Money is one of the most important aspects for many couples when planning their honeymoon. Creativity and flexibility are the solutions to an economical honeymoon. If you must travel to Fiji—even off-season—the price tag usually will match that destination. Remember, you don't want to return from your honeymoon in debt. Your plans must be cost effective!
Here is a list of ideas that can save you money on your honeymoon...
1. All-inclusives
Often, you can save money at all-inclusive resorts, but check out what is included beforehand. Choose an all-inclusive that truly includes everything from all meals, water, alcohol, non-motorized sports and even some excursions. Most packages will include your food, beverages and some activities, but they vary widely.
Also, if you drink alcohol, find out how much is included. Some resorts limit the types of drinks they offer for free, so you may have a limited selection of beer, wine or cocktails.
If you are a foodie, you may be disappointed, since selections could be limited. Many all-inclusives are quite expensive, but there are some that are reasonable, especially some in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
2. A loaner
You may know someone who has a time-share or a vacation home at the beach, a cabin by a lake, a condo in the mountains. If a family member owns that timeshare, let them know that you are having trouble affording a resort. They may offer you their timeshare as a wedding gift, which is easy for them and will save you quite a lot of money in resort fees.
If they’re close friends, they may be willing to rent you their unit, or better still, loan it to you for a honeymoon getaway. Either way, the cost savings is substantial. You will only need money for your travel expenses, food, drink and entertainment.
3. B&Bs
Rather than those 5-star luxury resorts, you can opt for a Bed and Breakfast. These are often very well kept and have unique room interiors—as opposed to large, tastefully decorated yet monotone hotel rooms.
This is also a great way to travel through Europe and the continental USA. It will make you feel like you’re one of the locals.
So opt for a romantic, secluded B&B for less than half the price of those flashy resorts and with a B&B, breakfast is included. Many countries also offer travelers pensions, which are a sort of combination between a B&B and a hotel.
4. Cruise deals
Cruise packages are available at affordable rates, especially if you don't mind a smaller room. If you plan on spending more time in your cabin, try to get a balcony or mini-suite, which can still be fairly affordable on some lines.
But this is the time to splurge on whatever accommodations you choose. No matter what type of honeymoon you choose, you will spend an enormous amount of time in your cabin. Make it special—make it unforgettable.
Cruise lines like Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are known for their more economical rates. Yet, if you are really on a budget, consider one of these cruise lines for a less expensive honeymoon cruise.
This is also a time when the season could help. A cruise to the Caribbean is more affordable in the winter than summer anyway. And who doesn’t sometimes want a reprieve from the winter’s experienced in the Hudson Valley?
5. Register for your honeymoon
For the couple who already have everything they need for their home and who dream instead of romance in a faraway paradise, a honeymoon registry may be perfect for them. This way, the expense can be divided among many guests. Your guests are able to select any of the honeymoon experiences and/or activities you have listed. In most cases, they are even able to leave you a personal message. They pay the value of their gift to you directly by credit or debit card, check, or in person on the day of your wedding.
Your registry information is best passed through family and the bridal party. If guests find out that you need a little help in that area, they will usually be happy to purchase a gift they know you will enjoy. In lieu of a physical wedding gift, they can be a part of the vacation you’ll remember your entire lifetime. A few years ago, it was difficult to find a honeymoon registry, but they are becoming more and more prolific. Search the web for the right one for you or ask your travel agent.
Memories from your honeymoon will remain long after the housewares and other gifts have gone out of style. But please remember, this honeymoon is for both of you. If one of you does all the work, he/she will feel guilty if things don't go perfectly. If you don't participate in the planning, you may end up dissatisfied. Locate a no-cost travel agent and ask your questions (any good agent is paid by the industry and not their clients anyway).
Don’t forget to make time for yourselves. Pad your honeymoon schedule with free time. A rushed and overly organized honeymoon might feel too much like your wedding day. Instead, plan a few enjoyable activities and leave lots of opportunities to just enjoy each other's company. Judicious planning can give you the honeymoon of your dreams.
Emma McKnight is travel agent specializing in cruise vacations. View her website at: Cruise With Emma or contact her for more information.
Mauritus. A slice of paradise, this volcanic island off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, conjures up images of tropical luxury. This isle, east of Madagascar, is known for its cobalt-blue seas, white sandy beaches and lavish resorts, there is so much to do here. Surrounded by one of the largest unbroken coral reefs in the world, you may eventually find yourself wishing for something to do besides sunbathing and swimming. 
This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern facilities combined with wonderful, rich past and heritage. White-water rafting is a popular activity with trips on the Ayung, Telaga Waja, and Unda Rivers. Honeymooners can refresh their minds while watching beautiful scenery along the route. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of this island. 
If you want to try a Desert Safari or Dune Bashing, you can head out to the desert in an SUV with specialist Desert Drivers. These drivers will take you for a roller-coaster ride over sand dunes, show you the sunset from a strategic vantage point and then take you to a lavish dinner with music and dance to complete the atmosphere. You may want to stay clear of the dune-bashing if you know that you get carsick easily. Or you may enjoy seeing all the sand dunes and mountains instead with an early morning or at sunset during a hot air balloon ride with your new spouse.
The next part, defrosting. I would not suggest just pulling it out and leaving it on the counter. What you want to do is slowly bring it back to room temperature. This prevents additional drying and if any ice has built off, it won’t disintegrate your cake quite as bad. To do this, take it from the freezer and place in the refrigerator the day before your first anniversary, so it is nice and defrosted the day of. At this point, let it come to room temperature for a half hour or so, and enjoy. This will provide the best results one year later.
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