Planning Your Honeymoon: Leaving Right Away vs. Waiting

We like to go to our wedding planner friends with all the tough details that go into planning your wedding, and in this case planning your honeymoon! These experts are sharing the pros and cons and their personal (and professional) opinions on waiting to go on your honeymoon vs. leaving right after the wedding. Tell us what you think by commented below, and get more advice here!

Photo by Anna Kim

Kristin Polhemus of Reverie Made recommends, “having one ‘at home’ day between the wedding and honeymoon.  It gives you time to say goodbye to your guests at a farewell brunch, open your gifts and deposit checks, and check your honeymoon suitcase one last time, now that you don’t have a brain full of wedding details.  There’s something to be said of the excitement of the ‘just married’ honeymoon, and for that reason, I say don’t wait too long; go when the excitement is still fresh, but after a day at home to rest your head and dancing feet!

Photo by Carissa Didier

Emilia McCool of Sweet Emilia Jane, says “Don’t wait! If your finances and schedule allow you to swing the honeymoon right after the wedding then go for it!  There is something really special about cherishing those days or weeks after you’ve made vows to your beloved without worrying about going back to work or any other obligations.  Take the time to discover what it feels like to be married in a totally romantic and relaxed setting.  It will make the transition into your new partnership that much more amazing.  And if you hold off you might never get the chance to take that time for just the two of you.  Four and a half years later and I’m still waiting for my honeymoon!”

Janel Gonzalez of Janel Events agrees, saying “I think a honeymoon immediately after the wedding is always a good idea. The excitement continues so you don’t feel those post-wedding blues right away. It also gives you a chance to de-stress and re-connect as a couple from all the festivities spent with family & friends. Plus reliving the day over and over again is so much more fun on a white sandy beach with a cocktail in hand!”

Event Design by HoneyFitz Events, Anna Delores Photography

On the flip side, “Some couples choose to leave for their Honeymoon immediately following the wedding, however, I personally think it’s best to wait a month or two, even three!” says Nicole Gillis of Nicole Alexandra Events. “Belated honeymoons are a wonderful option and allow newlyweds to decompress and catch up on life after wedding.  I would suggest taking two or three days off after the wedding, stay in a hotel or close to family and friends that are in town following your wedding.  You will love having this time to reminisce about the fabulous wedding weekend you just experienced with the most special people in your life.  Once you are back home, you can tackle the wedding follow up items, like opening gifts, writing thank you’s, and preserving your dress.  As you are getting back into your routine, you can beat the post-wedding blues by looking forward to your upcoming honeymoon!  You and your new hubby will be will be refreshed and ready to spend some quality one-on-one time as newlyweds!”

Lyndsey Hamilton of Lyndsey Hamilton Events backs her up saying, “We often see couple’s waiting to honeymoon based on work schedules, family commitments, or just because the location they chose is better in a different season. Personally, I think it’s fine to wait for a few reasons: firstly, there is an inherit “let-down” after the wedding. So, delaying your honeymoon, instead of rushing off the day or two after the wedding, allows for an extra few days with family and friends, who may have traveled to attend the wedding. Also, it gives you time to relax after the wedding and really appreciate the big event that just happened. Lastly, I think giving yourself more time relieves stress and enables you to really plan the perfect honeymoon.”

We want to know, what would you do?