Category: Wedding Planning

Today's guest post was generously contributed by Miriam Geiser at MoonRings Honeymoons. On top of everything else you have to plan, can you believe that many of you brides and grooms are having to plan a honeymoon trip as well? Miriam provides a great primer to get you started thinking about it.

Image courtesy Rosewood Mayakoba

{ Read related articles from The Portland Wedding Coordinator on honeymoons
and destination weddings: In the US, in Mexico. }

Honeymoon Primer – by Miriam Geiser and the MoonRings Team
 
With 2013 well underway, no doubt you are diving headfirst into your wedding plans!  It’s also time to get your honeymoon plans in place.  To help, here is a simple “Honeymoon Primer” so you can begin thinking about the essential elements of planning your honeymoon.
 
Where:  Great honeymoon destinations during peak wedding season (May – Oct) include Europe, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Africa, SE Asia (May – July) and Australia (Aug – Oct).  Remember, the Caribbean and Mexico are in hurricane season from July – October, so you need to have proper expectations about weather risks.
 
When:  Start now!  Popular summer honeymoon destinations such as Europe, French Polynesia and Hawaii book up far in advance, and air fares aren’t likely to drop, so it’s best to book soon.  The Caribbean and Mexico will be busy through April, but then availability will be more open.  While some couples may wait for last-minute deals, this strategy can be risky.
 
Fit:  When it comes to your wedding, you know how important it is that your arrangements reflect who you are.  Same with a honeymoon – the destination, accommodations and available activities need to fit your interests, preferences and budget.  Think carefully about fit before making plans – more than anything this makes a significant difference in your overall happiness on your honeymoon.   
 
How:   For budget-oriented couples, Internet travel agencies offer a range of lower-cost options, as long as you are willing to do your own research.  If you are a “Do-It-Yourselfer”, you will likely feel comfortable contacting hotels directly, booking flights and researching activities.  For those who are too busy or value guidance and creativity, a travel professional is the way to go.  Such tailored recommendations and the possibility to find better value can definitely improve the quality of your honeymoon experience.
 
No matter what, the best advice is to start working on your honeymoon as far in advance as possible.  This ensures best availability, best rates, and a stress-free planning process!

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