How much should I spend on my honeymoon?!

Planning your dream honeymoon is an exciting part of the wedding journey, but deciding on a budget can sometimes feel daunting. Your bank account has taken a significant hit after funding the wedding and you want to make a statement for your first newly-wed holiday and ensure it’s memorable.

In 2024 in the UK the average cost of a honeymoon for a couple is around £4,500, so it’s no wonder you are questioning how much you should spend!

Fear not, lovebirds! Let's delve into the intricacies of honeymoon budgeting to ensure your post-wedding getaway is everything you've dreamed of without breaking the bank.

First things first, setting a budget requires a bit of soul-searching. Take a moment with your partner to discuss your financial situation openly and honestly. Sometimes it can be wise to plan the honeymoon post wedding so you can fully understand what financial position you will be in at this time, especially if you have asked for cash gifts or honeymoon contributions from your guests.

Consider your combined income, savings, and any other financial commitments you may have. Once you have a clear picture, it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty.

Start by outlining your honeymoon priorities. Are you dreaming of a luxurious beach retreat, an adventurous safari, or perhaps a romantic European escapade? The destination you choose will play a significant role in determining your overall budget. Research potential destinations to get a sense of average costs for accommodation, dining, activities, and transportation.

Next, consider the duration of your honeymoon. Are you planning a week-long getaway or an extended trip? Keep in mind that longer trips typically require a larger budget to cover additional expenses such as accommodation and meals.

As a starting point think about the cost of any previous holidays you’ve had together and consider spending 10% more than those previously taken. Spending more on your honeymoon might also mean cutting back on other trips for example if you usually go away twice a year, you might need to only have 1 holiday that year in order to afford the honeymoon you want.

Now, let's talk about the fun stuff – activities and experiences! Whether it's scuba diving in the Maldives, wine tasting in Tuscany, or zip-lining through the Costa Rican rainforest, your honeymoon is the perfect time to indulge in memorable experiences. Factor in the cost of any special activities or excursions you'd like to include in your itinerary. If you have booked your honeymoon in advanced you might be able to include activities as gifts on your wedding list to help fund some once in a lifetime activities.

But wait, there's more! Don't forget to budget for those little extras that can add up quickly. From airport transfers to spa treatments and romantic dinners, it's essential to account for all potential expenses to avoid any surprises along the way.

You can check out other honeymooner holidays and the overall costs involved with creating their dream getaways so you can take inspiration from within a budget that works for you on Rekimends.

Lastly, remember that your honeymoon should be a celebration of your love and commitment – not a source of financial stress. Be realistic about what you can afford and don't feel pressured to overspend to keep up with societal expectations. This is the start of your married life together and there will be many more adventures to come, you could save up post wedding and have an epic trip for your first-year anniversary if you are worried about overspending so close to the wedding.

Whether you're jetting off to a far-flung destination or enjoying a cozy staycation closer to home, the most important thing is that you're together, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

So there you have it – a guide to budgeting for your dream honeymoon. With careful planning and a dash of creativity, you can create the perfect getaway without breaking the bank. Happy honeymooning!