The traditional honeymoon, a romantic getaway for just the newlyweds, is being reimagined as more couples are opting for "buddymoons," inviting friends to join them on their postnuptial trips. This growing trend is reshaping the concept of honeymoons, blending the joy of marriage celebrations with the fun of group travel.
The Rise of the Buddymoon
Sarah Schreiber, associate editorial director of Brides, notes that buddymoons have been gaining popularity for a few years. The trend is partly attributed to the evolution of destination weddings, which have become weeklong events with multiple activities. The buddymoon fits naturally into this extended celebration format.
Destination Events and Buddymoons
Destination weddings are more elaborate than ever, often spanning several days with various events. This setting makes it easy for couples to extend the celebration with a buddymoon. Some couples are even opting for multiple post-marriage trips, including both traditional honeymoons and buddymoons.
Hotels and Resorts Catering to the Trend
Recognizing this trend, some hotels and resorts are offering specialized buddymoon packages. For example, Mexico's Velas Resorts has been promoting a four-day buddymoon celebration since 2019, available at their properties in Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit, and Los Cabos. These packages can include welcome parties, cooking classes, spa days, and more.
Who Goes on Buddymoons?
Courtnie Nichols, CEO of TravelBash, reports an increase in buddymoon bookings post-pandemic. Her clients are typically well-established couples in their 30s who have traveled together before. Buddymoons often extend a destination wedding, with friends or the bridal party staying longer at the wedding venue or moving to a different resort or destination as a group.
Planning Complexities
With the addition of friends, buddymoons can be more complex to plan. Nichols notes that while these trips still fall under the honeymoon category at TravelBash, they may require a different approach due to the many moving parts.
Luxury Travel Advisors on Buddymoons
Rebecca East, a luxury travel advisor at LifeStyled Group, has also seen a rise in buddymoon requests. She has organized trips like a 15-person Japan buddymoon and is planning a large group trip to Ibiza. These trips continue the celebration and allow couples to spend more time with their loved ones.
Extending the Celebration
Schreiber of Brides sees the buddymoon as a way for couples to prolong the joy of their wedding celebration, especially after pandemic-related postponements. It's a chance for friends and family to savor the moment together and make lasting memories.
The buddymoon trend reflects a shift in how couples view their post-wedding celebrations, emphasizing shared experiences and extended festivities with their closest friends and family.
