Planning the wedding is the first step. There’s plenty of excitement planning the honeymoon as well, from choosing a travel adventure to deciding on what to bring along on the journey. And for many, planning this great “escape” is just as important as planning the actual wedding. Regardless of where you decide to go, there are some things you should know to make it the kind of experience you want it to be.

First, put your budget in writing. If you have a large budget, you can pick any place in the world! If you’re like most engaged couples, you are already way over your budget. It does not make sense to have a budget and not follow it.

You’ll also need to decide whether you want an all-inclusive, one-price-does-it-all, leave-the-wallet-at-home type of trip, or a more do-it-yourself package with car rental, lodging, food, and activities on an a la carte basis. A resort or a cruise is an excellent choice because all of your expenses are taken care of when with your booking.

Of course, honeymoon budgeting takes on a new meaning if you decide to do a “destination wedding”. A destination honeymoon is a great option for couples which will allow them to save on the cost of a traditional wedding and honeymoon expenses. A destination weddings are usually chosen for a second marriages. If you choose a foreign country for your wedding, make sure you know everything possible about the laws of that country and how they effect you marriage. Check with the Department of State, in making any arrangements.

Now you need to book and pay for this trip. Honeymoon operators will generally offer a special rate for early booking and might just include the airfare. Selecting a honeymoon package usually will offer big savings because tour companies have the advantage of buying everything they offer at wholesale.

A honeymoon gift registry is a good idea to help offset some of your expenses. Find out if your travel agent can provide this for you. If they do not, do a Google search for honeymoon gift registry. A good place to start is at Budget Honeymoons. Honeymoon registires are a great option you can offer all the people you invite to the wedding. It gives these people the option of helping with the expense of the honeymoon.