This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

In today’s Pinterest and Instagram-influenced world, a happily ever after comes with a hefty price. The couples of today demand a wedding that is swoon-worthy and a honeymoon that is drool-worthy.

If you are among the lucky few who have their finances sorted out for your elaborate honeymoon, this article is not for you. However, if you are someone whose honeymoon budget is dwindling after an extravagant wedding, you must read on to know how you can finance your honeymoon without breaking the bank:

Tip To Finance Your Honeymoon

1. Apply for a Wedding Loan or a Line of Credit

A personal line of credit allows you to draw out only what you need at the time. It has a higher credit limit and a lower interest rate than other types of loans, which makes it an attractive solution for financing your honeymoon.

Pro Tip: Before you apply for a personal line of credit for marriage or to plan a honeymoon, be certain that you can comfortably repay the borrowed amount through monthly installments. 

2. Choose Travel Rewards Credit Cards and Maximize the Rewards Points You Earn

A credit card can be a good place to accumulate reward points and then use them to pay for your honeymoon trip. However, to make sure that your credit card earns enough rewards points that can actually help you to pay for your airfare or hotel stay, follow these tips:

• Research and choose the best credit card that serves your needs.
• Swipe your credit card to make as many wedding purchases as possible.

Pro Tip: This credit card strategy will only work if you are committed to paying the borrowed amount in full each month. Otherwise, it will backfire to pull you in the vicious cycle of debt.

3. Create Honeymoon Registries

A honeymoon registry is a popular alternative to traditional gifting and also one of the best money saving tips to plan a perfect honeymoon.  A honeymoon registry works on the same concept as a wedding registry.

It is a fully fundable wish list that you ask your guests to fund. You can include items like these in your honeymoon registry:

• Couple activities, such as couple massages or tours
• Luxurious experiences, such as a private dinner or an exclusive chartered hot air balloon experience
• Travel expenses, such as a car or hotel rentals
• Some little things needed on the trip, such as books, toiletries, etc.

Pro Tip: Enroll in a free or low-cost honeymoon registry that also offers complimentary plans.  Websites like Honeyfund.com allows guests to fund for specific expenses or activities on your trip.

4, Start a Honeymoon Savings Fund

Open an account to contribute towards your honeymoon fund. Keep aside a fixed, manageable monthly amount to put in your honeymoon savings fund. If required, set up a recurring transfer to ensure your saving plan doesn’t fall flat because you forgot to keep aside the money.

Pro Tip: It’s important that every couple has an emergency savings fund, a personal savings fund, and a retirement savings fund.

5. Ask Your Close Friends and Family

Your close friends and family are the best people to ask. If you are embarrassed to ask outright, drop hints. If that doesn’t work, you may as well just ask bluntly.

Mention that you are saving up for a truly unique trip, and whatever monetary help they can render is always welcome. They might understand and make generous contributions.

Author bio:

Shiv Nanda is a financial analyst who currently lives in Bangalore (refusing to acknowledge the name change) and works with  MoneyTap, India’s first app-based credit-line. Shiv is a true finance geek, and his friends love that. They always rely on him for advice on their investment choices, budgeting skills, personal financial matters and when they want to get a loan. He has made it his life’s mission to help and educate people on various financial topics, so email him your questions at shiv@moneytap.com.