Your Wedding Advice - StrictlyWeddings.com Blog

An old-fashioned trend still holds value in 2010

We agree that having the ability to research and find beautiful honeymoon options online is a great resource. Yet, by thinking we have everything at our fingertips, we have forgotten the benefits that a travel agent offers, especially when you’re planning a “big event” such as your honeymoon.

With a good travel agent, you have someone who is privy to all the latest offers and deals, plus you can let them do all the hard work while you’re focused on all those other wedding details. A travel agent can be a wonderful money-saving resource. They work in the industry, and not only get amazing deals to pass along to you, but they can easily customize a romantic trip, no matter what your budget. Choose an agent that specializes in the area you want to go, and of course, specializes in honeymoons.

BTW…budgeting for your honeymoon is something you need to work into your overall wedding plan from the very beginning. Meeting with a travel agent can help you generate a realistic budget of what you can afford as well as an idea of what it affords you.!

A honeymoon registry is great for those looking to save. Some travel agencies and websites offer a registry service where guests can contribute to a honeymoon fund and travel expenses in lieu of wedding gifts. Guests can also pick a specific perk to give, like a spa treatment or romantic dinner away so they don’t just feel like they are giving you money.

It’s also not a bad idea to set up a honeymoon savings account that is debted from your paycheck (if your employer has auto-deposit). Try setting aside at least $100 or more from each paycheck and deposit into this special honeymoon account. (Have your groom do it as well, then you have double the money saved). This way you’re assured that the money is put aside (we always have such good intentions to do it ourselves!) and you have a nice little nest egg to help pay for that honeymoon when the big event finally occurs.

Pictured here are several destinations that you can read more about under our Wedding Destinations and Honeymoon categories.

From top to bottom: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia; Auberge du Soleil, and St. Regis Bali Resort

Honeymoon Hot Spots – Croatia

Croatia has been added to the list of one of the World’s most romantic destinations for lovers. Here you will find hidden treasures of untouched nature, three thousand years of history waiting to be discovered and Croatia’s stunning coastline is on the Adriatic Sea, one of the cleanest, most crystal clear seas in the Mediterranean and wonderfully warm. Browse marble paved streets, and explore monasteries and cathedrals which began in the 7th century. Dine in the fine restaurants or just stop for a drink in one of the many café-lined squares.

The best way to experience all of Croatia’s rich culture is to embark on your new life as Mr. & Mrs. by taking a voyage on an extraordinary SeaDream yacht voyage, which was ranked in 2008 as “Exclusive – Above Luxury Award” by Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships. What could be more romantic than sailing the Mediterranean from the Southern coast of Croatia to Venice, Italy on an intimate cruise ship that is “yachting, not cruising.”

Perhaps you would prefer to explore Croatia on land. If so, indulge at Novi Spa Hotel & Resort, where luxury meets nature. This five star resort located only 20 minutes from the nearest International airport, Rijeka, offers a plethora of first class amenities, dining and entertainment, and is perched along the Adriatic Sea. Now that Croatia is being rediscovered, more airlines are flying from major US airports at inexpensive rates if booked a couple of months in advance. Discover history. Discover Croatia.

Click on the image for a larger view.

Source: Signature Travel (StrictlyWeddings.com’s Travel Partner)

Honeymoon Helper – Great Locations Nearby

As budgets get tighter, where do you cut back? In some cases, many of your purchases have already been made – the dress, the location. So maybe it’s time to take a second look at your honeymoon if it’s still in the planning stages.

Most of us have wonderful places either within our state or surrounding states that could make a wonderful, romantic setting. In Texas, we have many gems (the hill country, the Davis Mountains, Jefferson – pictured here), but even better is the diversity of the states around us – the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, the history of Louisiana, the lakes and cabins in Oklahoma and Arkansas. Maybe it’s not as exotic or sexy, but let’s be honest, the honeymoon is as much about connecting with each other then going to far away places. My honeymoon consisted of 4 days at a friend’s home in Sante Fe, another 3 days at a friend’s condo in Creste Butte, Colorado, camping (3 days max for my husband’s benefit) and the final night at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs before returning. We drove! But the memories have lasted us 30 years, especially the one where we took the motorcycle over the Loveland pass not thinking about how cold it would be on the return. No coats … I was one frozen bride!

The Dallas Morning News wrote a great piece on “18 romantic getaways in Texas and neighboring states.” We think it’s worth a read.

Save Money on Your Honeymoon

These days saving money is important. Even if you are getting married, you are probably looking for some great ways that you can cut back on the expenses, especially with today’s economy. It’s a great idea to come up with a budget that you can afford to spend for the honeymoon, and then try to stick to it. Wondering how you can cut back a bit on what you spend? Here are five of the best ways that you can save some money on your honeymoon.

Tip #1: Go in the Off Season
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when planning their honeymoon is going to a destination during the peak season when everything is the most expensive. Try planning your trip in the off season. It’ll be cheaper and you’ll get a whole lot more bang for you buck. Look online for those destinations that experience their off season around the time of your wedding and you’ll be much happier.

Tip #2: Register for Your Honeymoon
Nowadays, you can actually register for your honeymoon just like you would register for gifts for your wedding. This essentially allows your loved ones to contribute in a monetary way toward your wedding. Thus, you aren’t having to pay out of pocket for your wedding, nor are you receiving gifts that you don’t want. It’s a wonderful way for you to get what you want: a great honeymoon.

Tip #3: Be Spontaneous
Many engaged couples like to plan their honeymoons down to the very last second of time. This includes booking and pre-paying for activities. Don’t do this. You may find that when you get to your destination, that you no longer desire to participate in your planned activities. In addition, you may also find cheaper alternatives or prices once you get there. So be spontaneous and save yourself some money.

Tip #4: Tell Everyone You’re Newlyweds
Don’t be shy! Tell everyone on your honeymoon that you are newlyweds. This can actually save you quite a bit of money. Often companies give special upgrades, discounts, and even vouchers to those who are just married. When you are dining out, share the news with the server as well. You may get a discount or even a free meal.

Tip #5: Look at Packages
If you are looking to go somewhere fun, exotic, and exciting but don’t wish to spend a lot of money, check out the vacation packages available at out StrictlyWeddings.com travel partner – Signature Travel Boutique They have great deals on cruises, hotels, flights, and much more. It’s a great place to find great deals, and great locations!

Honeymoon Ideas in 2009

Looking forward to your wedding day in 2009?  While all of the planning and leading up to the big day may be a bit stressful, at least you can rest assured that when it’s all said and done, you can head off to a relaxing honeymoon with your special someone.

Picking the right honeymoon can be a difficult choice, so to help you start your search, we offer the top 3 honeymoon destinations in Playa Del Carmen, St. Barths, & Punta Mita on our Dallas wedding site.

A honeymoon is supposed to be a stress-free romantic vacation, and the last thing you need is to deal with cumbersome luggage to and from the airport.  We recommend this great luggage site, which allows you to ship your luggage in advance to any destination, so that it’s waiting for you safe and sound at your dream destination!