In the midst of wedding planning, it’s common to lose sight of what truly counts—that is, your bond with your partner. With all the tasks like hiring vendors, choosing florals, and selecting the dress, it’s easy for quality time with your fiancé to slip away. Don’t fret, though: This happens to many, and there are effective ways to redirect your attention to your spouse-to-be before you walk down the aisle. The leading solution? Earlymoons.
This emerging trend involves couples taking a honeymoon-like trip to relax and rejuvenate prior to the significant day. Earlymoons started to gain popularity in 2017 when Pippa Middleton and James Matthews discreetly traveled to St. Barts for a unique escape before their well-publicized wedding in London. Since then, an increasing number of couples have emphasized travel as a means to reconnect in the fast-paced world we live in today, with earlymoons providing an opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy quality time together before the wedding activities begin. “Think of an earlymoon as a chance to begin the celebrations ahead of time and to kickstart the festivities as a couple,” explains Laure Hitzig Clavette, an experienced wedding planner and catering director.
Whether it’s relaxing on a picturesque beach, wandering through a romantic city in Europe, or snuggling up in a rustic retreat, an earlymoon helps ensure that you are mentally and emotionally prepared to say “I do.” This brief, refreshing trip will assist you in reconnecting with your partner amidst the whirlwind of wedding planning, making it an essential experience for all couples. Ready to make the reservations? Here’s what you need to consider.
What Exactly Is an Earlymoon?
Simply put, an earlymoon offers couples a chance to pause and reconnect prior to their wedding day. Regardless of how strong your support system is, wedding planning can become overwhelming, leading to a shift in focus away from the relationship itself. According to Clavette, this pre-wedding getaway allows soon-to-be-weds to enjoy quality time together and realign their focus on their love.
However, the nature of the earlymoon will vary for each couple—though the intent will always remain the same: to provide a necessary break from the pressures of wedding planning, allowing couples to rekindle their bond and concentrate on what truly matters.
When to Schedule and Go on an Earlymoon
To make your earlymoon as rejuvenating as possible, it’s best to plan this trip after you’ve completed your key wedding tasks. Choose a week or weekend when you can step back from work and planning, allowing time for relaxation. “The [wedding planning] process usually ramps up in the last few months,” Clavette notes. “Most significant decisions are generally made a year or more in advance; such as the venue, attire, photographer, and decorations. After finalizing the shorter-lead details, it’s an appropriate time to escape.” In essence, you should aim to take your trip two to three months before the wedding day.
If the thought of fully stepping away from wedding preparations feels daunting, Clavette has observed several couples turning the planning itself into an earlymoon. “At Four Seasons Resort Orlando, we frequently accommodate destination weddings, and many couples will arrive for their catering tasting and enjoy a weekend getaway,” she mentions. “They can take advantage of the resort’s facilities before the wedding weekend when they’ll be busy celebrating with their guests.”
Key Considerations Before Organizing an Earlymoon
When planning your earlymoon, the objective is for you and your partner to genuinely unwind and enjoy each other’s presence. This means couples should select a calming location with activities that don’t require extensive planning or additional stress, advises Clavette. It’s also crucial to choose a destination that brings real joy and allows you to escape the daily routine, prioritizing a fun and meaningful experience.
On a budget? Clavette suggests finding an earlymoon destination that maximizes enjoyment without putting a strain on finances. So, if long-distance travel isn’t a practical option, a simple overnight staycation featuring a special dinner and romantic touches can also be refreshing. “Staycations are vastly underrated. They offer easy, stress-free pleasures that we could all benefit from,” Clavette adds. Moreover, you can always reserve the more extravagant plans for the honeymoon.
The Best Earlymoon Ideas to Consider
If you’re looking to organize an earlymoon, remember that the experience should be customized to fit both you and your partner’s shared interests and passions. Even thoughtful gestures—like a weekend trip to a desired destination or a surprise evening filled with activities you both enjoy—can hold great significance.
Still uncertain about what to do? Here are some of our favorite suggestions that will help you maximize the remaining months of your engagement.
Luxury Resort Escape
Spend a few days relaxing at an upscale resort, whether it’s by the beach, in a bustling city, or nestled in wine country. Take advantage of the amenities, indulge in spa treatments, and enjoy fine dining. This choice is ideal for couples who want to unwind in comfort and enjoy one another’s company without distractions.
Quaint B&B Getaway
Retreat to a delightful bed and breakfast. Picture cozy accommodations, leisurely morning meals, and discovering local attractions. This environment allows you to slow down and relish quality moments together in a more personal setting.
Staycation
For those who prefer to remain nearby, a staycation can be equally rejuvenating. Reserve a nice hotel, visit local sites, or simply enjoy each other’s company in a different environment. It’s an effortless way to escape the routine without the hassle of long-distance travel.
Wellness Retreat
A wellness retreat is a fantastic option for couples aiming to rejuvenate both body and mind. Participate in yoga sessions, meditation practices, nutritious meals, and holistic therapies. It’s an excellent way to get ready for the wedding with a clear mind and a healthy physique.
Theme Park Adventure
For couples who love fun, a theme park adventure might be the ideal earlymoon. Spend a few days at a resort where you can experience exciting rides and nostalgic moments—all while enjoying luxurious amenities. It’s a playful way to bond and let loose before the wedding day.
In the end, no matter the destination you choose, an earlymoon focuses on taking time to appreciate your partner before the rush of the wedding day. So, take a deep breath, select your perfect getaway, and cherish every moment together before saying “I do.”
It’s completely normal for couples to seek a break from wedding preparations, and a spa day or a brief staycation usually comes to mind. Recently, though, taking a much-anticipated romantic trip (whether domestic or international) is increasingly encouraged for engaged couples and is becoming quite popular. And there’s a term for it: the earlymoon.
Just to highlight, The Knot first discussed this type of honeymoon back in 2017. At the time, Pippa Middleton and James Matthews had a secret earlymoon in St. Barts before their highly publicized wedding in London. Since that moment, more couples have been emphasizing travel as a way to reconnect in our hectic lives. After all, the earlymoon provides a chance for couples to relax from planning and spend quality time together before the wedding excitement begins.
When it comes to options like minimoons, buddymoons, and more, we want to clarify: there is no correct or incorrect way to approach a honeymoon. Your wedding is a moment for you to customize and celebrate your engagement uniquely. That’s why we’re here to assist you through the journey, but we won’t dictate that anything must be done a certain way or within a specific timeline (with some exceptions for wedding etiquette rules). Now that we’ve cleared that up, we can handle your pressing inquiries, starting with what exactly an earlymoon is.
It’s important to differentiate it from a honeymoon; an earlymoon is a special trip that couples embark on before the wedding ceremony. Think of it as a pre-wedding getaway designed to allow couples to enjoy their engagement period even more. It’s an excellent chance to rest, indulge in a romantic vacation, and return feeling that engaged bliss. Often, couples can feel overwhelmed with wedding planning, making an earlymoon the perfect remedy for the hustle and excitement that will follow in the wedding preparations. It’s meant to be cherished.
Timing
There are absolutely no strict guidelines here! Earlymoons can occur a few weeks to several months before the wedding—it’s entirely your choice. However, 2-3 months in advance is generally seen as ideal, as it provides sufficient time to relax without stressing about the wedding day being just around the corner. As for the duration? There are no rigid rules here either! Your only constraints are your budget and how many unfinished tasks are on your wedding checklist. Some couples opt for a brief 2-3 day getaway, while others may be comfortable stepping away from major preparations for an entire week.
The Pros
Let’s face it, the wedding planning journey can be quite exhausting and draining. This is where the earlymoon serves as a perfect escape to alleviate the accumulated stress and nerves. Taking a little pre-wedding adventure is a wonderful way for you and your partner to disconnect from everything for a while and focus solely on one another. Stepping away from the wedding chaos allows you to reflect on your experiences as a couple and envision the exciting future in a tranquil environment. Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to create beautiful new memories, so remember to pack your camera!
The Cons
Like anything else, an earlymoon has its downsides as well. For one, it may add additional costs to an already expensive wedding journey, potentially transforming what should be a fun time into a source of stress. Furthermore, if you have a tendency to feel guilty about taking a break amid serious preparations, an earlymoon might not be the best option for you. The purpose is to detach from all things wedding-related, but if you’re constantly preoccupied with the tasks awaiting you, it can be tough to truly relax. Additionally, returning from the earlymoon and diving straight back into wedding planning can turn into an emotional rollercoaster, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Tips for a Perfect Earlymoon
Before you depart, ensure you’re up to date on all vital tasks from your checklist. If there are lingering items, just make sure they’re manageable for later. Rely on your family or wedding party to take care of certain responsibilities while you’re away—a trustworthy person at home will ease your mind if anything unexpected arises. Regarding the destination, we recommend selecting one that won’t overwhelm you with visa challenges or complicated arrangements. Consider a relaxing hotel staycation nearby or a serene countryside retreat to connect with nature and each other. While on vacation, aim to minimize your social media usage. Trust us, a bit of digital detox is beneficial! Focus on your partner and fully immerse yourself in the moments you share.