You don’t have to go broke paying for a memorable and romantic honeymoon. Here are some ways to save a little money on your travel expenses, without sacrificing your honeymoon dreams.

If you’re using a credit card to pay for wedding expenses, use those points for your hotel or air tickets. Find out which of your accounts has the best return rate, and pay your wedding-related bills with plastic, knowing that when you book a caterer or wedding musicians, you’re also paying for your honeymoon.

To save money and avoid waiting in long lines, leave at an unusual time. An unusual time can be catching a midweek flight, leaving early in the morning, or arranging your honeymoon at the beginning or end of peak visiting season. Do a little research and book your trip for a time when the weather’s good but the crowds have left.

Unless you’ve had your heart set on a particular resort, think about going somewhere off the beaten path. Why not stay closer to home for a less expensive getaway? I don’t mean booking a hotel in the next town, but a beach in the US can be just as relaxing and beautiful as a trip to the islands, and you can use the money you save on a flight for a more luxurious hotel accommodation. Plus, a shorter distance means less time crammed in an uncomfortable seat, and more time on your honeymoon.

As more couples marry later in life, fewer brides and grooms need the traditional linens, silverware and other household goods. If you’ve already got china and towels, why not ask guests to contribute to a honeymoon instead? You can do this tactfully in the invitations or ask your maid-of-honor to let people know you’d rather have a vacation than a gravy boat.

One other idea that seems to be attracting some attention deals with your honeymoon photos.  If you take pictures and use a digital camera, see if you can ask your wedding photographer to add some of your favorite honeymoon photos to what was posted on your wedding website.  If you are getting a disc of your wedding photos, see if some of your honeymoon favorites can be included in that as well.

Recently:

• Planning Your Guest List
• Jeffrey Sauger on the cover of The New York Times Website
• Affordable and Fun Honeymoon Plans
• Choosing the Right Wedding Caterer
• Preserving Your Wedding Flowers
• Wedding Musicians
• Black Tie Etiquette
• Engagement Ring Ideas….Really!
• Wedding Bouquets
• Summer Weddings