Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, which is why a growing number of engaged couples are beginning to take pre-nuptial trips known as 'earlymoons'.
A spin-off of the more well-known concept of honeymoons, earlymoons take place before the wedding day and are a chance for couples to enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation before the main celebrations commence. They're a popular choice for couples who are enjoying a longer engagement period, giving them a chance to decompress and enjoy some quality time together.
The trends for earlymoons was first spotted in 2017 when Pippa Middleton and James Matthews were seen jetting off to warmer climes before their big day. But the idea of taking a pre-wedding holiday has since gained traction, with couples increasingly choosing to sneak off and enjoy some time away from home before the hectic part of planning a wedding takes over. Earlymoons can be as lavish or low-key as you desire: everything from city breaks to beach holidays count as an earlymoon.
Nicole Janoff, senior manager of leisure travel at New York travel agency Magma Global, was reported to have noticed a boost in travel inquiries due to the earlymoon trend.
He commented: ‘Before this year, we would have simply called an earlymoon a vacation or getaway. The earlymoon trend represents a shift in how couples approach their wedding prep and prioritise their time together before the big day.'
Tom Marchant, founder of luxury travel brand Black Tomato, was also quoted on the topic, who cited earlymoons as a chance for couples to take a break during calmer times and simply enjoy the feeling of being enagaged.
'Traveling right after a wedding can be frantic with all of the buzz and emotions running on high, so a pre-honeymoon can sort of strip away the noise from that and allow more meaningful time with each other, which is ultimately what it is all about,' explains Marchant.
Earlymoons can be a replacement for a honeymoon, or they can be booked in addition to a post-wedding holiday. It depends on the couple - and their budget!
Always dreamed of tying the knot outdoors? Follow our step-by-step guide on throwing a festival-themed wedding.