If you just got engaged, chances are you are already (or perhaps have been for a long time) planning a wonderful wedding, great reception, and fun getaway to your dream honeymoon! Although you may envision the romance of being honeymooners, honeymoons also allow a couple time to get used to being “man and wife” without the busyness of the typical work week.

Before you pack those suitcases, here are some honeymoon planning tips to help you prepare for fabulous time together:

1. Consider what each of you wants and what suits you as a couple. The destination is something you can hardly help excitedly talking about; however, you should also talk about the details of what works for you as a couple. It’s often a good idea for each of you to write down where you want to go, how much adventure or sight seeing you desire, and how much time you would like just to relax and be together. Since it’s following a hectic wedding season, make sure to include time to get some much needed refreshment and rest from all the wedding preparation. Also, consider some unique adventure that will give lasting memories to cherish for the rest of your lives.

2. Start setting aside money each month to use specifically for your honeymoon. This is the beginning of your lives together as a married couple. The days following the wedding are crucial, and having time to just enjoy being together without the stress and strain of jobs and daily life is valuable. Determine a honeymoon budget which will help you decide on what style of honeymoon you want and can afford.

3. Consider the time of year you are getting married. Is it near spring break? Is it hurricane season? Look up events that may be happening where you want to go to find out how crowded it may be at that time of year. Local events (such as festivals and sport games) may influence cost and availability of accommodations and activities.

4. Factor in how much vacation time you have at work. Many people will take a day or two off before the wedding in addition to the honeymoon. Honeymoons don’t have to be long, but taking at least a few days to splurge and create great memories is worth it. The length of time you have will influence where you go and what you choose to do. Set the stage for your marriage with some meaningful quality time together.

5. Let the hotels, tours, etc. you book with know this is your honeymoon. There are often extra perks and courtesies for honeymoon couples.

6. If you are planning on flying, check to see when you can use frequent flyer miles or credit card points. In this way, you can often get free or reduced airfare.

7. Make sure your bride uses her maiden name when booking travel. It takes time to complete name changes and to get your marriage recorded by the county clerk.

8. Plan and reserve early. Accommodations and flights fill up quickly. Try looking for good rates after holidays. For example, good airfare deals can be found on Cyber Monday. 

9. You can delay leaving for the honeymoon for a couple of days. Many couples choose to spend their wedding night at their new home, and leave for their honeymoon a day or two later. Weddings can be exhausting, and having a day or two of down time often makes the rest of the honeymoon even more special. Another perk is that often you can get better pricing on accommodations and airfare by shifting your getaway a day or two later, especially if you marry on a Saturday.

10. Plan to have time together in your new home for several days prior to returning to work. Not everyone has the ability to to this, but if you can, it’s worth it. This is the time to implement the day-to-day choices you spent time discussing in those premarital counseling sessions. These few days provide space for you to begin to merge your daily lives as a married couple in the context of your own home.

If you are wondering what you should do for a honeymoon, check out our blog post for ideas on what style of honeymoon will suit you best. Have a wonderful honeymoon!

*Feature photo cred: Joshua Gull Photography. Used by permission.