The Honeymoon

                We are finally at the end of the whole planning process and we now get to decide on where we want to go for the honeymoon. As the getaway destination after the ceremony, you need to take care of the honeymoon plans well before the wedding takes place. Everyone’s honeymoon is different and just because you do not go to Tahiti does not mean that yours is any worse than someone who does.

                Since I start working as a tax accountant this August, I will be right in the middle of busy season for accountants when my wedding comes around. During March and April, accountants typically work between 50-80 hours a week depending on how much work needs to be completed. Our wedding on February 29 will be right in the middle of that time. Due to that fact, we have decided to take a short honeymoon during early March and a longer vacation in May. It is kind of a let-down that we will not get to enjoy a long honeymoon, but duty calls and we plan to take a great summer vacation.

You need to think about situations like this while you plan your own honeymoon so that you do not end up making plans and then rescheduling them. Also, think realistically about what you can afford. We would love to go to Italy and visit all of the famous cities but it just is not practical on our budget and timeline now. As a side note, since our anniversary only happens every four years, we plan to go to Italy on our first real anniversary four years from now. I urge you to look realistically at what you can afford and decide based on what both of you need and want to get out of the honeymoon. The honeymoon is the time for you as a couple to celebrate your new life together and you do not need to go somewhere exotic to do that.

However, whether you get to go somewhere exotic or not, dream big. Do not be afraid to ask for discounts based on your length of stay or membership in some organizations like AAA. Some people might be willing to give you a discount simply because you are newlyweds! Also, think outside the box when you pick your destination, you do not need to follow everyone else. If your ceremony occurs during the fall, you could go to a little lodge in the mountains and enjoy the leaves changing colors while you take walks together or sit by a roaring fire. It is worth really thinking about because after all, the honeymoon celebrates the fact that you just left your wedding and now you are done!