Suggestions how to get away with your spouse after the "big day" for less

by Elisabeth Walker WAL03024@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

There is no doubt that planning a wedding is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. After weeks or months of planning and the vow of, “I do” is finally taken, a couple doesn’t want to face any more stress.

Newlyweds really deserve to relax after that anyway. A honeymoon should not be the next big stressor to face; it should be a decrescendo after the climax. However, things must be done right for that to happen.

First don’t let wedding plans get in the way of planning the honeymoon. In order to have a fun, relaxing time some homework must be done ahead of time. A place to begin research is by asking a few questions, such as, what events would the newlyweds enjoy participating in together? What is their financial status? How long can the honeymoon realistically last? Then there is the option of either buying a honeymoon vacation or having the newlyweds or family plan it, assuming they have time.

At www.partypop.com is some advice about buying a pre-planned honeymoon. There are a few things to be aware of when buying a packaged deal. Sometimes the deal may sound like a bargain; however, to arrive at the final destination and find out that not all the expenses are covered can drain a newlywed’s pockets very quickly.

Also when buying a packaged deal the couple should decide if a cruise or resort would be the best. Making a list of the pros and cons of each option can help in making the final decision. A cruise would tend to have a formal setting and be limited on resources, since the availability of items depends on what can be stored in the ship. A resort would allow physical activities such as hiking, rock climbing, sightseeing and other land activities.

Sometimes these long, exotic honeymoons are far from practical for college students who have limited time and money. Some students had honeymoons that were only three to four days long before returning to normal life. Rebecca Von Gunten, a junior Roseville, Calif., and her spouse stayed at Park City, Utah, in the Marriott Hotel.

They spent their time shopping, eating at nice restaurants and participating in recreational activities. “Make it simple and inexpensive … just relax. Don’t schedule a bunch of events, [then] you don’t have to worry about anything,” Rebecca said.

An article from www.partypop.com suggests that it would also be a good idea not to expect too much from each other; after all life has started over and both are still getting used to the idea of being Mr. and Mrs.

“Memorable honeymoons are enjoyable vacations, not endurance races.” According to www.partypop.com. It might even be a good idea to hire a travel agent to take care of the details; this will save both time and money since the travel agent can catch any glitches that might otherwise nickel and dime a couple to death.

Another idea to consider is visiting extended family. Staying with family members can cut back on the cost of having to pay for a hotel, and it helps build relationships.

“Center [your honeymoon] around extended family and have time to unwind from wedding plans and just enjoy each other,” Dawn Ritchie, a junior from Kansas City, Kan., who has been married 20 years, said.

Money doesn’t mean an exciting honeymoon is out of the question. “Find out what resources are available for you to use. Ask your parents if they have sky miles on their credit card(s),” Grant Smith, a senior from Tullahoma, Tenn., said.

Plane tickets can be very costly, so any amount of money will help. Also, he suggested looking around at what kind of attractions are in the couple’s

hometowns or states. Staying local rather than going to a different area can be just as entertaining.

Most of all a couple should focus on enjoying each other and celebrate the beginning of their life together.

Planning early and thoroughly will help alleviate much of the stress that otherwise could get in the way of having an enjoyable honeymoon.