Your wedding day is the most magical day of your life. Weeks, months, even years go into planning this very special event and it can often be quite sad when it’s all over. Empty champagne bottles strewn across the tables and confetti trodden into the dance floor remind you of what came before. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. You’ve now got your honeymoon to look forward to! This is the time when you and your new spouse can really spend some quality time together.
The first idea that springs to mind when honeymoons are mentioned is a faraway beach and long-haul flight. However, we know that this isn’t practical for everyone. There are so many amazing places for you to have the time of your life on the European continent. We also think it’s important to please both halves of the newlywed couple. This in mind, we’ve got plenty of ideas that combine a lazy holiday with an adventure-packed getaway. Make the most of your romantic break with the best of both worlds - without travelling further than four hours on a plane!
Duration: 10 days
What better way to spend your honeymoon period than travelling around some of the most romantic and beautiful islands in the world? The best part: they’re only around four hours away from the UK. You could either get flights to each island that you fancy or take to the seas and go by boat. If your preference is nautical, check out fly and cruise deals from your local travel agents. There are over 200 inhabited Greek islands, but we’ve picked out four of our favourites.
First on the list is Mykonos. If you’re looking for cocktails, Mykonos Town is a party hotspot. Head there for glamorous bars and clubs which are frequented by the Kardashians of the world. This is the island to go to if you want a luxury hotel and a spot of designer shopping. Look out for the quaint windmills dotted around the place and try to get a snap of the island’s famous pelicans.
Next up, you should head to Santorini. This is the stuff of dreams - you’ve no doubt seen images plastered everywhere of the gorgeous blue-domed whitewashed buildings. This island is home to some of the most stunning views in the world. Arrive by boat if you can! Take a ride in a cable car to get up to the cliff-top town of Fira, or brave a wobbly journey on a donkey up zig-zag stairs.
The final two best offerings of the Greek islands are no other than Crete and Kefalonia. You can’t take a trip to Crete without visiting the amazing Knossos ruins. The oldest city in Europe, apparently, really encapsulates Minoan history.
Of course, Greece isn’t all historical wonder. You and your spouse can enjoy the local delicacies of hummus, olives and meat pies at local tavernas in Kefalonia. This island is the place to go for a chilled, quiet evening with a bottle of delicious wine.
Duration: 7 days
These Adriatic gems are sure to make you appreciate just how beautiful Europe is. The flight time is only 2 and a half hours from the UK! Glistening oceans, Renaissance-style architecture and natural beauty await you. Dubrovnik is the centre of culture with plenty of museums to soak up. The Old Town is really the ultimate stop for sunsets over the Adriatic sea, delightful seafood and dazzling marble streets.
Croatia's charm is closely rivalled with that of Montenegro. The secluded country is not the first location that springs to mind when planning European holidays. However, it’s certainly not one to be missed. If you fly into Dubrovnik, you can take a 3-hour road trip to reach Montenegro. The country is filled with picturesque villages and natural, green beauty. If you’re feeling adventurous, take your spouse to the mountainous regions for hiking and biking! Then, visit Kotor Bay for a relaxing evening by the harbour.
Duration: 5 days
It would be pretty bonkers to mention honeymoons without the true romance of Italy. There are a number of locations dotted around the country which would be ideal for a newlywed couple. The cuisine of this country doesn’t really need mentioning, but it is world-class and hard to beat. If you’re a pair of foodies, head to Florence. Try your hand at a professional cooking class or dip into a side-street restaurant for homemade ravioli. Don’t forget to pick up some gelato on your stroll home!
Once you’ve sampled the delights of Florence, head over to Tuscany via a quick train journey. Truffle hunting with trained dogs is a must if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. At the end of a long day, put your feet up on a hotel terrace with a bottle of regional wine and enjoy the famous Tuscan sunsets.
This trip is perfect if you’re only looking for a short stay and is the ultimate romantic getaway in Europe, taking just over two hours on a plane.
Little touches like wedding favours can really make your wedding a day to remember, and one that will be talked about for a long time afterwards. It’s all in the detail.
There’s enough to think about when planning your big day, we understand that. So to save you some time and research, we thought we’d compile this handy little list of lovely ideas for presents to thank your guests. Of course, the most important thing to them is to see you happy (and the excuse to drink champagne, obviously). However, it’s always nice to acknowledge how grateful you are for your guests showing up and joining in with your special day.
There are several options you have when putting together wedding favours. Firstly, you could create a one-size-fits-all party bag to put on tables for all of your guests. This might contain little bits and pieces that represent your wedding’s themes if you have one. If your wedding colours are blue, maybe you’ll give out blue-themed gifts!
For children’s wedding favours we recommend something similar to a party bag they might get at their own birthday party. Novelty sweets are always a hit. Little colouring books with coloured pencils, bubble blowers and mini tubs of playdough are great ideas to keep children happy whilst the adults knock back the wine!
For your adult guests, there is really a whole host of ideas for favours. It really can be as simple as a tin of mints and a personalised thank you note. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could slip in miniature bottles of spirits. If it’s a summer wedding, opt for fresh, flavoured gin. If it’s an autumn or winter wedding, try little bottles of whisky or sherry. Little handmade soaps wrapped in brown paper and tied with string are a unique idea for your wedding favours. The scent could match the season - think frosted cranberry for winter and fresh florals for spring.
Another quirky idea would be to put seeds into a brown paper envelope with your and your partner’s name on, and the date of your wedding. Your guests can plant the seeds and remember your special day for a long time to come! For girly gifts, how about a luxurious lip balm or mini scented candle?
For male wedding favours, you could offer up a novelty bottle opener or drinks mat. You could also put together a CD which will help your guests remember the special day - this would be suitable for any guest.
A personalised champagne flute or wine glass is a lovely keepsake and would also double up as an ideal placeholder! However, if you’d like to go down the traditional placeholder route, feel free to take a look at the products we currently have on offer.
Are you (or your partner) known for having a sweet tooth? These sugary ideas might take your fancy. Krispy Kreme offers single doughnuts in cute little boxes that would make a perfect table present. A pick ‘n’ mix style bag full of retro sweets will invoke nostalgia and give your guests something to chat about. Gourmet lollipops, marshmallows or truffles could be gift-wrapped and personalised with the happy couple's’ name.
There are so many wonderful solutions to offer your thanks to your guests and we hope our ideas have given you some much-needed inspiration. Keep checking back for more wedding and party-related posts!
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