Honeymoon Planning Timeline: When to Book a Sandals Honeymoon

One of the first questions couples ask after getting engaged is:

“When should we book our honeymoon?”

The answer matters more for a honeymoon than for a normal vacation.

Unlike a flexible trip, a honeymoon has fixed dates. You’re traveling right after a wedding, often during a popular season, and you want the experience to feel smooth and relaxed.

Sandals honeymoons follow a fairly predictable planning timeline. Understanding it early prevents last-minute stress and limited room choices later.

Choose the right Sandals resort first

12–15 Months Before the Wedding

Start Choosing the Island

You don’t need to pick a specific room yet.

This is the stage to decide:

• atmosphere

• travel distance

• beach preference

• travel season

Couples often begin by comparing photos, but the more helpful step is identifying the type of honeymoon you want: quiet, social, beach-focused, or activity-oriented.

This step removes most of the confusion later.

10–12 Months Before

Reserve the Resort

This is the most important booking window.

The most requested honeymoon room categories, especially privacy-focused suites, begin selling out about a year in advance for popular wedding months.

Booking early usually means:

• best room availability

• more location choices

• less compromise

Many couples believe waiting might lower the price.

In practice, it usually reduces options rather than cost.

6–8 Months Before

Choose Flights

Airfare pricing becomes more stable during this period.

Booking flights too early can be expensive.

Booking too late limits schedules.

At this stage, couples can now plan arrival times and airport transfers more comfortably.

3–4 Months Before

Select Room Preferences & Activities

Now you can think about details:

• spa appointments

• excursions

• dining preferences

• packing plans

At this point, the major decisions are already handled, which makes the final months before the wedding much less stressful.

1 Month Before

Confirm Travel Details

This is the check-in stage.

Confirm:

• passport validity

• travel documents

• airport timing

• transportation

Having this done early lets couples focus on the wedding itself rather than travel logistics.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

This is where couples often feel frustrated.

Late booking rarely prevents you from going, but it often removes:

• preferred buildings

• specific room categories

• certain dates

The resort still looks beautiful, but you may feel you settled instead of chose.

The honeymoon itself is usually wonderful.

The regret is often about the room you almost booked.

A Helpful Rule

A simple way to think about it:

Book the resort early.

Decide the details later.

Room availability changes faster than travel logistics.

Planning After the Wedding

You don’t need every detail finished months ahead.

Once the resort is reserved, most remaining choices, dining, activities, and excursions can be decided closer to travel.

Many couples feel much more relaxed knowing the major decisions are already complete.

Sandals honeymoon planning mistakes

Still Unsure?

If you’re early in planning, begin with the Resort Match Guide:

Find Your Resort Match

Or send a question here:

Plan With Us

A quick clarification early in the process often makes the entire planning experience easier.