So how important is the honeymoon?

So sorry, my honeymoon vents are getting a bit redundent...

I personally don't think that you have to go on some tropical wonderful honeymoon. FH does.

FMIL is giving us $1000 toward the HM and I want to stay w/i those means, just go somewhere close, but FH doesn't want to do that. We're both in school right now, though I'll (hopefully) be working in the fall, but come on, we won't exactly be living the high life on a teacher's salary.

FH wants to use some of the money we get from the wedding to help pay for the remainder of the HM, but I would rather keep it until we both have jobs for our emergency money in case something happens (car accident, injury, etc.)

I don't know... but the idea of having to put another $2000 toward the honeymoon just doesn't make sense when, between the two of us, we're nearly $10,000 in debt from school loans, credit cards etc.

So I don't know what to do, he, for whatever reason, thinks having this honeymoon is so important, and while i want to get away, I just feel that we should wait until we both have jobs to do the big one, and just do something small for now.

So what do you think, is the big honeymoon all that important, or shoud we wait until our finances are more in order?

yeah - we're looking into cruises now... which aren't as expensive.

However, we got all excited about this really inexpensive room... until we saw that it had one twin bed, and then a couch that converts into a twin bed.

that would make for an interesting honeymoon

Deb...you guys deserve to enjoy yourself. I definately think you can find a place that you and DH love and make the best of it. Keep searching!

Do it now Deb. I am all for being practical- your talking the girl who dreamed of a Monique Lhuiller gown and got an inexpensive Maggie on Netbride so I am definately the type to go for the cheaper option.But the honeymoon is one of those one in a lifetime occasions. I wouldn't go crazy but there are so many deals on all inclusives in Mexico or the Dominican Republic that would only need a $1000 more tacked on to your budget.

Even though times may be tight, sometimes you have to treat yourself. I have never had a lot of money but I have always lived well. I have worked in schools for 10 years, have not made a lot of money, but managed to buy a home AND take lots of really great trips. I don't regret the months of ramen noodles to make that happen.

Treat yourself, Deb. You will be glad you did!!!!

I just did a very quick search on travelocity and found a week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in a budget hotel for 1800 or a top rated 5 star hotel for 2263. That included flights from NY on Aug. 9th. Food there is very inexpensive.
Just to give you some ideas. That was only looking for about 2 minutes. I would be happy to do some research for you. I love that stuff.

thanks everyone!

I think the problem is i'm too practicle - i just need too throw caution to the wind sometimes...

We found a carnival cruise that leaves on a Monday out of New Orleans and comes back that Saturday - which works out well. We might stay in New Orleans Saturday night then since I've always wanted to see that area.

If all goes well, it hopefully won't cost more than $2500... which i think i can live with

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Posted by sgusti

If you can find a way to go then I say do it. I have talked to a few friends that did not take a HM for many reason and always regretted it. I know one couple that it took them 25 years before they were able to go on their HM. No Joke. There will always be a reason why you should save your money, kids, new house, ect... This is your time. You should enjoy it because you never now what will happen tomorrow.

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This is soooooo true, Debs! My parents didnt take a HM until 9 years later... and it was a week in Vegas with a bunch of their friends... that was in 1991 i think... and they still havent been on vacation since then. Theres ALWAYS going to be something more 'practical' but now is the time to through that out the window. You're spending at least 15K-20K (minimum) on your guests... dont you think you and kev are worth dropping 2-3K on?! There are sooooo many affordable options... but i really think that you should definately do it now while you can!!

for everyone its different. But honestly, I totally understand your FH.. and would probably side with him if I had to take sides.

I look more toward the honeymoon than I do towards my wedding. With the wedding all I can think of is stress, stress and more stress. The day will fly by. I know. But, the honeymoon will give us a chance to relax, as a newly married couple. Spend some memorable time together. To me, though I am sure we will go on many trips together, this one just seems special. Something I would want to remember for the rest of my life. That is why we are going all out for it1

i dont think theyre THAT important. i mean def go away, but it doesnt have to be some extravagent place. im not going anywhere after vegas. but i just dont want to either. do whatever makes YOU happy (dont mind him!).

Deb - FYI - cruises are not that cheap...food is included, but liquor and bottled water are not. Plus you have to pay to do excursions once it lands. I highly recommend Mexico...you can go to a 5* and spend $2K for both, including airfare, transfers all drinks and meals...it's doable!

I recommed:

www.discount-all-inclusive.com - they have really low prices and Hayley beats them.

www.beachbumvacatiom.com - I booked my HM there with Hayley and saved over $1K on a really expensive hotel.

For hotels, look into:

Secrets Excellence Riviera Cancun

Aventura Spa Palace (free excursions to Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Chichen Itza, etc...this is a HUGE savings)

El Dorado Royale

FM me if you want help with prices...I do think going away together after the wedding is crucial just to bond and relax. You don't have to spend a lot...and if you go to ASP you'll only spend around $2K because the excursions (which cost up to $150 each) are included.

Best wishes...

ETA: I just played around a bit and got you this quote from discount all inclusive, mind you, if you email it to Hayley she will beat them so the price will be lower...this includes all taxes and transfers...


Your Quote Number: 821235
Discount-all-Inclusive Special Rate: $2,256.12
Full Retail Price: $2,506.80
You Save: $250.68
Deposit: $300.00
Number of Rooms: 1
Room 1: 2 adults
Departure City: New York City (NYC)
Destination: Cancun
Departure Date: 8/9/2005
Return Date: 8/15/2005
Hotel: El Dorado Royale
Room Category: gardenvw jr ste all inclusive

Flight Information
Outbound
American Airlines Flight 1671 (Coach), Departs New York JFK at 11:00 AM, Arrives Cancun at 1:48 PM
Inbound
American Airlines Flight 1674 (Coach), Departs Cancun at 2:50 PM, Arrives New York JFK at 7:31 PM

I think most couples who say we will wait a few years OR we will come back on ___ st. anniversar. Never go. Life, kids, work get in the way. I say keep looking. Try Mexico. We are going to the el dorado royale spa in riveria maya mexico. we are paying 3000 for the oceanfront room for 8 days 7 nights.. ALL INCLUSIVE. if you get a garden view room it will be cheaper..
I received an amazing travel agent recommendation from an LIW bride, somthingblue. Her name is Haley from Beach bum vacations. she is an online agent but I talked to her on the phone for like an hour... twice. You don't pay her and she found amazing flight deals.. Fm me if you want the contact info.

ETA: I see somethingblu already gave you the recommendation... Seriously call her give her your budget and see what she says.

ETA2: check out kimberlybrides review of El dorado...

el dorado royale

Oh! Thank you thank you thank you!

I actually e-mailed haley, and got a response back from someone else... We talked to an agent here in VA, but didn't know about these places. I think we'll try to make another appointment with her sometime this week and see if we can get a better deal on a few of these...

I tried El Dorado and got a quote for less than 2000 flying out of LGA (which I'd rather do than JFK).

And one to a Couples in Jamaica flying out of Islip for around 2,200 - which is perfect for my price range.

Thank you so much for reccomending discount all inclusive - it's been great!

Everyone's situation is different but I have to say that in my opinion the honeymoon is important. All of your hardwork and the stress of planning a wedding deserves some time away. Plus the way I look at it - you build up for this huge day and then in a heartbeat it's over. The honeymoon kind of extends the event a little. More than anything I'm in favor of the relaxing aspect.

Have you considered going somewhere in the US. For example, last summer FH and I went to Marco Island in Florida. We had an ocean view balcony (had breakfast every morning there) and we were able to drive to Naples for fun at night. Very relaxing and I think ig was $800 with a rental car.

Couples in Jamaica IS PHENOMINAL!!!!!!!!!!!
FH & I went last April for a vacation, and we were about to get married on the spot there!

Hey if worse comes to worse.. Fly Jetblue $99 to Miami , Florida, stay on South Beach and call it a day!

Thanks again everyone. Florida is an option, but we really wanted all inclusive, which I haven't been able to find there yet, except for Disney - and as much as I love kids, our honeymoon will be our last week away from kids before I start teaching. So yeah, no Disney.

As for Miami, FH went there last year w/ friends and had an awful experience, so he refuses to go back.

Thanks for the review on Couples - It's something we're looking into now

If I had to choose between a short tropical vacation or a longer one close by, i woudl take the longer one....The best vacation FH and I have ever been on was HersheyPark four years ago- it was our first vacation alone and we stayed at a shabby little hotel and ate at diners so we could afford to go to the park

but we had a blast... I think people built up honeymoons to be extra sensual and has to be warm so you wear tiny clothes but i think it should just be something for the two of you- time alone to enjoy each other after all the stress

PS- it may sound hypocritical of me since were going to aruba but thats cause my fil's bought us a time share so its economical, just so you know

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Posted by Anti-Bride

If I had to choose between a short tropical vacation or a longer one close by, i woudl take the longer one....The best vacation FH and I have ever been on was HersheyPark four years ago- it was our first vacation alone and we stayed at a shabby little hotel and ate at diners so we could afford to go to the park

but we had a blast... I think people built up honeymoons to be extra sensual and has to be warm so you wear tiny clothes but i think it should just be something for the two of you- time alone to enjoy each other after all the stress

PS- it may sound hypocritical of me since were going to aruba but thats cause my fil's bought us a time share so its economical, just so you know

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see, we don't even have an option for a longer one - i'll be starting new teacher orientation (HOPEFULLY) on the 16th. Stupid southern schools starting all early :(