Discover our top honeymoon planning tips for minimalist couples in this fun guide. Get inspiration for eco-friendly and fun ideas.

Though the idea of newlyweds rushing from the reception to catch the next plane out is enchanting, it’s not exactly practical these days. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have an incredible postnuptial vacation. There’s so much joy to be found in the honeymoon planning process.

Due to budgets, safety restrictions, and well, life, many couples are opting for shorter trips or staycations as opposed to the typical week-long destination honeymoon. Still, it’s critical to decompress after the wedding festivities. You can’t expect to start the next chapter strong on an empty tank. Preparation and planning are key to an exceptional honeymoon experience.

In this article, you’ll discover our top tips for minimalist couples when honeymoon planning.

1. Minimalist Honeymoon Planning Basics

What’s your reason for having a minimalist honeymoon? Understanding your motivations will make the choices to come much easier. Common factors tend to be the couple’s budget or their desire to have an intimate wedding. Some couples may opt for minimalist honeymoon planning to fully focus on each other when the time comes for their elopement.

Whatever your preference, it’s important that you have a plan. With so many ideas and dates to remember, it’s easy to let honeymoon planning fall through the cracks. Instead, plan with intention while making it the fun shared experience it should be. Brainstorm with practicality, to make the most of the time you do have.

If budget is your motivation, get creative. You can certainly save money in advance, but try different means of saving and repurposing money for your new adventure.

This might incorporate the following:

• Book venues early
• Shop for discounts and special deals.
• Ask wedding attendees or close friends and family for cash gifts, gift cards, or donations to specific experiences. Several honeymoon planning sites allow guests to gift you the honeymoon experience of your dreams—from a drink on the beach to a hot air balloon ride.
• Use loyalty rewards to get the most bang for your buck.

Minimalist honeymoon planning isn’t all about finances though, as time is also a factor. So, cut out distractions to have the most fulfilling experiences in the least amount of time.

2. Combine Your Wedding and Honeymoon

Couples look forward to the excitement of a honeymoon. More and more couples are looking to make the most of their vacation time and honeymoon funds by combining trips. This generally means having both the wedding and honeymoon in the same destination or within a few hours of one another.

With rising costs of wedding vendors and venues, and decreasing time off work, it’s an incredibly practical idea. You can also minimize stress by not having as many travel details to manage. Not to mention, wedding and honeymoon combinations typically require less preparation.

Create a list of things to do and stay in a different hotel than your guests to foster the feeling of being alone in a new destination. Balance festivities and dining out with relaxing activities and downtime so you don‘t get burnt out. Don’t put all the pressure on yourself, lean on your resources and the hotel staff for ideas.

Afarose Insider Tip: Did you know that most resorts already have wedding-and-honeymoon planners or packages ready? They’ll have all the local information (so you can save on budget and effort) as well as the best ways to create a minimalist wedding-and-honeymoon experience.

3. Stay Local and Rediscover Your Love for Your Hometown

Even better, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy your honeymoon. Your ideal honeymoon could happen right in your hometown!

Many couples opt to plan a staycation if they want time together without the hassle of long drives or costly flights. Stay at home or in a local hotel you haven’t tried yet. Browse local or virtual museums, have a picnic in the park or explore new areas of the place you cherish most.

Have a travel itch that needs scratching? Try a theme night centered around your favorite destination or one you want to visit. Include online cooking and baking classes. Have fun practicing the language of the land you dream of. Do you dream of Italy? Make pasta from scratch with your love!

The goal is to be creative with your activities and focus on building your relationship. Spending intimate time together while building your communication is the name of the newlywed game.

Furthermore, don’t fall into the proximity trap. Turn off your phone notifications. Be fully present and enjoy the time with you and yours.

4. Focus on Experiencing New Things Together

Throughout the planning process, it’s important to remember that destination isn’t everything. A honeymoon is also about special experiences, real-life romance, and lifelong memories.

That’s why a surefire way to plan an amazing minimalist honeymoon is to focus on the experience. No matter your location, finding activities that are easily accessible and readily available lessens your stress and enhances your experience.

Enjoy a couples massage or a bath. Gift each other small, thoughtful presents each day as an expression of love. Watch the sunrise. Go to a winery, bakery, or coffee shop. There is beauty in simplicity!

5. Turn Your Honeymoon Into a Backpacking Adventure

Are you ready to embrace a truly minimalist honeymoon? Consider backpacking or camping. This unique experience allows you to be close to nature while enjoying a sense of adventure with your new spouse.

You’ll have the chance to try new things, overcome challenges, and have some laughs together without the luxurious price tag. The minimalist honeymoon can absolutely still be romantic and memorable without overspending.

Camping in a tent or cabin is an affordable option. Start the morning by watching the sunrise, or simply allowing yourselves to wake up naturally without an alarm. Get extra cozy with a double sleeping bag. Find a nice trail to hike and swim in a stream. Relax by stargazing and enjoying s’mores with a glass of wine before bed.

6. Add the Minimalist Theme to Your Wedding Too

Dive into a minimalist theme with budget-friendly dresses from Afarose for your entire bridal party. With ample styles to choose from including chic, classic, and modern, you are sure to find a great dress to fit your minimalist theme perfectly. However you envision your wedding day, Afarose has an extensive collection of bespoke dresses sure to exceed your expectations.

Check out Afarose’s collection of wedding dresses for inspiration.

Take bridal party collaboration to another level! Visit Afarose’s newest interactive virtual showroom feature for gown inspiration and style ideas. Bridal party members can collaborate with other bridesmaids. The bride can even comment on dress options and get feedback in real-time all on one convenient platform.