6 Budget-saving tips on planning your honeymoon

Honeymoon tip #1: It's All About Timing

Do your research first. It costs much less to travel off-season, and that can save you big bucks when it comes to your flight and hotel reservations. Consider booking some time during a "shoulder season." A shoulder season is the few weeks before and after a season is at its prime. Savings can differ depending on your destination. For example, booking a honeymoon in Jamaica at the end of November/early December versus after that date could save you a thousand dollars or more at a major resort.

Honeymoon tip #2: Dollar Power

If you look into destinations where the dollar is strong -- Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Montreal -- you'll see a noticeable difference in savings over European destinations like France, Italy, and Spain. It's even cheaper if you stick closer to home. New York City, San Francisco, Miami, Key West, and New Orleans have all experienced a recent surge in popularity for honeymooners.

Honeymoon tip #3: Re-gifting Frequent-Flyer Miles

Are you willing to give up items on your wedding registry in exchange for a great honeymoon? Put the word out to your bridal party that you'd love the gift of frequent-flyer miles. Discounted airline tickets can really help you offset the costs of a more expensive vacation to a place like Australia, China, or Dubai.

Honeymoon tip #4: Sign up for a Honeymoon Registry

You can always just cut to the chase and register for your honeymoon online at WeddingChannel.com. Large resorts like Sandals and Starwood offer honeymoon gift certificates that can be purchased by family and friends prior to your honeymoon departure date that are good for hotel room upgrades and activities on the resort.

Honeymoon tip #5: Wait to Book

It may be tempting to book every little aspect of your trip before you go, but you could save some cash if you wait until you arrive at your location. Tour excursions like scuba diving, horseback riding, and shopping trips tend to be cheaper if you book them directly through a local tour operator.

Honeymoon tip #6: Broadcast Your Newlywed Status

You're in love and you want to let the whole world know that you're finally married. Don't hold back! There are many perks to flaunting your honeymoon status, so let your hotel and airline know you've just said "I do." It could possibly translate into discounts, upgrades, and free vouchers. This also works at local restaurants, so make a point to share the good news with your server or the manager.

More from WeddingChannel.com:

Booking Tips for Beginners
A Romantic Honeymoon on a Budget
Save Money -- Start a Honeymoon Registry
Photo: Geoff White Photographers