Lately there is a growing bridal trend: the “mini-moon”. Wondering what a mini moon is? As the name suggests, a mini moon is a mini honeymoon, a short vacation that typically lasts 1 to 4 days, followed by a longer honeymoon at a later date, usually within 6 months. For some great tips on planning a mini moon of your own, read on.
Why a mini-moon instead of a traditional honeymoon right after the wedding? There can be several reasons. A big one is financial. When the bride and groom are paying for their own wedding, by the time they have bought everything from food and liquor to wedding jewelry gifts, funds for a trip can be very limited. Most couples believe that it is better to spend more on the wedding itself (after all, you want to treat your bridesmaids like royalty by giving them fabulous wedding jewelry gifts), than to skimp on the main event to dedicate more of their budget to a honeymoon trip. Hence, a mini-moon! A romantic getaway to enjoy while the honeymoon glow is at its finest, followed by a dream vacation after you’ve had time to save more money for a longer honeymoon.
Another reason to have a mini-moon is the weather. In any profession, there are certain times of the year when it is difficult to walk away for an extended period of time. Not only that, but most grooms end up losing their jobs during the week leading up to their wedding, so vacation days can be scarce, so a short trip is the best option. There may also be seasonal issues related to the honeymoon trip of your dreams. You may have planned a wedding in June, but are dying to go to Oktoberfest for your wedding. Or maybe you and your fiancé are having a fall wedding, but you love the idea of going to a tropical island in the dead of winter when you really could use a getaway. Having a tiny little moon right after the wedding is a great way to spend a little time alone as a newlyweds before diving back into mundane everyday things, but it does allow you to have the vacation you really want later on.
Because mini-moons are short by nature, choosing a destination close to you makes perfect sense. You don’t want to waste more of your precious time traveling than necessary. There will always be a romantic destination within walking distance of any wedding. Let’s say you are planning a stylish urban wedding in New York City. Spending a few days at Mohonk Mountain Resort, a relaxing Victorian retreat in the Hudson Valley, would be like spending a few days at the Mohonk Mountain Resort, just 90 miles north of town. Take a stroll through the beautiful scenery, relax in the rocking chairs on the grand hotel’s front porch, or take the stress out of your wedding at the spa. Another idea would be to visit a cozy bed and breakfast in your part of the country.
Festivals and events are also great mini moons. Maybe you’ve always wanted to go to the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island or the hot air balloon show in Albuquerque. This type of run long weekend adventure would be perfect for a mini moon. If you’re short on time, skip the trips and book two nights at the most luxurious hotel in your city. Enjoy your first nights as husband and wife by delighting in a glorious hotel and dining at fine restaurants. It’s a great way to spend some quality time alone after the hustle and bustle of a wedding, and every couple deserves star treatment when they are newlyweds!