Tips for planning the perfect honeymoon

If the average spending on honeymoons seems high, it’s important for couples working on budgets to realize that there are plenty of ways to plan memorable getaways without breaking the bank. Couples can keep the following strategies in mind as they plan their honeymoons.

Honeymoons are big business. According to a recent Conde Nast Bridal Infobank survey, the average couple spends more than $5,000 on their honeymoon, indicating just how much meaning couples assign to their first official trip as newlyweds.

Plan and book early

In its 2016 Real Weddings Study, online wedding resource The Knot found that the average engagement length was 15 months. That gives couples plenty of time to plan their weddings, but also a great chance to book their honeymoons well in advance of their wedding days. Fifteen months affords couples the chance to piece together the perfect honeymoon on their own or shop around for package deals.

Delay the honeymoon

Couples without much wiggle room in their budgets or those who simply want to save money can delay their honeymoons, choosing to take their getaways months after they tie the knot. This provides couples with more traveling flexibility. And depending on when couples get married, delaying the honeymoon may push the trip into the vacationing off-season, when more affordable deals can often be found.

Don’t shy away from your newlywed status

Resorts might not advertise it, but many offer special amenities to honeymooning newlyweds. Some may provide complementary spa services, while others might offer free room upgrades if they have any vacancies. Such amenities may be grand or small, but no matter their size, they can make honeymoons feel more special.

Give ample consideration to all-inclusive honeymoon packages

Whether couples are working on tight budgets or planning their honeymoons without regard to cost, all-inclusive packages may be worth the extra money upfront. All-inclusive packages tend to include meals, some beverages and fun activities that couples would otherwise have to pay for á la carte. All-inclusive packages may also remove some of the work of planning the honeymoon because couples won’t need to tirelessly research activities and find the most affordable local vendors. Couples can examine the nuts and bolts of all-inclusive packages to make sure they include activities and foods they’re likely to enjoy.

Planning a honeymoon takes work, but much of that work is fun, and couples who do their due diligence can save substantial amounts of money.

How ‘sweet’ it is to be loved by you!

We called on local St. Louis couples to tell us their ‘sweet’ marriage proposal stories – and with close to 60 submissions, they did not disappoint! Some couples are newly engaged, awaiting the big day; while others have been married 10 plus years and reminisced on their memorable proposal.

The top four winners chosen by our readers each had a unique story of their own. Ryan planned a special but quirky route to pop the question to Jenny that began with a one-eyed albino duck myth. Erik and Kelly shared a holy proposal within the walls of the place that brought them together – their church. Joe and Stacey had a ‘practically perfect’, Mary Poppins themed, fairy tale proposal. And finally, Scott and Amanda’s ‘sweet’ proposal involved the sweetest treat of all – ice cream!

Our top four winners received various prizes including all-inclusive trip for two to Punta Cana, courtesy of Travel Haus of St. Louis, an Italian dinner with wine for two, specially prepared by Favazza’s Restaurant on the Hill, an hour photo shoot by Trotter Photography or a $100 Schnucks Floral or Bakery gift card.

Along with the four readers’ choice proposals, our editing team chose eight sweet engagement stories that stood out to us – and we think you will like them, too!

Editor pick: A wild love story at the Zoo

Ben Samantha

Ben and Samantha had the day off work and decided to go to their favorite place, the St. Louis Zoo. They strolled through the park where Ben spotted a caricature artist and insisted that they get a drawing done. Ben was so excited that Samantha felt that she couldn’t say no. Once the drawing was complete, the artist turned his creation around. To Samantha’s surprise, the caricature was Ben on one knee asking Samantha to marry him! Samantha was so overjoyed that she nearly fainted. Ben was able to pull off the perfect proposal at the perfect location for the two of them. The St. Louis Zoo will forever hold a special place in their hearts.

Editor pick: A tough act to follow

John Annie

Annie was a theater major, which meant she spent much of her time working on shows. Annie’s boyfriend John came to see her musical review and after the show was over, the stage manager called Annie out to check a light on stage. Much to her surprise, there stood John – center stage with a ring in his hand. After her acceptance of his proposal, Annie heard an eruption of cheers and realized they had an audience of their own. Their friends and family were able to watch the entire moment from the green room in the theater. John was not a center-of-attention kind of guy, so she was shocked and surprised with his stage-ready proposal.

Editor pick: A birthday surprise

Derrick Erica

Erica thought she was planning a spectacular surprise birthday party for her boyfriend. Little did she know it would turn into much more than his birthday celebration. With a cake mishap during the planning process, she was worried that everything wasn’t going as planned. Unbeknownst to her, the cake was the way that her boyfriend, Derrick, would ask her to spend forever with him. The cake arrived and Erica received the surprise of a lifetime – a cake decorated with, “Erica, will you marry me?” Derrick then presented her with the prettiest ring she’d ever seen. Turns out Erica had planned her own engagement party after all.

Editor pick: Forrester ever after

Christian Erin

On a spring day in March, Christian and Erin had plans to go for a hike at Pere Marquette Park in Grafton, Illinois with their dog, Gus. Looking back, Erin had a few signs that something was up, but was still surprised in the end. First, Christian was not annoyed at her music selection in the car like he normally tended to be. Second, the trail was particularly crowded and Gus was acting up, so she was surprised he didn’t ask to turn around. Instead, they laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. After trailing behind a group for a while, Christian and Erin broke off from the crowd and sat on a nearby rock. As they took a few selfies and shared a kiss, Christian pulled the ring out of his pocket to propose to Erin, who was oblivious to what was happening. Christian asked to marry her and a shocked Erin responded with, “Is this real life?!” After the hike, Christian and Erin had the opportunity to meet their family and friends at a local Grafton restaurant to celebrate. Erin said, “It was the best day and I cannot wait to marry Christian!”

Editor pick: Digging for diamonds

Hayden Kassidy

In April of 2018, Kassidy mentioned to her boyfriend, Hayden that she wanted to go diamond hunting in Arkansas. Hayden had been before, and she was eager to go with him. They made the four-hour trip to a state park in search of some diamonds and Kassidy was determined to find a diamond in the rough – but was having no luck. Hayden suggested they relocate to a new spot where it was less crowded. Suddenly, Hayden shouted, “Kass! Kass! I think I found something!” When Kassidy approached Hayden, he was pointing to the ground in hopes to distract her from the diamond in his pocket. Hayden then pulled out the diamond ring and asked Kassidy to marry him. Upon leaving, Hayden lovingly commented, “Now you can leave with the best diamond in the park.”

Editor pick: Dear Nike…

Stowe Ashleigh

Stowe and Ashleigh’s love story began seven years ago when they both worked at Gold’s Gym. One day, Ashleigh was wearing a pair of Nike workout pants and Stowe jokingly asked, “Are those Nike pants you’re wearing?” Ashleigh replied, “Yes.” Ashleigh then heard Stowe say aloud, “Dear Nike, ‘Thank you for the creation of women’s Dri-FIT workout pants by Nike Inc. They make Ashleigh look so good!’” Stowe proposed to Ashleigh in 2018 – tricking her into thinking they were apartment hunting – and proposed on the steps of the apartment where he used to reside and that held many memories for them. They plan to marry in 2020. (Nike pants will not be incorporated into the wedding attire.)

Editor pick: High school sweethearts

Daniel Maria

On December 18, 1999, at age 15, Daniel passed a note to Maria asking her to be his girlfriend. They dated for three years and Daniel was ready to propose with his mother’s engagement ring. Unfortunately, Daniel never got the chance. College and long distance separated them and their lives took them in different directions. A little over 12 years later, Facebook reconnected them and their reunion was like “coming back home.” On December 18, 2016, exactly 17 years after he penned the original note, Daniel finally had the opportunity to propose with the ring he received from his mother years before. Even though much time had passed, Maria had no question about saying yes to becoming Daniel’s wife.

Editor pick: Life’s sweet adventure

Trey Leslie

Leslie woke up and thought it was a typical Saturday morning for her and her boyfriend, Trey. But Trey was nowhere to be found. She came across a note on her kitchen table sitting next to a granola bar and an energy drink that read, “Dress warm and eat up – you are in for the adventure of a lifetime.” She quickly changed and headed out the door. Several heartfelt messages like, “Head to the spot where I took my first leap of faith (their first kiss),” and, “Go to the secret spot where you loved to explore as a kid,” led Leslie to Creve Coeur Park. The final note instructed her to meet Trey at the bottom of the stairs. At the bottom, she was met by a group of marathoners starting their race. Leslie found herself immersed in a sea of people, unable to find Trey. She finally noticed him moments later near the lake and flew into his arms. Trey knelt and asked, “Will you be my wife and forever prize?” Leslie accepted and received waves, clapping and many congratulations from runners who previously blocked her path. The day was truly a magical adventure.

Readers’ choice 1st place: A holy proposal

Erik Kelly

Wedding date: 5-11-19

Winner of an all-inclusive trip for two to Punta Cana, courtesy of Travel Haus of St. Louis

An important part of Kelly and Erik’s relationship developed within the walls of the church, the Washington University Catholic Student Center, or WashU CSC. Erik was growing his Catholic faith by going through an educational process called the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), and Kelly, a lifelong Catholic, signed up with him to share the experience.

Because the CSC was a special place for both of them, Erik knew this would be the place he would propose to Kelly. However, the CSC is a busy place for students, and Erik wanted the proposal to be private. He decided on a time when he knew students would likely be off-campus, right around Thanksgiving.

After missing a RCIA meeting, Erik realized this would be the perfect excuse to get Kelly to come to the CSC over Thanksgiving break. He had scheduled a ‘make-up meeting’ with the pastor of the church, Father Gary. Kelly agreed to join him.

November arrived and Erik was ready. He adorned the living room of the CSC with candles, photos of their family and artwork from a local artist that they both enjoyed.

After setting up, Erik heard someone trying to get into the church. He knew it wasn’t Kelly because she was never early, and he panicked – worried that someone would interfere with their special day. Erik peeked out and recognized Kelly’s car, so he unlocked the door and let her in. Kelly walked in and when she noticed that Erik was dressed up in dress pants and a tie, she had an idea of what was to come. Erik led her to the living room and proposed to Kelly. Kelly’s response: “Of freaking course.”

After the proposal, Erik and Kelly spent time praying and reflecting together and were later joined by Father Gary who asked, “When is the wedding?”

Although the couple did not know when, they knew where. There was no question that they had to be married at the church that brought them together – and that Father Gary would lead them into their new beginning.

Readers’ choice 2nd place: Pogue to Jovanovic

Scott Amanda

Wedding date: 9-28-19

Winner of an hour photo shoot by Trotter Photography

Amanda and Scott truly believe their engagement night was the ‘sweetest’ story they will ever tell. They had been together for three years, and wanted to do something special to celebrate their anniversary. They decided on dinner at a local St. Louis favorite, Peacemaker Lobster Crab Restaurant, but the night didn’t end there.

After dinner the couple decided to treat themselves to dessert at Clementine’s Naughty Nice Creamery, for a ‘sweet’ treat. The patio outside the ice cream parlor was the perfect spot for Scott to pop the question; considering it was empty, and the two of them had the opportunity to be alone.

As they enjoyed their ice cream cones, Scott got down on his knee, proposed, and Amanda immediately said, “Yes!”

The couples’ next stop was The Clubhouse where they were greeted for drinks and celebration with their families and many of their friends – a surprise Scott planned. Amanda was especially grateful to end the day with the people she loved and she can’t wait to marry her best friend!

Readers’ choice 3rd place: A practically perfect proposal

Joe Stacey

Wedding date: 6-29-19

Winner of an Italian dinner with wine for two, specially prepared by Favazza’s Restaurant on the Hill

Stacey and Joe met on a dating app, Coffee Meets Bagel. Both were apprehensive as they had sworn off dating, but they decided to meet at the Elephant Bar for a first date. For the next three hours, Stacey and Joe expressed their concerns and expectations for the future as they both had been married previously. Their love story began that day and they have been inseparable ever since.

Last year, Stacey was informed that she was the “Mary Poppins” of the school because she was ‘practically perfect’ in everyone’s eyes. After completing a Mary Poppins book series with her students, Stacey decided that she would dress the part as Mary Poppins herself in her upcoming half marathon in Disney World. Joe had never been, so she invited him to come with her.

Little did she know that Joe had a ‘practically perfect’ idea up his sleeve.

Joe met Stacey at the finish line of her half marathon, dressed as Bert from Mary Poppins with the engagement ring in tow. Joe said, “Make me the happiest man at the happiest place in the world. Will you marry me?” A spectator in the crowed belted out, “Say yes!” and Stacey joyously repeated her own “Yes!” immediately.

Joe and Stacey believed in second chances, and right in the middle of their ordinary life, they found their very own fairy tale happy ending.

Readers’ choice 4th place: One-eyed albino duck

Ryan Jenny

Wedding date: 7-15-06

Winner of a $100 Schnucks Floral or Bakery gift card

Ryan had been thinking of ways to propose to his girlfriend, Jenny, but couldn’t think of quite the right way to pop the question. During his double-header summer league baseball game, he decided that tonight was the night. He and Jenny were planning to have dinner with relatives later that evening, which would be the perfect time to celebrate.

Ryan wanted a unique proposal – something that he and Jenny would remember and laugh about forever. His teammates helped him brainstorm, but only one idea inspired him.

One of his teammates suggested proposing by a lake, but with an interesting twist to get Jenny to meet him there. They came up with a strange story that went something like this: Ryan told Jenny he saw a story on the news about a one-eyed albino duck on the lake nearby them. Jenny, who is extremely gullible according to Ryan, believed the story and was excited to go see this outlandish creature.

After Ryan’s games, he and Jenny set out for dinner with a plan to stop at the lake on the way to see the duck. As pure coincidence would have it, there was actually a white duck swimming around when they pulled up. Jenny leaned down to check it out while Ryan got down on his knee to pop the question. He asked her with the white ring box in his hand, “Is this the white duck you were looking for?” After Jenny accepted, they went to dinner and had the opportunity to share the moment with the people they cared about the most.

Jenny still keeps the ‘albino duck’ box in her dresser drawer.

Things have been ducky ever since.