Guest Blogger :: Shannon

Who said that a honeymoon has to come after the wedding? Probably most people…but wouldn’t an inexpensive, fun trip with cooler weather, a beach and numerous theme parks provide a needed break from wedding planning? YES! Erika and I received a small lump sum from my parents as a wedding gift to be utilized for whatever we needed. My mom specified the money was for ANYTHING including a trip…so we are heading to gorgeous California to celebrate our six years together and to get a needed vacation from the AZ heat. Actually, we are taking two trips--San Diego in September and L.A. in October.

The L.A. itinerary brings us to Universal Studios, Sunset Strip, and of course shopping at Santee Alley where you can find deals on purses, perfume, clothes and accessories.

 The San Diego trip in September includes staying at the Best Western in Coronado (with a great discount), Sea World and lots of beach fun.

Tips for an affordable pre-wedding honeymoon:

1. Ask for Discounts :: Ask friends, family and employers if they can “hook you up” with a deal, discount, or coupon. Many employers offer discounts to theme parks. Other areas to receive discounts are military, senior, AAA, local grocery stores, and with your credit card companies. Check with friends/family that live in the state you are visiting to see if they get a resident discount. I have a friend in California, so we are able to get the resident discount AND, because her brother is military, we get that discount too.

2. Do your Research :: Check online. There are several websites that provide coupons, package deals, and discounts.

3. Low Cost or No Cost :: Try to plan low- or no-cost activities like going to the beach, sight seeing, hiking, looking at different neighborhoods, window shopping, picnicking, or festivals. Check online for information.

4. PLAN PLAN PLAN :: I know that it’s really fun to just pick up and go, however, if you are unfamiliar with all a city has to offer, check it out beforehand to make sure once you get there you are doing more and searching less.

5. Bring a Camera :: A great way to de-stress and relive a fun vacation is to put pics in a photo album, make a scrap book and then share them with friends and family.

My fiancé, Erika, and I planned on a honeymoon up the coast of California but it was just too expensive for us. With a few modifications to our budget, lots of exploration for discounts, and a "plan”--another fairytale comes to life!

Here are a few links that helped us plan our trips that I would like to share with you.

{Info on San Diego}

{Shopping in Santee Alley}

{Summer Info on Universal Studios}

{Visit California}

Guest blogger Shannon Williams and her girlfriend are sharing with us their journey of planning their same sex wedding. Read more about them here.