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CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Jul 24, 2013) - While weddings can leave happy newlyweds in a financial slump, BMO Harris Bank offers tips for couples on how to save money when planning your honeymoon. The average newlywed couple in 2012 spent about $4,466 on their honeymoon, according to TheKnot.com's annual survey. With most couples paying for their trips on their own, there are several tips on how to cut cost s for a lavish getaway.

• Open a honeymoon registry: While many couples register for housewares for their bridal showers and wedding, others may already be equipped with a full home of neccessities. As an alternative, couples can now set up honeymoon registries with a variety of companies which allow family and friends to purchase portions of the trip as a bridal shower or wedding gift -- from hotel expenses to resort activities, couples can build their dream honeymoon through a registry while guests contribute to the trip's expenses.
  
  
• Cash in on reward points: Consider opening a credit card with specific travel rewards to use while making wedding purchases, then you can redeem the points afterwards to use towards airline tickets, hotels, car rentals or even entertainment.
  
  
• Consider timing: Many couples aim to take their honeymoon shortly after their wedding, which can often be during an expensive peak vacation season. Some couples decide to postpone their honeymoon for 3-6 months after the wedding. Not only does their budget have time to recover from wedding expenses, but they will most likely be traveling during the off-season for many locations, giving them greater options for cheaper packages. If a couple is flexible with timing, they can also keep an eye out of last minute vacation deals.
  
  
• Spread the word: Remember to mention you're "honeymoon-ers" when making your reservations as many hotels and companies have special newlywed discounts and deals throughout the year.

About BMO Harris Bank
BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 600 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, go to the company fact sheet. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank(SM) is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with approximately 1,600 branches, and approximately $555 billion in assets (as of April 30, 2013).