Let’s be real: if just hearing the words “wedding budget” makes your eye twitch, then thinking about how to afford a honeymoon might feel like a full-blown crisis. The good news, you don’t need a bottomless bank account to plan a post-wedding vacation that feels luxurious. With the right tips, you can still enjoy a dreamy, once-in-a-lifetime getaway without compromising on experience. Here are 7 smart ways to plan the honeymoon you deserve—even after a big wedding splurge.
Ricky Monti, One & Only Aesthsis
Take Advantage of Shoulder Season Travel
Timing your honeymoon for the shoulder season, the golden window between peak and off-peak, can unlock luxe experiences for a lesser cost. With fewer bookings, top resorts and hotels are more likely to offer generous discounts, complimentary upgrades, and extra breathing room. The best part? You’ll enjoy all the luxuries, minus the crowds. Think: Amalfi Coast in late spring or Bali in early fall—still dreamy and stunning, just more serene.
Lionel & Elisa, Maria Shumanovich
Think Boutique,
Not Big Name
Don’t limit your honeymoon search to mega hotel chains or headline-making resorts. Instead, think outside the box and explore boutique hotels or under-the-radar luxury resorts. These often offer the same five-star experience—chic interiors, exceptional service, and prime locations—but with a much friendlier price tag. And, above all, you won’t be overpaying just for the famous brand name.
Mention You’re Celebrating
Your Honeymoon
It sounds obvious, but it really works! Rather than booking through third-party sites, call the hotel directly and mention that you're celebrating your honeymoon—you’d be surprised how far a little excitement goes. More often than not, that simple gesture brings unexpected extras: easier room upgrades, welcome cocktails, maybe even a surprise dessert waiting in your suite. And do share the news at the flight check-in desk! If the gate agent has to choose someone for a higher class upgrade on an overbooked flight, a newlywed couple is hard to ignore.
Use the Power of
Card Points
Let your wedding spendings work for you. If you used a credit card with travel rewards to fund any part of the big day, you might already be sitting on enough points for flights, airport lounge access, or even hotel stays. It’s a wise idea to research various card benefits beforehand and open a new one with even better perks during your wedding year, so you can make your honeymoon feel even more luxurious.
Invite Guests to Contribute to Your Honeymoon Experience
No more blenders or toasters! Skip the traditional wedding gifts and invite guests to contribute to experiences instead. Consider setting up a honeymoon fund registry where everyone can contribute to memorable activities be that couple’s massage, a romantic sunset sail, a cooking class, or a private wine tasting. Not only does it save your guests from the headache of choosing a gift, but it also guarantees that you’ll have the most meaningful gifts of all—memories.
Use Social Media to
Your Advantage
Your wedding and honeymoon are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and if you’ve got a strong social media presence, why not make the most of it? Tag the hotels, resorts, or travel companies you’re staying with — you never know, it might unlock some bonus benefits. Many brands love surprising honeymooners with special treats in exchange for a little potential exposure. And if you have a special skill — like photography, videography, or content creation — don’t be shy about showcasing it. Sharing professional-quality photos or creative posts can make you even more appealing for upgrades, collaborations, or special perks. A win-win, right?
Look Out for
Honeymoon Packages
Many resorts and travel companies offer honeymoon packages that bundle accommodations, meals, and sometimes even excursions. Yes, the cost might seem high at a glance, but these packages often end up being more affordable when you factor in the cost of dining, activities, and transportation booked separately. Besides, many packages allow for customization, so you can choose only the experiences you want without paying for unnecessary extras.
