Weddings are one of the most expensive events many adults plan in their lifetimes. From renting a venue to shopping for the perfect dress and every expense in between, the average cost of a wedding is $20,000. For many couples, planning a honeymoon is more stressful than exciting when lumped in with the other costly aspects of a wedding that put a damper on what should be one of the most fun and enjoyable experiences of your relationship. Luckily, with a bit of research and pre-planning, there are ways to save money on your honeymoon without sacrificing the activities you are most looking forward to. 

Here are 3 tips for having your dream honeymoon without breaking the bank.

• Be Flexible

Although your wedding date is likely to be set in stone by the time you begin planning your honeymoon, it is important to maintain a level of flexibility on the dates of your trip. Despite what many believe, you do not actually need to take your honeymoon immediately after the wedding, and avoiding doing so could potentially save you thousands of dollars. When planning your trip, compare prices for different dates within ranges of a few weeks to determine when the cheapest time to travel would be. If traveling a few weeks after your ceremony would help you save on airfare or lodging, it might be worth it. 

• Use a Registry

Registries are not just for household gifts or items to be used after the wedding! Consider adding honeymoon-specific items to your registry when planning your wedding. This will allow guests to help pitch in on flights, hotels, and costs that you might accrue along the way such as dining or activities. 

• Cut Down on Unnecessary Spending 

In the months leading up to your wedding, it is likely that you will be on a tight budget and doing everything you can to save money. This should be especially true if you are planning a vacation shortly after the ceremony. In the months prior to your honeymoon, avoid eating out and spending unnecessary money on experiences, as you will have plenty of time to do both on your trip. Spend money only on necessities, like medical procedures – such as stem cell therapy from ThriveMD – or groceries. 

Your honeymoon should be a fun and stress-free time that allows you and your new spouse to spend time with one another before returning to the reality of your daily lives after your special ceremony. Use these tips to avoid unnecessary financial stress so you can make the most of your honeymoon!