What do dusky pink, drip cakes, tacos and minimoons have in common? According to Pinterest’s 2017 wedding report, they’re all the hottest trends for this year’s brides.
The site’s report, based on the annual frenzy of planning and pinning that follows all those Christmas and New Year proposals, shows that searches for minimoons are up 122 percent.
Whether you’re planning a short break while saving for a once-in-a-lifetime trip or waiting for good weather in your main honeymoon destination, there’s no reason it should be less than romantic though. Here’s how to make your minimoon a memorable one.
1. Turn up the romance factor
Mini or not, you want this honeymoon to stand out from other trips you’ve taken together so even if you’re staying in the UK, book in to somewhere really special. How about a secluded cottage with its own hot tub and amazing views for your first days as newlyweds, such as the boutique properties from Sugar & Loaf?
Or if you’re blowing the budget, enjoy some serious luxury - the Venice Simplon-Orient Express is the ultimate in old-fashioned glamour, especially if you add a night or two in Venice itself. Imagine staying on the Grand Canal itself at the Ca Sagredo or a 14th century palazzo, The Danieli.
2. Turn down the stress
After months of planning for the ceremony, stick to de-stressing and save the full-on adventure or packed city breaks for another time. Searches for beautiful Santorini are up 70 percent - no surprise, this Greek island is the very definition of a stunning romantic getaway.
Once you're there, you could wander the atmospheric old streets or discover the island's vineyards, but the biggest draw is relaxing with a drink and enjoying the views. Perfect for a minimoon. Sites like i-escape have a string of places to stay whether you're looking for a boutique hotel or a hideaway with private pool.
3. Turn up the contrast
If your minimoon is only part 1 of the honeymoon, it's a great opportunity to pick a contrasting trip to your main break. With more couples waiting after a summer ceremony for better weather in the southern hemisphere - searches for New Zealand are up 125 percent - it's the perfect time to look closer to home as well.
Choose a pampering break if you've got an active honeymoon planned. Somewhere like Gilpin Lake House in the Lake District has six secluded suites with spa, and a chauffeur to take you to dinner. Or if you'll be hitting the beach later, try a mini road trip in the UK - McKinley Kidd's honeymoon packages include the chance to drive around Scotland in a classic car before staying in a castle.
4. Turn to somewhere unique
For minimoon memories with real wow, skip the standard hotels for somewhere that's unlike anywhere you've stayed before. Try Sweden's ice hotel, now open year-round, or check in to the country's tree hotel.
Or if you'd rather not venture that far, The Cary Arms in Devon has ultra-stylish beach huts right on the sand as well as a glass sphere pod gazing out to sea which you can book for a candlelit dinner.
For more romantic ideas visit 101 Honeymoons
Images courtesy of Pixabay