Five Factors of a Great Honeymoon

1) A great honeymoon is unique to you.

The two of you are unique individuals, and you are a unique couple. Your honeymoon should be unique too.

2) A great honeymoon is within your budget.

You don’t want to start out your life together with a big credit card bill for a honeymoon that was really more than you could afford. The sweetness of the luxury of the honeymoon will soon be overshadowed by the stress of carrying the debt. You will ultimately be happier with a lesser room, or a lesser resort, or a shorter honeymoon.

Better yet, be sure to make the budget for the honeymoon a priority. The honeymoon is the part of the whole “getting married” that is only for the two of you. It isn’t on display for someone else to enjoy. It is just for the two of you and it lasts way longer than the wedding. Don’t let extra flowers or anything else take away from the budget for your honeymoon.

3) A great honeymoon begins with a well rested couple.

Don’t schedule a 6am flight the day after your evening wedding. In fact, we usually advise couples to allow a full day between their wedding and their honeymoon. You won’t have to arrive at the church packed for your wedding, your wedding night AND your honeymoon. You’ll be able to go to brunch with your out of town guests if you choose. And, you’ll be well rested.

4) A great honeymoon has perks (honeymoon packages, upgrades etc).

Resorts that cater to honeymoon couples will often provide upgrades to honeymooners. Some resorts even offer a package with a set of amenities and services that honeymooners love. Things like a romantic candlelight dinner on the beach, a massage, and extra deluxe room amenities are common.

Is there something it would break your heart not to have? Like, a certain category of room or maybe champagne in your room upon arrival? Then you should arrange for it (and pay for it) prior to your arrival. Many honeymoon amenities are on a “space available” basis. They’re great if they happen, but if its really important to you, don’t count on it.

5) A great honeymoon is the beginning of your life together.

Real life will intrude soon enough. Arrange your honeymoon as a time when you can enjoy each other and relax. You have many years in front of you when you can deal with the stresses of life. Give yourself a week of indulgence that you can look back on fondly in years to come.

What is your favorite honeymoon story?