Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding and honeymoon can be expensive and complicated. While some couples opt to save up for their honeymoon, others use credit cards, set up honeymoon funds, or rely on their family to pay. Some couples also choose to delay their honeymoon to save up for it. The cost of a honeymoon depends on the location, time of year, duration, and any upgrades. Couples can save money by opting for a romantic getaway within their home country or a staycation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who pays for the honeymoon | Couples pay for their own honeymoon, though sometimes parents or other family members contribute |
| Honeymoon fund | Honeymoon funds or registries are becoming more popular, with 23% of couples setting one up in 2024 |
| Honeymoon timing | Couples may delay their honeymoon to save up or to avoid peak travel prices |
| Payment methods | Credit cards with points, rewards, or cash back can be used to pay for honeymoons, though some couples prefer to save up and pay in cash |
| Honeymoon budget | The cost of a honeymoon depends on the location, time of year, duration, and any upgrades; couples can save money by taking a staycation or planning their own itinerary |
| Gift cards | Guests may contribute to the honeymoon fund by giving gift cards or cash gifts |
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What You'll Learn
Asking wedding guests for monetary gifts
Create a Wedding Website:
It is not considered appropriate to ask for gifts on your wedding invitations. Instead, create a wedding website that includes a section about gift preferences. You can include a simple message expressing your preference for monetary gifts and how you plan to spend the money. For example, "We'd be over the moon if you'd consider giving money instead of gifts. We are saving up for our dream honeymoon!"
Set up a Honeymoon Fund:
Also known as a honeymoon registry, these registries allow guests to contribute specifically to honeymoon-related expenses. This option provides more clarity for guests who want to know exactly what their money is going towards.
Spread the Word:
Share your gift preferences with your close family, bridal party, and groomsmen. They can casually spread the word and help field any questions from other guests. This way, you don't have to feel awkward about directly asking for monetary gifts.
Include a Traditional Registry:
While you may prefer cash gifts, some guests may still want to give a physical gift. Including a small traditional registry ensures that guests who want to go the more conventional route feel appreciated.
Be Mindful of Your Wording:
When asking for monetary gifts, be polite and respectful. Avoid being too direct or demanding. You can say something like, "We kindly ask that you consider a monetary contribution in lieu of traditional wedding gifts as we embark on our journey together."
Remember, it's not recommended to ask your wedding guests to pay for your honeymoon directly. Instead, you can politely express your preference for monetary gifts, which guests can choose to contribute to if they wish.
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Using credit card points
Choose the Right Credit Card
The first step is to select a credit card that offers rewards or points that align with your honeymoon goals. Some cards offer flexible rewards that can be redeemed for various expenses, while others are more specific, such as co-branded airline or hotel cards. Consider your priorities and choose a card that will give you the most value. For example, if you plan to fly business class, look for a card with rewards focused on airfare. If you want to stay in luxury hotels, consider a co-branded hotel card.
Maximise Points Accumulation
To get the most out of your credit card points, start accumulating points well in advance of your honeymoon. Use your credit card for everyday purchases and big-ticket items, such as an engagement ring, to maximise points accumulation. Additionally, keep an eye out for sign-up bonuses and welcome bonuses, as these can boost your points balance significantly.
Transferable Points
Transferable points offer excellent flexibility, allowing you to transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners. This is ideal if you want to keep your travel options open and not limit yourself to a single brand. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offer transferable points that can be used with various hotels and airlines.
Take Advantage of Perks
Credit cards often come with additional perks that can enhance your honeymoon experience. For example, some cards offer benefits such as lounge access, room upgrades, late checkouts, and complimentary breakfast. These perks can add a touch of luxury to your trip without any extra cost.
Book Strategically
When booking your honeymoon, pay attention to the fine print to maximise your points' value. Look for free night deals, where you get a night for free after a certain number of consecutive nights. Also, consider using your points to book experiences or activities offered by some airlines, such as tours, cruises, or snorkelling.
Pay Attention to Redemption Rates
Remember that the value of your points can vary depending on how you redeem them. Calculate the value per point to ensure you're getting a good deal. Sometimes, it may be wiser to pay with cash, especially if the redemption rate for a particular reward is low.
By following these strategies, you can turn your credit card points into a memorable honeymoon experience. Just remember to use your credit cards responsibly and always pay your balance in full to avoid accruing debt.
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Saving up
It is important to set a budget and stick to it. Discuss with your partner what your trip priorities are, whether that is the destination, duration, activities, or accommodation, and plan from there. You can then research the costs and set a realistic savings goal. It is also worth remembering that you do not have to jet off immediately after your wedding. You could postpone your trip and save for a few months or a year, allowing you to travel to your desired location when you have the funds.
Look at ways to cut back on unnecessary spending. This could be streaming services, shopping, or other luxuries. You can then redirect the money you would have spent on these things towards your honeymoon fund. It is also worth looking at your essential outgoings and seeing if there are any cheaper alternatives.
Consider opening a joint savings account with your partner, specifically for your honeymoon fund. You could also look into rewards credit cards, which can offer points to put towards travel expenses. If you are planning a wedding, you will likely have a lot of expenses, so using a credit card with a good points system could mean you have a substantial amount to put towards your honeymoon.
There are also ways to save money on your trip itself. For example, travel during the off-season when tourism-dependent businesses are stagnant, and you are more likely to get a good deal. Avoid tourist traps and opt for less popular destinations, which will be cheaper. You could also consider alternative accommodation, such as renting a van or trailer, or staying in a bed and breakfast, which will likely be cheaper than a hotel.
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Going on a delayed honeymoon
There are many reasons why couples choose to delay their honeymoon. One of the main reasons is to save up more funds, so they are not stretched too thin financially. Weddings are expensive, and delaying the honeymoon gives couples a chance to recoup and reinvest. It also gives them something to look forward to in the months after the wedding.
Another reason to delay the honeymoon is to give the couple time to plan it without the stress of the wedding. Planning a honeymoon takes time and effort, and delaying it means the couple can plan the trip together, which is good for their marriage.
Delaying the honeymoon also gives the couple time to decompress before jetting off on their trip. Weddings are often not just one-day affairs anymore but unfold over the course of an entire weekend, with activities and events before and after the ceremony. By the time it's all over, the couple might need some time to rest before going on their honeymoon.
Couples who delay their honeymoon can also take advantage of off-season deals for hotels and resorts and watch for discounted flights. This can make the trip more affordable and help them save money.
While there are many benefits to delaying a honeymoon, there are also some potential drawbacks. One concern is that the "'just married' feeling might wear off, and the delayed honeymoon might feel like just a romantic vacation. Another concern is that the couple will have to go back to reality—their home, their job, etc.—directly after the excitement of the wedding, which could be a bit of a letdown.
Overall, there are both pros and cons to delaying a honeymoon. It is a personal decision that each couple should make based on their own circumstances and preferences.
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Creating a honeymoon fund
If you're dreaming of an unforgettable honeymoon but don't want to deplete your savings, creating a honeymoon fund is a great option. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Choose a Honeymoon Fund Platform
Firstly, select a suitable honeymoon fund platform that suits your needs. Popular options include Honeyfund, Hitchd, The Knot, and Joy. Each platform offers unique features, so be sure to compare them before making a decision. For example, Honeyfund and Joy have no setup charges or fees for couples or guests, while Hitchd offers a one-time fee or service plans.
Customise Your Registry
Once you've chosen a platform, it's time to personalise your honeymoon fund registry. Include a mix of specific experiences, such as plane tickets, hotel stays, activities, and romantic dinners, along with general cash fund contributions. This way, guests can choose to sponsor particular aspects of your honeymoon or contribute to overall expenses. You can also add pictures and descriptions to make it more engaging and meaningful.
Share Your Honeymoon Fund
When sharing your honeymoon fund with guests, it's best to direct them to your wedding website or provide a printed insert card with your invitations. Explain your reasons for choosing a honeymoon fund over traditional gifts and give an overview of your post-nuptial plans. This approach respects guests' preferences and comfort levels while still providing them with an opportunity to contribute.
Ensure Guest Comfort and Convenience
Consider that some guests may not be familiar with online platforms or feel hesitant about sharing their payment information. To accommodate everyone, you can offer an in-person option at the wedding reception or provide alternative ways to contribute, such as cash or cheques. Additionally, be transparent about how you plan to use the funds to reassure guests that their contributions are valued and will create memorable experiences.
Follow Up with Gratitude
After your honeymoon, be sure to send personalised thank-you notes to your guests. Include photos or mementos from the experiences they sponsored to show your appreciation and let them share in your special memories.
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Frequently asked questions
You can set up a honeymoon fund, also known as a honeymoon registry, where guests can contribute to honeymoon-related expenses instead of buying home goods. You could also set up a small traditional registry with fewer items on it than invited guests, which will likely result in some guests writing you a cheque.
The cost of a honeymoon depends on where you go, when you travel, how long you go for, and any upgrades you choose. You can save money by travelling outside of peak seasons, going on a cruise, or staying somewhere within driving distance. You can also save money by using credit cards with good welcome bonuses and reward points.
You can set up a savings account for your honeymoon and sell any unwanted items to put towards it. You could also put money into this account from any wedding gifts you receive. If you can't afford it, you could delay your honeymoon and go on a 'mini-moon' or weekend getaway instead.
