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Honeymoons:

Honeymoon Budget Tips

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Inspiration board by Green Wedding Shoes: Click here for credits!

This week I know we’ve overwhelmed you with tons of idyllic honeymoon locations, but I’m sure many of you may be thinking: “Thanks for nothing…I can’t afford any of this!” So I called on Katie to give us a few more tips about how to get the most out of your honeymoon dollars. In addition to her awesome list, we also wanted to make sure we featured some U.S. honeymoon destination that are just as amazing as their counterparts abroad. That’s coming up later today, but I wanted to start your morning off with some of Katie’s travel tips that I hope you’ll find extremely helpful.

The images I’m featuring are from the unbelievably fabulous Jen at Green Wedding Shoes. You’ve likely seen these inspiration boards because if you’re like me, you’re an avid reader of her blog. I thought they went beautifully with this post, but be sure to check out her original post here, which includes more info and all image credits!

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EVER AFTER HONEYMOON BUDGET TIPS

traveling smart

-Register for your honeymoon.  Couples always tell me how shocked they were by the amount of money they received from their honeymoon registries.  Contributing to a honeymoon is much more fun than buying a couple some kitchen appliances!

-Don’t go too far from home.  If you have a limited budget don’t spend a huge portion of it on expensive flights.  Spend it on a great hotel, a spa, dinners, experiences, or whatever else is really important to you.

-Figure out what is a priority for your wedding.  See if you can spend less on other aspects of your wedding in order to have more of your budget go towards your honeymoon.

-Go in “shoulder” season- just traveling a month or two before or after the peak season can save a lot of money.  It can also be a better time to travel.  For example the summer is peak season for Europe, but Spring and Fall has better weather, cheaper rates and less crowds.

Inspiration board by Green Wedding Shoes: Click here for credits!

-Plan ahead of time.  Flights are usually less expensive in advance, and many hotels will offer discounted Advance Purchase specials.  Most honeymoons I plan just require a deposit when you book, and the balance is due closer to your departure date, so you don’t have to come up with the total amount at once.

-Get an airline credit card that provides a lot of bonus miles for signing up.  If you are close to the number of miles you need you can buy the extra miles, which is still cheaper than the flight would cost.

-If you can’t afford your dream honeymoon right after your wedding, just go on a short local trip, and then save up to take your dream honeymoon on  your 1 year anniversary

-If you are trying to stick with a set budget, go for an all inclusive hotel.  This way you will know ahead of time exactly what you will spend on food and drinks.

Inspiration board by Green Wedding Shoes: Click here for credits!

-Go for less time.  Do a shorter honeymoon, and then relax at home for a few days before heading back to work.

-Don’t leave on the Sunday after your wedding.  Sundays and Fridays are the most expensive days to fly.  Just waiting until Monday can save you money.

-Work with a professional like myself.  I can find you the best options within your budget.  It doesn’t cost you anything, and I shop around for the best rates so you don’t have to.  I also have access to special rates, and get my clients special deals only available to an agent like myself.

What are you doing to save for your honeymoon?

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Honeymoons:

Couples Profiled: Beaches

We’d be remiss to leave out those of you whose idea of a perfect honeymoon involves only the necessities: newly minted spouse, chaise lounge, pristine beach, cocktail, and swimsuit (which may or may not be optional). Katie’s rounded up what many would consider the most unbelievably gorgeous beaches in the world. And of course, we’ve thrown together a few outfits for you gals who can’t imagine anything better than trolling around in the waves with your hunky beau. Here’s what Katie’s found:

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When most people think of their dream honeymoons, the first thing they picture is an amazing beach. So today I am going to feature great hotels that are lucky enough to reside on unbelievably gorgeous beaches.

Pink Sands Hotel in the Bahamas

Pink Sands Hotel was named after the beach it sits on- Pink Sands Beach located in Harbour Island in the Bahamas.

The hotel is made up of 25 cottages scattered through the gardens. Yes, the hotel is gorgeous, but the pink sand beach takes center stage.

There are no words for the beauty in the contrast of the pink sand with the turquoise water.

Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya

I absolutely love the Riviera Maya area of Mexico. It has it all- perfect beaches, fun water sports, and amazing hotels. Plus you can visit downtown Playa del Carmen for great shopping or nightlife, or visit the Mayan ruins for some history and culture.

Recently a lot of great hotels have been opening in this area. My favorite happens to be Rosewood Mayakoba. The hotel is very modern and stylish, and the spa is on its own island!

And look at the amazing beach it faces!

My favorite room is the Deluxe Over Water Lagoon Suite, which features a terrace with a private plunge pool and an outdoor garden shower. The rooms sit over water, and actually appear to be floating!

Bedarra Island Resort in Australia

The next hotel is the Bedarra Island Resort located in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The floor to ceiling glass walls all face out to the incredible beach. There are just 16 villas, all built into the rainforest.

This hotel is incredibly secluded, private, and luxurious. Have a picnic on a private beach, visit the incredible spa, and have their specialty Miami Mojito cocktail.

And look at this beach!

For you beach faring beauties, here’s what we’d love to see you don…if you decide you need to cover up a little:

FOR HER: Bikini. Sun Dress. Sunglasses. Tote. Sandals. Earrings.

FOR HIM: V-Neck. Shorts. Sandals. Tote. Hemp. Sunglasses.

Honeymoons:

Couples Profiled: Bali

Our second couple we’re profiling today is more of the rustic adventurer type. Though…I’m not sure these accommodations are anywhere NEAR rustic. Take a look at all this gorgeousness from Katie and what we’re loving for Bali!

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When a couple calls me that wants something unique, exotic and cultural, but also wants to be able to relax on the beach; if they both love trying new things together and enjoy outdoors activities, then Bali is the ideal destination for these adventurous lovers.

Bali would be an incredible honeymoon destination with everything there is to explore. And the beaches are some of the best in the world:

Start your stay at a secluded luxury beach hotel like Alila Villas Uluwatu and if you can, spring for one of their villas. Here you can lounge in your private pool (thanks to the villa amenities!), take advantage of the resort’s world-class spa, and enjoy your first days as newlyweds.

The best feature?  A private cabana hanging over the cliff.  Unbelievable right???

Once you are relaxed and recharged, head inland to Ubud Hanging Gardens.  Every villa has a private pool with incredible views of the mountains, forest, and even a nearby temple.

From here you can explore Ubud Town, ride elephants, take a rafting tour, or even take cooking classes together.

When in Bali, here’s what styles we love:

FOR HER: Blazer. Blouse. Shorts. Tote. Necklace. Sandals. Cuff.

FOR HIM: Button Up. Tee. Khakis. Boat Shoes. Watch. Sunglasses.

Honeymoons:

Couples Profiled: Paris

We’re getting ready to wrap up honeymoon week tomorrow and I must say, I’ve really got travel fever! Today, we’re profiling couples, and matching destinations with their personalities. To spice it up a bit, we’ve matched up a few wardrobe ideas to go with each destination. Hopefully you’ll have as much fun imagining yourself there as we did coming up with all these ideas. Our first destination is Paris. Here’s Katie to tell you more:

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A lot of couples that contact me don’t know where they want to go for their honeymoon.  They have an idea of the types of things they will want to do, but don’t know which destination would be best.  This is really fun for me!  I love learning about couples and then suggesting honeymoon options for them.  Today we’ll feature descriptions of a few couples, and the honeymoon I would suggest for them.

IF…

…You share a love of great food, wine and meeting new people. She loves photography and he loves architecture. You want to spend the first few days relaxing and unwinding from your wedding, and then you want to explore beautiful new places together…

THEN…

Start in Eze France, which is a gorgeous small medieval town located between in the South of France.  You can spend a few days relaxing and indulging in great food and wine, and then take day trips to explore nearby towns such as Nice and Monte Carlo.

Stay at the incredibly charming Cap Estel Hotel in Eze.  Relax in total luxury while being surrounded by the Mediterranean.  This hotel is very private and secluded, offers both an infinity pool and a private beach, and even has its own park with gardens.

While exploring the coast in the south of France, we love these looks:

FOR HER: Hat. Shirt dress. Earrings. Ring. Sunglasses. Sandals. Leather tote.

FOR HIM: Shirt. Shorts. Sunglasses. Topsiders. Sportcoat.

After some relaxation along the French coastline, take the train up to Paris and stay at Le Pavillion de la Reine Hotel.  This area of Paris is filled with boutiques, small cafes, French bakeries, and small winding streets.

The hotel is located right on Place des Vosges which is a quaint, quiet square that feels really private, despite being in the heart of the Marais District.

It is impossible to deny the romance that is Paris.  Indulge in crepes, have a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens, and catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower sparking at night.

Love the idea of heading to Paris? Here’s what we’d love to see Parisian honeymooners in:

FOR HER: Pea Coat. Tank. Skirt. Panama Hat. Necklace. Ring. Shoes. Tote.

FOR HIM: Crew Neck Tee. Cardigan. Watch. Denim. Boots. Messenger Bag. Sunglasses.

Check back later today! We’ve got two more couples and two more breathtaking destinations!

Inspiration Shoots and Boards:

New Orleans Honeymoon

The always flawless Jose Villa and Joy Thigpen recently put together a honeymoon photo shoot in New Orleans. It is so insanely gorgeous, that I just HAD to republish and share it with you here. The shoot is just SO perfect for honeymoon week. Special thanks to Jose for sharing his work with us. It is always an honor.

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