With destination holidays as popular as ever, buddymoons are becoming a big thing in honeymoons. Many couples who get married abroad absolutely love the idea of extending their celebrations by inviting friends or family, or both, to holiday with them after the wedding rather than heading off for a romantic break alone. How often do you get to go on holiday with all your favourite people at the same time after all? Sound like something you'd like to do? Here's a quick guide as to what a buddymoon is, whether you should have one, and how to go about planning it.
What Is a Buddymoon?
A buddymoon is a honeymoon you take with your friends. It's essentially a group holiday you take after your wedding.
It's popular among couples having a destination wedding, who want to make the most of being overseas with all their friends, or among couples who are hosting friends from around the world in their home country for their wedding, and want to show them the sights after they've made the big journey to be there.
It's particularly common among Irish or British couples who come back from Australia or New Zealand to tie the knot, and bring a bunch of pals with them.
There's also a school of thought that, because so many couples live together and travel a lot before their weddings, their honeymoon isn't viewed as the same opportunity to "get to know one another as newlyweds" as it used to be. It can now instead be seen as a last big hurrah with your pals, especially if you are focusing on another big life milestone in the following months.
A buddymoon can also be when two or more recently married couples choose to honeymoon together. Weddings within the one friend group can often be like buses - none for ages and then three come at once. So if you and your pals have always dreamed of going on a bucket list adventure together, this could be a great opportunity to do just that. However, do think about this one carefully, as some people in your friend circle might feel excluded if they don't get the invite due to their marital status, so tact is key.
Is a Buddymoon for You?
Well, it depends! Do you love the idea of an extended wedding celebration with all your pals? Or are you so excited about heading off with your new spouse for some total relaxation or a fun adventure for two?
If you do decide on a buddymoon, you need to make sure you AND your other half are both on board about the idea. Choose a small selection of mutual like-minded pals, or a few friends from each side, so it's not like your new husband or wife is tagging along on your friends trip. Imagine feeling like a third-wheel on your own honeymoon? Not cool!
Likewise, you don't want your friends to feel like they're third wheels on your honeymoon. So while you're going to be loved-up of course, if you plan on spending your days honeymooning in bed 'til lunchtime and having early nights, it's probably wise to head off into the sunset, just the two of you.
It's also important to note, you're often way more tired than you'd expected after your wedding. You've been planning for months, and once all the adrenalin leaves your body, you might need to simply crash. While a week partying with your friends might sound like a great idea now, try to imagine how you'll feel after the busy build-up to your wedding, and a full-on few days of hosting duties.
Places to Go on a Buddymoon
Obviously where to go and what to do on your buddymoon will depend on the time of year, and the group of friends in question.
- Generally buddymoons aren't long haul trips, so staying where you are or just a short flight away is a good idea.
- If you've rented a villa for your wedding, it might be simple to extend your exclusive use of the property for a few days so check with your venue.
- Road trips lend themselves well to at-home buddymoons - plus if you have a few cars, you'll get solo time with your other half between stops.
- Festivals are another popular choice - lots of couples will get in a festival with friends then head off on a more traditional honeymoon.
- Renting a house in the country or a villa by the sea are perhaps the most common buddymoon ideas, that way you can make the most of hanging out together, take a casual opt-in approach to excursions and meals, and make it as budget-friendly for everyone as possible. This leaves more budget if you want to take a long-haul trip for two later on.
Get more honeymoon trends and ideas in our dedicated travel section!