narrow down your options!
This is sort of the un-fun part of setting up your honeymoon, but again with so many opportunities for travel it’s a good idea to have a budget in mind. I’ll talk a little more about setting your ideal spend below, but just know that this is one of the things you should talk about with your partner early on (just like your wedding budget).
And for the fun part! Decide where you want to go. Will you go to a single destination or many?
If ever there were a time to take that dream trip, your honeymoon would be it. Keep reading for some ideas!
Traditionally, couples choose to go on their honeymoon immediately following their wedding day but I know that many of you are a little more non-traditional.
Perhaps your wedding is being held in your honeymoon destination and you’re merging your events, or maybe you want to save the trip to a better time of the year or save up a little more so you can get the exact trip you’re hoping for.
Finalize your plan by booking flights and accommodations.
Sites like Expedia can be lifesavers — they let you compare flights, hotels, and package deals all in one place. Plus, many of them offer flexible cancellation options and price tracking tools, which are perfect if you’re booking a few months out or eyeing shoulder-season savings.
If planning every detail isn’t your thing, consider using a travel advisor, like Megan from TG Travel, or curated honeymoon service. But if you love the hunt, these tools can help you score serious deals — just remember to read the fine print and check reviews before hitting “book.”
This is like asking how much a wedding costs but with way more variability. There are tons of factors that contribute to the cost, but the good news is that amazing trips can happen at any price point.
If you’re flying or need accommodations you can definitely plan on spending a few thousand dollars at a minimum. Be sure to factor in food, activities, transportation, and maybe some extra for shopping.
If funding your dream honeymoon stresses you out or you’re looking for ways to afford your ultimate dream trip without going into debt, consider these creative ways to fund it!
This is my favorite option! Instead of asking for things, request that your guests contribute to a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
There are some great tools that make asking for and receiving honeymoon funds really easy. Similar to a wedding registry, you can specify things you want money for (flights, activities, hotel rooms, etc.) or just have people just donate to a general bucket of funds.
I like honeymoon registries better than general wedding registries if you’re planning to use the money for a honeymoon because guests can contribute to things and know their money is going to something specific. So they can still feel like they’re getting you a gift. With a traditional wedding registry it’s more of a general cash fund which people may not be as inclined to donate to.
I know it might feel weird to ask for money, but this is what we did and people totally contributed! And it wasn’t weird. If you don’t need any more things, do this.
My absolute favorite honeymoon registry is Honeyfund. They are 100% no fee - for anyone. They’re the only honeymoon registry that is set up this way which is why I recommend them every time. Setting up an account is free so you can explore the platform and see if it’s a good fit for what you’re planning!
You can create an account for free to check out their features and if it could be a good fit. Check it out here.
Or, read more about how these work, and how to ask for one without feeling weird
➡️ How To Ask for a Honeymoon Fund.
Quick disclaimer here. This is not financial advice and I am not suggesting anyone go out and rack up a bunch of credit card debt to fund their honeymoon. That would make no sense. But, if you’re savvy with credit card rewards, this can pay off big time.
Look for travel partnerships where you can earn money back for booking travel through your card or use points! If you’re planning early you probably have some time to (smartly!) build up some points you can use for booking!
These are always free and sometimes they’ll even offer a bonus like points or something free for signing up!
The possibilities are endless when it comes to where you could go for your honeymoon. Like I mentioned before, choose a few things you’d like to prioritize and then start dreaming! Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Taking a road trip is an amazing way to spend quality time together and see parts of the country (or world) you haven’t explored before.
I feel like this is the classic honeymoon choice. If you’re looking for a good mix of sun and relaxation choosing a beach destination is a great choice.
When you can get a big block of time off this is the thing to do. Traveling around Europe is super easy once you’re there and you can see so much in a short amount of time!
If urban adventure is more your speed, snag a honeymoon suite at hotel in the heart of the city and explore until your heart is content!
If you feel like you’re hemorrhaging money you’re not alone. I know a lot of you are paying for at least part of your wedding and then you’re on the hook for the honeymoon, too?!? So, regardless of what kind of trip you’re planning, it’s always good to have a few tips to make your dollar go further so you can upgrade to that suite or get that couples massage!
Shoulder seasons are the short periods of time that sit between the busiest and maybe best time of year to visit and the low season when no one really pays to visit. It’s like this awesome sweet spot where there are less people and prices are lower.
Traveling during off-peak seasons isn’t always optimal, but if your plans don’t rely on the weather being exactly a certain way, I recommend looking into it. I do this a lot: Spain in October, Paris or Mexico in May. If you have the flexibility, off-peak or shoulder seasons are where it’s at.
I talked about this above and I will mention it again. Use a honeymoon or cash registry to get all or some of your vacation funded. Even having a little extra cash for food or activities while you’re there can go a long way!
Check out honeyfund here.
Packages are a fantastic way to save money and simplify planning. Expedia is a great source for amazing packages no matter where in the world you’re traveling. They even have an entire section dedicated to romantic vacations.
Obviously, your honeymoon packing list is going to depend a lot on where you're headed (sun-soaked Amalfi Coast? Cozy cabin in the Catskills?), but there are some universal essentials you’ll want to have on lock. Whether you’re jet-setting abroad or road-tripping stateside, here's how to pack smart without losing your vibe.
Hot tip: Always check local customs or weather quirks. For example, Italy loves a good church dress code (read: covered shoulders), and Southeast Asia’s rainy season is no joke.
Instead of packing by day, pack by vibe. It’ll save you from overstuffing your suitcase with “just in case” items you’ll never wear.
Yes, absolutely. And it's more common (and smart!) than you might think. Taking your honeymoon months after your wedding, often called a "delayed honeymoon" or "later moon," is a growing trend among modern couples. Whether you're waiting for the perfect season, need time to save up, or just want a breather after wedding planning, pushing your honeymoon out is totally okay — and can actually make it even more special.
This goes back to the priorities! If taking a vacation right after your wedding is the most important then of course you’ll just do whatever makes sense for you financially at that time.
Modern couples often pay for their honeymoon themselves, especially if they're planning a more personalized or luxe experience. Some split the cost, some use wedding gifts or honeymoon funds, and in some cases, families still offer to contribute. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s the beauty of it.
If you're funding your own trip, consider setting up a honeymoon registry so guests can gift experiences (like a sunset sail or couples massage) instead of physical items. It’s a fun, modern way to make your dream trip a little more doable.
Totally. Asking for honeymoon contributions is not only okay — it’s super common, especially for couples who already have a blender and don’t need more “stuff.”
The key is how you ask. A honeymoon fund registry lets guests gift you meaningful experiences (like a beachfront dinner or zip-lining through the jungle) instead of traditional items. It’s personal, practical, and gives loved ones a chance to be part of your adventure.
Just be sure to:
Using a platform like Honeyfund makes it super simple.
Ready to start planning? Whether you're leaving right after your wedding or waiting a few months, your honeymoon should be unforgettable—for all the right reasons.
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