Recently an article about romance travel trends in the February issue of Travel Agent magazine caught my eye, and I wanted to share some of these new trends in honeymoons and destination weddings with you.
It seems fewer couples these days want pre-packaged anything. Customization is the key even if you’re going to a resort that offers wedding packages. Many couples are seeking out wedding planners in the destination to ensure a tailor-made experience.
Delayed Honeymoons
Some couples are opting to delay their honeymoons if it means they’ll get better deals, have better weather in the destination they want to travel to, or accrue enough vacation time for a longer trip.
Certain times of the year at some destinations are best for specific events. For example, an early April trip to Japan is ideal for seeing the cherry blossoms. October is a good month if you want to take an African safari. Or go in September if you’d love to visit Tuscany during the wine harvest.
Multi-day Wedding Celebrations
If guests are traveling far to attend your destination wedding, why not include itineraries in their welcome bags, with information on all of the activities they could do during the few days around the wedding?
You might even provide this information in advance, to help them plan their time there.
Instagram-worthy destinations
Do you love one-upping your friends on your Instagram posts? Lots of couples are going all out to select honeymoon or wedding destinations that will give them the best photo options.
Reserve and Splurge
Couples who want to honeymoon in exotic destinations are opting more and more to stay in a less expensive destination or accommodations at the beginning of their trip, then splurge for a few nights at the end of their trip.
For example, they may opt for a garden room in Moorea, Tahiti, then move to the more expensive island of Bora Bora and splurge for a few nights in an overwater bungalow.
Destination Bachelorette Parties are becoming more popular
More and more brides are departing on Thursday afternoons, returning on Monday, for destination bachelorette parties in fun locales.
East Coast brides are flying as far as Scotland, Ireland, and even Croatia for these getaways, for spa-going, wine-tasting, and other activities.
Pre-wedding planning trips are more popular
Not sure about your choice of resort or location for your destination wedding? Many brides are opting for pre-wedding planning visits. Some resorts offer special pricing on these trips if you choose to have your wedding there after your visit.
Authentic Guest gifts
Gifts that represent the destination where the wedding is being held are getting more and more popular. The writers of the article in Travel Agent magazine mention a couple who recently gave Japanese silk fans to their guests at their wedding in Japan.
Perhaps you’d consider gifts made of linen in Northern Ireland; tartan in Scotland; or glass in Zagreb, Croatia?
Heritage Return
Increasingly popular today, couples are returning to their country of origin, or the land of one of the partner’s ancestries for their wedding. This is often the first time they’ve returned or visited, and it’s why Ireland and Italy are such popular places for destination weddings.
No matter what you choose to do, it’s exciting to have so many options open to you for your honeymoon and destination weddings these days, isn’t it?
