When Should You Start Your Honeymoon Planning

Raise your hand if you’ve either been to a wedding this summer, will be going to a wedding this summer, or know someone who has or will. Yes, summer is wedding season – nearly 40% of all weddings take place in summer months! But before the wedding comes a lot of planning – choosing venues, attire, music, food and, of course, planning your honeymoon! Honeymoon planning is arguably the most important because after all the work leading up to the big event, you’ll need some down time to relax and recharge. To make sure your vacation is exactly what you want, start your honeymoon planning as soon as you set the date!

“Soft” Honeymoon Planning – the Discussion Phase

According to Wedding Paper Divas 40% of couples wait 13 to 18 months between “Yes!” and “I do” giving them ample time to plan the optimal honeymoon. When to begin your honeymoon planning actually depends on how you define “planning.” First couples should start the “soft” planning together and talk about what type of destination matches their personalities: sun and sand, eco-adventure, big city culture, luxury cruising or remote privacy. You don’t have to choose a definitive location yet, but have a vision of what your dream honeymoon entails.

Getting Down to Brass Tacks as You Get Closer to Gold Rings

Technically, honeymoon planning begins when you contact your travel agent and share that vision with them. That should be six to 12 months before the wedding date; longer if you’re considering a destination wedding. A professional travel advisor will listen to your desires and ask questions about your budget, preferred activities and the level of luxury and privacy you want. By drawing on vast resources and his or her own experiences, your travel agent will help you narrow down the options and make recommendations for destinations and resorts that best match your style.

“But do we really need to start honeymoon planning that early?”

Sounds simple, right? So why do you need to start your honeymoon planning up to a year ahead of the wedding?

Airline reservations generally open 330 days in advance and the lowest prices almost always sell out first. This is particularly important for travel during holidays and peak seasonal periods.
Cruise lines open reservations more than a year in advance. Book early for the best cabin selection. The same goes for resorts.
Destination weddings roll all of the wedding and honeymoon planning together, so more time is needed for more details. Plus, you’ll want to give guests more advance notice to plan their own travel.
You’ll pay an initial deposit to hold your reservations and final payment will be due about 90 days before travel. More time between the two allows you to pay the balance in installments.

Honeymoon planning is simple when you work with a professional. Let us take all the stress off your shoulders while we handle all the details. Contact Covington’s romance travel specialists to start planning your honeymoon as soon as you set the date!

Other Wedding and Honeymoon articles you may enjoy: