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Wedding day -

Getting married is one of the most important decisions a couple can make.

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The wedding reception -

Whether held as a civil or religious service, a wedding ceremony is usually followed by a reception for friends and family.

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Time for the honeymoon -

Tradition has it that the newlyweds embark on their honeymoon immediately following the wedding. But things have changed.

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How about a buddymoon? -

Quite often a honeymoon is delayed by a few days, a couple of weeks perhaps, or even several months. Furthermore, the happy couple may very well opt to take a "buddymoon."

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What is a buddymoon? -

A buddymoon is the next big trend in honeymoons, the latest wedding craze where instead of jetting off somewhere just the two of them, newlyweds invite a group of friends to travel with them.

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Post-wedding getaway -

While the traditional honeymoon still has its advocates, more couples these days are inviting an entire circle of pals to join their post-wedding getaway.

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Is a buddymoon worth considering? -

But is going on a loved-up holiday with your other half plus a bunch of mates really worth considering?

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A time to relax and unwind -

A buddymoon can be seen as serving two purposes. Firstly, it offers a chance for newlyweds to relax and unwind after the whirlwind that is wedding planning.

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Friends and family -

Secondly, it provides an opportunity to chill out with friends and family, something the stress and organized chaos of a wedding day doesn't always allow for.

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Destination event -

A buddymoon can be seen as a destination event, a way for couples to celebrate their nuptials with people they know and trust while on vacation. But how do you know if you're ready to embark on such an occasion?

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Trip of a lifetime -

Taking a buddymoon means getting together a tight-knit group of friends for the trip of a lifetime, or meeting up with a far-flung crew already ensconced in an exotic location.

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Is it for you? -

Before making travel plans, however, it's important to ascertain whether you and your partner are excited by the prospect of a buddymoon.

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Give it some thought -

First of all, you both need to be on the same page regarding your post-wedding plans. If there's a hint of doubt, rethink the idea.

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Share and share alike -

Bear in mind you'll be sharing your much needed downtime with others. No matter that they're your closest friends, it may be that you'd prefer to be one-on-one after all.

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Get the right balance -

Think carefully about which mutual friends you would invite. It's vital to choose friends from both sides. An imbalance could cause problems.

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All good together? -

Remember, too, that those invited should also get along with each other. Everyone needs to feel included and comfortable.

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What type of buddymoon? -

The next thing to consider is the type of buddymoon you're inviting everybody to join.

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How do you want to celebrate? -

The best way to deal with this conundrum is to go back to basics. Step back and imagine your own honeymoon. If visions of quiet romantic candlelit dinners come to mind, then a buddymoon might not be for you.

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How active do you want to be? -

Similarly, if your idea of an active break is a sunset stroll hand in hand ,it's probably best to put the whole thing to bed.

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Time to get up -

And you can probably say goodbye to long, lazy mornings in bed. While lie-ins are the norm on vacation, not everyone on a buddymoon will want to sleep in.

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Best destinations for a buddymoon -

So far, so good? Great. But what are the best destinations for a buddymoon?

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Keep it short-haul -

Honeymoons traditionally whisk couples away to far-flung destinations. But on this occasion, it's best to keep flight times to a minimum.

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How about a city break? -

City breaks are good idea. They're lively, with a stack of sightseeing opportunities to cater for all tastes. And there are plenty of bars and restaurants to hang out in!

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Villa and beach -

If a hot, sunny vibe is more your scene, consider renting out a spacious villa with a pool and easy access to a beach.

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Festival days -

And if you've tied the knot in the summer months, check out whether your destination is hosting a music festival or suchlike.

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Adventure buddymoon -

Are your fellow buddymooners outdoor, free-spirited types? Then why not opt for an adventure holiday package somewhere a little more secluded?

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Outdoor adventure -

Adventure tourism embraces all sorts of outdoor activities. If this scene appeals to you both, and all your mates, put your best feet forward and go for it.

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Winter wedding, winter buddymoon -

If you've tied the knot in winter and your buddymoon guests can ski, why not hit the slopes for some alpine fun in the snow?

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Après-ski fun -

And after a day out on the piste, you'll want to chill out in a super cool après-ski bar.

Sources: (Rock My Wedding) (Lifehacker) (Easy Weddings)

See also: 40 extravagant ideas for your wedding venue

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