Money-saving honeymoon ideas

With the economy in such bad shape, brides everywhere are looking for ways to cut costs. But when it's the day you've been dreaming of since you were 5, it's hard to let go of that gorgeous designer wedding gown or the fantastic floral centerpieces you've fallen in love with.

One great way to save money without letting it affect your big day is to scale back your honeymoon. Of course that trip to Jamaica would be nice, but your honeymoon is really all about spending some time together as a newlywed couple. You can just as easily enjoy each other a little closer to home, can't you?

There are plenty of options for great places to visit near Nebraska that don't even require a plane trip. Check out ngpc.state.ne.us for information on Nebraska state parks. You can even venture a little further out--to the Rocky Mountains or Estes Park in Colorado, Yosemite in Wyoming, or Mount Rushmore in South Dakota--without having to spend a ton of money on a flight or gas.

If getting back to nature isn't really your thing, another great option is taking a cruise. While that may not sound cheap, cruise lines are slashing their prices left and right, and most cruises are all-inclusive (room, board, entertainment, etc.), so you won't have to worry about bringing a huge amount of extra spending money. Look for a reliable travel agent to help you find an affordable flight to your destination and the best cruise for your money, and you could end up having that tropical honeymoon you dreamed about for far less than you imagined! Check out neweddingday.com for a list of reputable travel agencies in your area.