Photo (above) : Honeymoon (left) : Amazing Destinations / Honeymoon (right) : Selectair - Photographer: MSC
What is a buddymoon?
There have been some departures from a ‘traditional’ honeymoon in recent years. For example, some couples opt for a buddymoon - where they may or may not plan their honeymoon entirely together with their friends or family. They then choose, for example, to spend a few days or a week with their guests, often in Europe. These may be close friends or family - or all their wedding guests.
The destination wedding & buddymoon combo
Nowadays, couples still most often choose to honeymoon just the two of them. However, sometimes they also choose to do both a traditional honeymoon and a buddymoon. (Multi-day) destination weddings, for example - which, by the way, have increased enormously as a trend in recent years - are sometimes linked to a kind of ‘buddymoon’. Bridal couples are then in fact already abroad with their friends and family before their destination wedding, which is often planned over a weekend. Afterwards, it is easy to continue travelling with a close-knit group after the wedding, and celebrate and enjoy some more time together. Often, though, the couple will then go on their ‘own’ honeymoon afterwards (or later), just the two of them.
Best of both worlds
So, in addition to the ‘traditional’ honeymoon, couples are also more often opting for multiple, shorter honeymoons these days - such as a combination of a destination wedding weekend, a buddymoon and a mini-moon.
Similarly, our own Marketing Manager Scarlett Allen, who is getting married in July this year, is opting for such a combination of a destination wedding weekend and a buddymoon: "We are getting married this summer in Umbria, Italy. The day after our wedding, we are going to have brunch with our close family and friends first, and then rent a cottage together with some friends for a few days. We're all together in Umbria anyway, we think it would be really nice to make the most of the opportunity and enjoy ourselves fully together - and celebrate some more. Then my future husband and I will also get away from it all with just the two of us. That way we have the best of both worlds!" shares Scarlett.
Why choose a buddymoon?
A buddymoon allows couples to celebrate their wedding extra-long and elaborate with their closest friends. They could also invite their parents along as a thank you to have paid for (part of) their wedding party, for example.
So, a buddymoon is a fun and creative way to honour your family and friends, to thank them for helping with your wedding celebration and to enjoy some time together.
Active trip
When it comes to a ‘traditional’ honeymoon, most couples want above all rest, relaxation and sun security. In our 2024 wedding survey, 89% of couples said there should be sun security on their honeymoon.
A buddymoon, on the other hand, is usually allowed to be a bit more active. Think lots of experiences, doing activities, outings, entertainment, ... There are lots of visits and activities such as boat trips, wine tastings, more sporty outings such as hiking, climbing, diving,...
Buddymoon destinations
Traditionally, a buddymoon usually takes place in Europe. Destinations perfect for buddymoons are at least the South of France, Spain, Italy, the Greek islands, the Balearic Islands (especially Mallorca) - or how about a cruise in Europe?
The buddymoon, something for you?
Do you hang out very closely with your close friends or family? Would you enjoy spending a week together celebrating your wedding and reminiscing with your loved ones? Then a buddymoon is really for you! You two can always continue the honeymoon a little longer for a quieter ‘part two’, or schedule a more relaxed trip with the two of you later. Best of both worlds ;-)
Are you getting married this year and still planning your honeymoon? Then discover the honeymoon trends of 2024 here and the 5 best honeymoon destinations in 2024 here.
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