Honeymoon with friends? The ultimate guide to buddymoons

Over the past few years, buddymoons have taken social media by storm, with several celeb lovebirds hopping on board. A-listers like Jennifer Aniston, Meghan Trainor, and Heidi Klum opted out of the traditional romantic post-nuptial retreat in favour of embarking on an unforgettable adventure with their pals. And they’re not alone! We asked Prezola couples and 14% of them plan to take the "the more, the merrier" approach when planning their post-wedding holiday. 

But before you start planning your buddymoon, here's what you should know about bringing your friends and family along. Plus, a couple of friendmoon ideas to get you started.

First thing’s first, what is a buddymoon?

Put simply, a buddymoon, also known as a friendmoon, is a honeymoon that includes family and friends, creating an exciting group trip filled with lasting memories.

Picture this: a destination wedding that smoothly transitions into a one-of-a-kind group trip afterwards. Or perhaps you're hosting close friends from afar, eager to show them around your chosen wedding locale. 

Are buddymoons overtaking the "traditional" romantic honeymoons? Not at all. However, they're becoming increasingly popular among newlyweds. And it's easy to see why! Sharing honeymoon experiences with loved ones creates memories for a lifetime and offers a fun way to continue the party post-nuptials. Minus all the wedding planning stress.

What do you do on a buddymoon?

We’re sure you already have plenty of exciting ideas about what to do on buddymoons. Combining the best of the honeymoon with the thrill of a memorable group trip with your closest friends, the friendmoon getaway truly offers the best of both worlds!  But if you’re running short on exciting group activities, here's a tip: keep it simple and fun. Buddymoons are all about doing what brings joy to you and your friends.

Does your group chat frequently revolve around discovering the latest culinary hotspots in your local area? Consider exploring nearby vineyards, pasta making, or indulging in exotic cuisines at local eateries. 

For those with a thrill-seeking bunch of friends, why not dive into popular buddymoon adventures like safari tours, zip-lining, or snorkelling? Or perhaps quite the opposite: if your friends have been busy helping with wedding preparations, why not opt for a post-wedding retreat? Bask in the sun by the pool with cocktails in hand, enjoying well-deserved R&R.

Ensure a variety of choices are available to make your friendmoon getaway special for everyone involved. You don't want your friends to feel like they're third wheels on your honeymoon. And of course, don't forget to carve out those precious moments for just the two of you. 

Top tip: For a perfect blend of friend time and a romantic getaway, why not split your buddymoon adventure? Begin by diving into the fun activities with your closest friends. Then enjoy the second half alone, savouring THAT newlywed bliss.

How long should you plan to spend on a buddymoon?

The length of your honeymoon with friends is totally up to you. It all boils down to what you prefer, where you want to go for your buddymoon, and how much you're willing to spend.  

Shorter buddymoon ideas for a long weekend are great for a quick city break in Europe or a staycation. A glamping weekend with a hot tub in Devon, anyone? 

Do you fancy a proper holiday? An extended friendmoon stay after tying the knot abroad allows for an immersive exploration of the chosen destination.

Ultimately, the ideal buddymoon duration is a personal decision. Base it on what feels right for you and your group of friends.

How much does a buddymoon cost?

Your buddymoon budget depends entirely on the preferences and budgets of you and your group of friends. You may have long imagined a honeymoon experience like no other. But it's a good idea to consider everyone's financial comfort too. Not everyone can pitch in for a lavish holiday to Bora Bora, after all. 

But here is the good news: buddymoons don’t need to break the bank! Quite the contrary. Going on a trip with your friends and family can stretch your holiday budget even further. And with some careful planning, a honeymoon with friends can actually be a pretty affordable alternative to traditional honeymoons. 

Buddymoon in Somerset | Oakhill Farm Stay AirBnb

Looking for the ultimate weekend getaway with friends to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Look no further than this spacious, tranquil sanctuary in Somerset! 

Picture yourself kicking off your weekend with leisurely walks along picturesque trails, followed by sunlit BBQs on the terrace. Then off to visit the local pub before stumbling back to the place for a relaxing soak in your private hot tub.  

Oakhill Farm is just a stone's throw from some of the best eateries in the region. And with the backs of the farm facing the Somerset Wildlife Reserve, this place is the ultimate friendmoon destination to unwind and recharge from your nine-to-five grind.

Top tip: The award-winning Aldwick Estate & Vineyard is just a quick 30-minute drive away. The winery tour, followed by wine tasting (for non-drivers) here is a must! 

Buddymoon in West Sussex | The Sea House

Why spend time stressing over coordinating flights for your entire group to reach the sunny Mediterranean? Enjoy the ultimate seaside getaway with all the cosy comforts of a staycation at The Sea House. 

Nestled right on the beachfront, this coastal holiday home has enough room for up to 10 guests and jaw-dropping sea vistas from nearly every room. Plus, let's not forget the spacious patio. Perfect for enjoying alfresco dining against a backdrop of stunning sunsets. 

So kick back, relax, and unwind on your honeymoon with friends and family as you soak in the endless blue.

Top tip: Take your friendmoon to the next level by adding an Ooni Pizza Oven and a Yeti Cool Box to your gift list. These buddymoon essentials will elevate your beach days and BBQ nights from ordinary to extraordinary in no time. 

Buddymoon in Tuscany | Amiata Village House

From the sun-soaked Puglia and the picturesque Amalfi Coast to the serene islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Italy has it all for a memorable buddymoon with friends. But if you're after the ultimate villa retreat, look no further than Amiata Villa House. Tucked away in a charming Tuscan village with panoramic views of vineyards and distant volcanoes, this residence combines authentic Italian charm with modern comforts.

The villa offers plenty of opportunities for group entertainment, making it a dreamy extended friendmoon getaway. Visit local galleries and dine at the New York Times-approved Ristorante Oreade. Or unwind in the casa's private garden, set for sipping local wine in the sun.

Top tip: Planning a buddymoon in Italy? Consider adding a day road trip to explore nearby villages—it's a fantastic group activity. PLUS, renting a few cars allows for solo time with your loved one between stops.

Buddymoon in South Africa | Mhondoro Safari Lounge

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime and embark on a safari honeymoon with friends in South Africa. Set in the unspoilt wilderness of Welgevonden Game Reserve, Mhondoro Safari Lodge offers unbeatable views.

This luxe villa sleeps six and offers everything you might want before or after your expeditions. Including a patio with daybeds and a heated pool so you can always observe the roaring wildlife. Keep an eye out for the friendly elephants who are, at the very least, interested in that cool swimming pool on your terrace. Sound good? 

Top Tip: From breezy kaftans to binoculars and camera equipment for capturing those unforgettable nature-watching moments. Horizn Studios suitcases will go the extra distance. Making it your reliable companion for longer journeys.

So are you ready to put a spin on the traditional honeymoon ideas and call your friends immediately? If these exciting buddymoon travel ideas haven’t got you geared up, then we don’t know what will!

Add Mr and Mrs Smith vouchers or Airbnb vouchers to your Prezola wedding gift list. And take your pick from their luxury boutique hotels and unique stays. With thousands of honeymoon destinations to choose from, planning a memorable buddymoon with friends is just a click away.