Newlyweds Smitten By Buddymoon

You may have heard of quintessential honeymoons, 2N/3D minimoons, and 4-week maximoons, but the latest post-wedding trend is buddymoons. More and more couples are dashing away to exotic getaways with their beloved buddies after tying the knot. For many millennials and Gen-Zers the idea of a ‘full-on’ post-shaadi party is etched in ‘the more the merrier’. So it’s not just the newlyweds, but a gang of buddymooners who break bread, sip pink champagne, and bask in the warm glow of candle-lit dinners and psychedelic pub lights. It is the perfect buddymoon fiesta and siesta feed for Insta and TikTok reels.

Parinita Samanta, a Marketing Communications Director of a Delhi-based hotel, who went on a buddymoon with best friends says, “We chose to break the monotony of a traditional honeymoon by planning one (buddymoon) with our closest friends. We explored new countries and snatched budget-friendly deals.”

The Besties Craze

The unconventional approach to post-wedding holidays with close buddies owes its popularity to Hollywood stars. A-listers like Jennifer Aniston, Miley Cyrus, Johnny Depp, and Meghan Trainor have demonstrated that shared joy with friends not only strengthens the bond between couples but also amplifies their happiness. Adding a spark to this phenomenon is TikTok, where newlyweds document captivating montages of their friend-filled buddymoon moments. No wonder #buddymoon craze has become a gargantuan success – with a staggering 4,82,100 views.

Dmitrijus Konovalovas, Director & CEO of Wowtickets.com, a platform for booking affordable flights weighs in on the ‘buddymoon’ trend in India. Dmitrijus says, “In 2024, we anticipate a new trend of buddymoons gaining popularity before and after the wedding season (November to March). It coincides with off-season in the Southeast Asian destinations, thus leading to better deals for group bookings on flights and hotels.” He adds, “The demand for buddymoons is usually from November to February. It is commonly seen between the age groups of 25 to 32. Young adults are more inclined to a buddymoon than a traditional honeymoon.”

Me-Time With Pals

For many youngsters, the desi tadka of conventional honeymoon blends perfectly with buddymoon. The newlyweds carve out moments of solitude by balancing some ‘me time’ for themselves and their friends. Despite the perception of a buddymoon being linked to extravagant displays of wealth, it is cost-effective because all those who go on a holiday with the newlyweds pay for their own expenses. “It becomes a pocket-friendly holiday for everyone as the expenses of transport, food, and stay are split equally,” explains Nigel, who got married to his partner (Miguel) of 20 years in a small ceremony at Wandsworth in London last year.

Zahra Motorwala Kothari, a Digital Content Specialist, working in a Mumbai-based PR Firm shares her buddymoon experience. “My honeymoon (read: buddymoon) became 10 times better with my friends,” she says, adding, “It brought us closer, and the bond we formed is priceless. Although travelling with friends was fun, a buddymoon involves a lot of compromises. Everyone has varied interests in food and adventures. We kept it flexible so that everyone could enjoy the trip their way.”

A Perfect Plan

A buddymoon is an economical alternative. It is typically chosen for short flight distances, yachts, or private villas. Buddymoons involve group bookings, and the planners manage to get discounts from the travel agents. However, determining a shared residence and narrowing down on adventure activities to keep everyone happy can be a task. But worry not, practical tools like Microsoft Excel for expense tracking or Google Calendars for scheduling the trip prove invaluable. In India, destinations like Sri Lanka, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry, and Goa stand out as vibrant hubs for buddymoons.

Boasting lively nightlife, late-night clubbing, and tranquil beaches, these locales create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable buddymoon getaway.

“A buddymoon involves a lot of compromises because everyone has various interests in food and adventures.” — Zahra Motorwala Kothari, Digital Content Specialist

“The demand for buddymoons is usually from November to February. It is commonly seen between the age groups of 25 to 32.” — Dmitrijus Konovalovas, Director & CEO, Wowtickets

We chose to break the monotony of a traditional honeymoon by planning a buddymoon with our closest friends.” — Parinita Samanta, Marketing Communications Director, Delhi

• India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, and Israel are seeing a sharp rise in buddymoon trend (Hitched)

47% of millennials have been on buddymoons or would consider going on one. (Pingit survey of 2000 people)

• Goa, Pondicherry, Andaman and Nicobar, Sri Lanka, Bali, Maldives, Europe, Italy and France are the most sought-after buddymoon destinations

Buddies & Bubbly   

• FRIENDS actor Jennifer Aniston and her ex, Justin Theroux had a buddymoon with close pals at the Four Seasons villa (costing £9,250 per night)
• Singer Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth jetted off to Montana for a buddymoon with friends and family
• Influencer Diipa Khosla went on buddymoon with 24 friends on a private island in Goa