Your wedding day is a moment you’ll cherish forever. A beautiful celebration of your love, surrounded by friends, family, and joy. But once the cake has been cut and the last dance is over, it’s time for something even more exciting: your honeymoon.
Your honeymoon is more than just a vacation; it’s the beginning of your life together. It’s your chance to unwind, explore, and create the kind of memories you’ll look back on for decades to come.
But before you can start packing, there’s one big question to answer:
Should you choose an all-inclusive honeymoon or plan an à la carte (custom) itinerary?
Both styles have their own magic and understanding the difference can help you decide what’s best for you as a couple.
What Is an All-Inclusive Honeymoon?
An all-inclusive honeymoon is all about ease and indulgence. You’ll stay at a resort where everything from your meals and drinks to entertainment, room service, and even some excursions is included in one upfront price.
Imagine arriving at a beachfront paradise where your only decision is whether to start your day at the pool, the spa, or with breakfast in bed.
Why Couples Love All-Inclusive Honeymoons
1. Effortless Planning
You’ve spent months planning your wedding, the last thing you need is more stress. All-inclusives are designed to simplify everything. You’ll know your total cost upfront and can rest easy knowing almost every detail is covered.
2. Great Value for the Price
With meals, drinks, and activities included, it’s easy to stay within budget without sacrificing luxury. Plus, many resorts offer honeymoon packages with extras like candlelit dinners, massages, or complimentary room upgrades.
3. Endless Amenities
From swim-up bars to sunset catamarans, all-inclusives offer built-in fun and relaxation. You’ll find everything you need on property, which means less time planning and more time enjoying.
A Few Drawbacks to Consider
Limited Exploration
If you love exploring local culture or trying off-property restaurants, you might find all-inclusives a bit contained.
Crowds During Peak Season
Popular resorts can be busy, so look for adults-only or boutique-style properties if you prefer peace and quiet.
Predictable Menus
Some guests find resort dining repetitive, though many luxury properties now feature gourmet, globally inspired restaurants to keep things fresh.
What Is an À La Carte (Custom) Honeymoon?
An à la carte honeymoon is all about freedom and personalization. Instead of staying at one resort, you create your own unique itinerary. Whether that’s exploring multiple cities in Europe, island-hopping in Greece, or savoring wine in Tuscany.
You decide where to stay, what to do, and how long to linger, every moment reflects your personalities and passions.
Why Couples Love À La Carte Honeymoons
1. Fully Customizable Experiences
Want to stay in a romantic villa with ocean views, or a boutique hotel tucked into the mountains? You can do both. Every element from your destination to your excursions is completely your choice.
2. Authentic Local Flavor
You’ll dine at local restaurants, meet new people, and immerse yourselves in culture. À la carte honeymoons often feel more intimate and adventurous, perfect for couples who love discovering hidden gems.
3. Flexibility and Adventure
Whether you want to hop between islands, take a scenic road trip, or visit multiple countries, a custom honeymoon gives you total freedom. It’s ideal for couples who want their honeymoon to be an experience, not just a getaway.
A Few Drawbacks to Consider
More Planning Required
À la carte honeymoons involve research and coordination though working with a travel specialist (like Eye4DestinationWeddings!) takes that pressure off.
Variable Budget
Costs can fluctuate depending on destinations, flights, and experiences.
Less Predictable
With multiple destinations, travel delays or itinerary changes can happen but that’s part of the adventure!
Which Honeymoon Style Fits You Best?
If you’re still on the fence, think about what kind of experience you both want after your wedding:
| If You Want… | Choose… |
| To relax, unplug, and not lift a finger | All-Inclusive Honeymoon |
| To explore, adventure, and live like locals | À La Carte Honeymoon |
| A balance of both | Hybrid Honeymoon (mix of resort + exploration) |
Many couples even choose a hybrid approach, starting their honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort to unwind, then moving on to a second destination for adventure or sightseeing.
For example, you could spend five nights in an adults-only all-inclusive in Mexico, then fly to Costa Rica for a private rainforest villa and waterfall tours. The best of both worlds!
Destinations to Inspire You
Here are a few popular honeymoon destinations that shine for both travel styles:
All-Inclusive Favorites
- Cancun, Riviera Maya & Los Cabos (Mexico)
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Jamaica
- Saint Lucia
- Maldives
À La Carte Favorites
- Italy (Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Rome)
- Greece (Santorini, Athens, Mykonos)
- France (Paris, Provence)
- Japan (Kyoto, Tokyo)
- Bali, Indonesia
Wherever your dream takes you, the key is to find a destination that reflects you both. Your vibe, your rhythm, and your idea of paradise.
How Eye4DestinationWeddings Can Help
Planning a honeymoon shouldn’t feel like work. At Eye4DestinationWeddings, we help couples create stress-free, personalized honeymoons, whether that means:
- Booking your all-inclusive resort stay with exclusive perks, or
- Designing a custom, multi-destination itinerary from the ground up
We take care of the logistics, transfers, and details so you can focus on celebrating your new life together.
Let’s Design Your Dream Honeymoon Together
Your honeymoon deserves to be unforgettable, a perfect reflection of your love story.
Schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation today and let’s explore the destinations, resorts, and experiences that best fit your vision.
Book Your Complimentary Chat Here
Let’s turn your dream honeymoon into reality, beautifully planned, perfectly personalized, and effortlessly romantic.
