HONEYMOON NOW OR LATER?

Remember Now and Later candy?! Omg... Some couples leave for their honeymoon the morning after their wedding, others wait a few months or even over a year. Read more to see the reasons we observe for both.

One of the most exciting moments in wedding planning is looking forward to the honeymoon—the romantic getaway that follows the reception, where couples can unwind, explore, and celebrate their new life together. But here’s the dilemma many couples face: Should we leave for the honeymoon right after the wedding, or should we wait a few months to take the trip?

Beautiful Croissant and Latte Breakfast in Paris, France

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and the decision often depends on a variety of factors. From peak travel seasons to the logistics of work schedules, here are some key reasons why couples might choose one option over the other—and how they can make the best decision for themselves.

1: The Appeal of an Immediate Honeymoon

For many couples, the idea of a honeymoon directly after the wedding feels almost like a natural extension of the celebration. The excitement is high, and there’s a sense of euphoria that comes with embarking on a romantic getaway right after saying “I do.”

Pros of a Immediate Post-Wedding Honeymoon:

• Maximum excitement: The joy and adrenaline of the wedding day can easily carry over into the honeymoon. You’re already in a celebratory mood, and the timing feels perfect.

• Instant relaxation: After months or even a year of wedding planning, jumping straight into a relaxing vacation gives you the perfect opportunity to de-stress and recharge. It’s like the grand finale to your wedding experience.

• No waiting for “the right time”: If you’ve been eagerly planning this moment, there’s something special about experiencing the honeymoon as soon as possible. It can feel like a natural continuation of your first big milestone as a married couple.

However, the immediate honeymoon isn’t always a perfect fit.

Cons of a Post-Wedding Honeymoon:

• Wedding fatigue: Many couples find that they’re emotionally and physically exhausted after the whirlwind of wedding planning and the big day itself. That exhaustion can dampen the experience, especially if you’ve been running on adrenaline for weeks or months leading up to the event.

• Cost and budgeting: The wedding can often be a major financial investment, and it might be difficult to swing an elaborate honeymoon right after the event. There’s also the risk of “honeymoon burnout” if you’re already feeling stretched thin financially.

• Time constraints: With family, friends, and guests involved in the wedding, some couples may find it hard to break away immediately. The logistics of getting everyone to the wedding, and then leaving shortly after, may complicate matters.

  
  

2: The Case for Waiting a Few Months!

For other couples, waiting to take their honeymoon may seem like the smarter choice. Whether it’s to save up for a bigger trip, avoid peak travel season crowds, or because of work commitments, postponing the honeymoon can offer a host of unique benefits.

Pros of a Delayed Honeymoon:

• Longer Timeframe of Celebrating Your Love: A Delayed honeymoon means you get to celebrate beforehand, now, and later! It helps cure the post-wedding blues by giving the couple something to look forward to in the coming weeks or months.

• More time to save: Post-wedding, you might have a better sense of your finances and can dedicate some extra time to saving up for a more luxurious or extended trip. With a few months to plan, you can also secure better deals and upgrades, especially if you're willing to book in the off-season.

• Avoiding peak seasons and crowds: Traveling during peak seasons (summer, holidays, or school vacations) can mean higher costs and larger crowds. If you’re looking for a more peaceful, private experience, waiting for the off-season might provide the perfect opportunity. Whether you’re seeking a quiet beach or a remote mountain retreat, timing matters.

• More flexibility with work schedules: For many newlyweds, the honeymoon is a perfect way to take a break after the stress of the wedding. However, work schedules may not allow for taking time off immediately after the ceremony. Waiting for a less busy period can make it easier to plan a longer and more relaxed trip, especially if you work in industries that have slow seasons or periods of less demand.

• Reduced wedding stress: It’s common for couples to feel overwhelmed by the logistics and emotions of the wedding day. By waiting, you give yourselves time to catch your breath, reflect on the big day, and perhaps plan a more thoughtful and intentional trip that aligns with your relationship goals.

  
  

Cons of a Delayed Honeymoon:

• Missing the "honeymoon glow": One of the unique joys of a honeymoon is that immediate transition from wedding bliss into a romantic getaway. If you wait too long, that honeymoon glow may fade, and you may find it harder to rekindle that initial excitement.

• Potential for postponing indefinitely: For some couples, “waiting” can end up becoming an excuse to delay the honeymoon indefinitely. Life’s responsibilities—work, bills, family commitments—can quickly take over, leaving the honeymoon as something that always gets pushed to the back burner.

3: Other Notes

When deciding whether to honeymoon right after the wedding or wait, there are several practical considerations to weigh:

• Baby On The Way: Some couples want to start their family right away, and those timelines don't line up or mesh well with possible vaccinations needed for an African Safari, or physical ability needed for hiking Half Dome in the most comfortable season. Clients sometimes plan a honeymoon with their new arrival a year later, when that first baby is easiest to travel with around 3-6 months old. Honeymoon, table for 2.5?

• Travel logistics: Some destinations require longer travel times or visa approvals, which might require more advanced planning. If your dream honeymoon involves international travel, you may want to consider how easily you can secure accommodations and flights on short notice.

• Wedding aftermath: After a big wedding, there’s often a flurry of thank-you notes, gift returns, and other loose ends to tie up. Some couples find it helpful to have a few weeks to wrap everything up before jetting off for a vacation.

• Personal preferences: Some couples may prefer to enjoy the wedding experience first, savoring the full attention of their guests. Others may want to escape immediately, taking the opportunity to retreat into their own bubble as newlyweds.

Don't Be Mad... But The Right Answer For You Personally Won't Be Found In A Blog Post

Ultimately, the decision of when to go on a honeymoon is deeply personal and dependent on the couple’s individual circumstances. Whether you’re heading off immediately after the wedding or waiting for a few months to plan the trip of your dreams, the most important thing is that you take the time to enjoy the journey—both the wedding and the honeymoon.

A honeymoon is more than just a vacation; it’s an opportunity to deepen your connection, celebrate your commitment, and create lasting memories together. So, regardless of when you go, make it your own unique experience, free of judgment or societal expectations. The best honeymoon is the one that feels right for you.

When you are ready to get planning and booking, contact The Honeymoon BFF here and we will be sure all your ducks are in a row, whenever you do find the right time to depart.