This is a guest post by Sarah Harris.

It is easy to get blinded by excitement and go beyond your budget when planning your honeymoon. Tahitian vacations, couples massages, and private beachfront bungalows all sound fantastic… if they don’t leave you eating Ramen noodles for the first year of your marriage! Even though you should be cautious when planning your honeymoon, there is no need to be nervous about going over budget if you follow these simple guidelines.

How to Plan Your Honeymoon on a Budget

Plan far in advance

Honeymoon plans are often left as the last wedding planning detail to be decided upon.  After you have seen every type of French lace in existence and met with eighteen different cover bands, the last thing you are going to have energy for is planning your honeymoon within a budget.  Budgeting is not easy.  You will need to have focus and energy to ensure that your plans are within your means.  Leaving everything until the last minute leaves room for costly impulse decisions.  If you plan your honeymoon little by little throughout your wedding planning bonanza, you will have an easier time sticking to your budget.

Are there payment plans available?

The tourism industry is well aware that couples need options when paying for their accommodations.  When you are selecting the prime honeymoon destination, ask about the various payment plans that are offered.  If the destination does not offer a payment plan, try speaking with a manager to see if you could work something out.  Since hotels, spas, resorts, and cruises are all taking a hit in this economy, they will be more likely to work with you.

Can you live without it?

Could you maybe live without the three-hour-long hot air balloon ride or the caviar infused full body scrubs?  Even though this may sound like your cup of tea, you don’t want to bust your budget for a one time extravagant activity.  Instead of dreaming big, try low-key, simple excursions.  You will be exhausted from your wedding celebration anyway.  Besides, your honeymoon is a time to simply enjoy one another’s company!

Guest post by Sarah Harris of Wedding Planning Advice where you can download a free wedding planning checklist to get organized for the big day!

{ Want to be a guest blogger at EB? Email info[@]emmalinebride.com for consideration. }

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