| There is a growing wedding trend lately: the | | | | dead of winter when you could really use a getaway. |
| "mini-moon". Are you wondering what a mini-moon is? | | | | Having a short mini-moon right after the wedding is a |
| As the name suggests, a mini-moon is a mini | | | | great way to have a little alone time as newlyweds |
| honeymoon, a short vacation usually lasting 1 - 4 | | | | before diving right back into mundane everyday |
| days, which is followed by a longer honeymoon at a | | | | stuff, yet allows you to have the vacation you really |
| later date, usually within 6 months. For some great | | | | want at a later time. |
| suggestions on planning a mini-moon of your own, | | | | Because mini-moons are short by their very nature, |
| read on. | | | | choosing a nearby destination makes a lot of sense. |
| Why a mini-moon instead of a traditional honeymoon | | | | You don't want to waste any more of your precious |
| immediately following the wedding? There can be | | | | time on travel than necessary. There will always be a |
| several reasons. A big one is financial. When the bride | | | | romantic destination within driving distance of any |
| and groom are paying for their own wedding, by the | | | | wedding. Let's say that you are planning a chic urban |
| time they have purchased everything from the food | | | | wedding in New York City. A terrific mini-moon would |
| and liquor to the wedding jewelry gifts, funds for a | | | | be a few days spent at the Mohonk Mountain |
| trip may be very limited. Most couples believe that it | | | | Resort, a relaxing Victorian retreat in the Hudson |
| is better to allocate more to the wedding itself (you | | | | Valley only 90 miles north of the city. Take a walk in |
| want to treat your bridesmaids like royalty by giving | | | | the gorgeous scenery, relax in the rocking chairs on |
| them fabulous wedding jewelry gifts, after all!), than | | | | the front porch of the grand hotel, or melt away the |
| to skimp on the main event to put more of their | | | | wedding stress in the spa. Another idea would be to |
| budget towards a honeymoon trip. Therefore, a | | | | visit a cozy bed and breakfast in your part of the |
| mini-moon! A romantic getaway to enjoy while the | | | | country. |
| newlywed glow is at its fullest, followed by a dream | | | | Festivals and events also make terrific mini-moons. |
| vacation after they have had time to save up more | | | | Maybe you have always wanted to go to the |
| money for a longer honeymoon. | | | | Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island or the hot air |
| Another reason for having a mini-moon is timing. In | | | | balloon show in Alburquerque. This type of targeted |
| any profession, there are certain times of the year | | | | long weekend adventure would be perfect for a |
| when it is difficult to get away for any length of | | | | mini-moon. If your time is really short, skip travel |
| time. Not only that, but most brides and grooms end | | | | altogether, and book two nights in the most luxurious |
| up missing work during the week leading up to their | | | | hotel in your town. Enjoy your first few nights as |
| wedding, so vacation days may be in short supply, | | | | husband and wife reveling in a glorious hotel and |
| making a brief trip the best option. There can also be | | | | eating at fancy restaurants. It is a great way to |
| seasonal issues surrounding your dream honeymoon | | | | spend some quality alone time together after the |
| trip. Perhaps you have planned a June wedding, but | | | | hustle and bustle of a wedding, and every couple |
| are dying to go to Oktoberfest for your wedding. Or | | | | deserves the star treatment when they are |
| maybe you and your fiance are having a fall wedding, | | | | newlyweds! |
| but love the idea of going to a tropical island in the | | | | |