Honeymoon Planning Guide

September 3, 2022

Planning a honeymoon but don’t know where to start? Well, you have found yourself in the right place and we are so glad you’re here! We have created the ultimate honeymoon planning guide to make the process as easy and stress free as possible. We know planning a honeymoon on top of a wedding can be a lot, so we are here to help! We are breaking down when to start making plans, deciding on a destination, when to book your travel, what to pack and so much more.

We can’t wait to help you plan the honeymoon getaway of your dreams. Let the planning begin!

Step 1: When to start planning?

The magic phrase on when to start planning a honeymoon is, “the earlier the better.” Depending on the honeymoon destination, the earlier you begin planning, the better opportunity you have for flight availability, resort or suite accommodations and adventures you want to book. If you have the time, we recommend one year in advance to begin planning.

If you have a shorter engagement, don’t worry, just jump to step 2 and go from there! If you are looking to take a honeymoon shortly after your wedding, begin conversations with your almost husband/wife as soon as you can to begin nailing down the specifics. Start with establishing budget, choosing a destination and booking travel.

No matter when you two decide to take a honeymoon, this guide is here to help you prepare, plan, and create the honeymoon of your dreams!

Photos sourced by: Esty.com

Step 2: Establish a budget

We totally get it, talking about budgets is not always a fun topic but, an important topic, nonetheless. Understanding what your honeymoon budget is will help kick start planning from where to go, where to stay, and adventures to do while you’re there! If you forgo a gift registry, a honeymoon fund is a perfect way to help finance the trip. Keep in mind the simple categories below when establishing a honeymoon budget.

Travel: All things travel include flights, where to stay, potential rental car or vespas to adventure throughout your destination of choice.
Food and Beverage: Establish if all-inclusive food and drink is right for you! When establishing a budget, keep in mind breakfast, lunch, and dinner for every day of the trip. Don’t forget to add in travel days!
Adventures: Depending on the honeymoon destination, adventures can differ. From cooking classes to sailboat sunset trips to a safari adventure, whatever this looks like for you it is important to keep in mind when planning.
Clothes and accessories: All white everything, need I say more? Consider any clothes you want to purchase for your trip.
Essentials: Do you need a passport to get to your honeymoon destination? Is it expired or need to purchase a new one?

Step 3: Choose a destination

Now for the fun part, choosing a honeymoon destination! Deciding where to go on your honeymoon is all about the type of honeymoon you want to have. Whether you are wanting to relax on a beach, take an adventure or be one with nature in a mountain getaway, there is a type of honeymoon for every couple. With endless possibilities of honeymoon destinations throughout the world, narrowing it down to what type of honeymoon you are looking for can help find the perfect destination for you.

City
Adventure
Beach
Mountain
Mini moon

Destination, check! Next up, booking!

Step 4: Book your honeymoon – Where and how?

Narrowing down a place to stay can be difficult but we are here to make it a little less stressful! When looking for a place to stay during your honeymoon, we recommend considering the three A’s: accommodations, amenities and accessibility or proximity to the airport. When choosing a place to stay, be on the lookout for honeymoon packages as many resorts, hotels, and suites offer special accommodations like gifts or champagne upon arrival!

What is the best way to book your honeymoon travel, you ask? While planning the trip yourself can be fun, you have plenty to worry about as you approach your wedding day, so we recommend working directly with a travel agency. Travel agents are there to assist in planning, booking travel and places to stay, creating itineraries and so much more. Check out Rocky Mountain Bride’s preferred travel agents within our Honeymoon Collective, the only honeymoon directory in the country!

We are breaking down some of our favorite places to book from our very own honeymoon collection all over the world!

Honeymoon in the city from New York to California, all the way to Italy.

For the adventurous couples, jet set off to a honeymoon location full of adventure and memories waiting to be had!

Grab your sunglasses and bathing suits and relax with a tropical, beach honeymoon.

Step outside and take a deep breath of fresh mountain air with a honeymoon getaway in the mountains!

Only have time for a short honeymoon? No problem, book a truly special mini moon at some of our favorite romantic getaway spots.

Step 5: Pack

The honeymoon is planned, travel booked, and you’re almost ready to jet set off to your romantic getaway. There is just one thing left to do, packing for your trip. Keep this packing list handy when traveling for your honeymoon or to any romantic getaway destination!

Sleepwear
Loungewear
Comfortable walking shoes
Sweater or light jacket
Purse
Sunglasses
Tavel outfits
Sun hat and/or a ball cap
Camera
Accessories and jewelry
Dresses and dinner outfits
Books
Identification like IDs, passports, etc.

Pro passport tips: new passports may take up to 11 weeks to receive from the time the application is sent in so make sure to plan accordingly. And don’t forget to make sure your flight reservations match the name on your passport!