Weddings can be stressful – especially on your checkbook.

After budgeting ceremony, reception and other party expenses, there may not be as much money left for a honeymoon as you would like. But just because you have a small honeymoon budget doesn’t mean that it can’t be a relaxing and memorable trip. 

A good travel agent can help make the most of your funds so the honeymoon of your dreams can be taken at a price that won’t cause nightmares.

Before you visit your travel agent, consider these wallet-friendly ideas:

•  Consider driving to a destination. Head to a cozy bed and breakfast in Michigan (six-hour drive from St. Louis). Catch the sights and sounds of Chicago (five-hour drive from St. Louis) or Kansas City (four-hour drive from St. Louis). If you don’t want to miss out on the beach honeymoon of your dreams, take a road-trip to Florida, which can take between 15 and 20 hours when leaving from St. Louis.

•  If you want to spend your honeymoon in Disney World, stay off-property. Dozens of hotels and resorts surround the property, spacious homes even are available at less cost than official hotels. Rates are cheaper from Sunday through Thursday. Weekend rates usually are more expensive.

•  Hotels on the Las Vegas strip offer many specials. Travel packages often include discounts on airfare. Again, rates are cheaper from Sunday through Thursday, which fits perfectly with right-after-the-wedding plans. Ask your travel agent to provide you with Las Vegas options.

•  Think about going to an all-inclusive resort, where one fee up front includes room, food, drinks and activities on resort property. Be sure to find out exactly what is included, so there are no surprises. Your travel agent can provide all-inclusive options around the world.

•  Give yourself a daily budget (with travel and hotel costs separate) and prioritize how to spend your funds. Saving along the way for one significant splurge gives purpose to the economy.

•  Pack plenty of toothpaste, suntan lotion, reading material and snacks and an extra memory card for photos. These items usually are more expensive at tourist destinations.

•  Register your planned honeymoon with a travel agency, so friends and family can contribute to your trip as their wedding gift.

•  Schedule the honeymoon for your six-month anniversary, when the level of your energy and funds are replenished. But don’t skip it! This is the only trip the two of you will ever take as private newlyweds.