Features:

In this article:

Share on:

Why would we take a pre-moon before exchanging wedding rings?

More and more soon-to-weds decide to opt out of honeymoons and join the trend of pre-moons, also known as early-moons, before exchanging wedding rings. But what exactly is a pre-moon? Why would I choose to go on a pre-moon instead of a honeymoon?

Read summary

Why Take a Pre-Moon Before Your Wedding?

Looking for a way to escape wedding planning stress? A pre-moon might be the perfect solution. This emerging trend, popularized by Prince Harry and Meghan, involves taking a vacation before your wedding rather than after.

Pre-moons offer couples a chance to reconnect amid the chaos of wedding preparations and sometimes even provide an intimate setting for a private exchange of wedding rings. These getaways tend to be shorter than traditional honeymoons, making location selection particularly important.

When planning a pre-moon, avoid scheduling it too close to your wedding day to prevent sunburn or jet lag from affecting your ceremony. An added benefit? Pre-wedding trips often cost less since they can be scheduled outside peak travel seasons.

Other variations include baby-moons (taken before or after having a child) and mini-moons (brief getaways for busy couples).

Read more below
engagement ring

5 Questions to Find Her Perfect Engagement Ring

Are you planning to propose? Finding the right engagement ring is a defining step. Every ring is handcrafted in Antwerp from the finest materials by skilled artisans. Discover what engagement ring fits her personality.

Take the quiz

Most viewed diamond jewels

Excellent 5 out of 5 based on 4,008 reviews

What is a pre-moon, also referred to as the earlymoon?

Pre-moon is a relatively new term swooping the British nation since Prince Harry and Meghan decided to take one. The concept describes the act of not taking a honeymoon after the wedding, but rather opting for a shorter holiday before the wedding.

 

charming balcony in Capri offering a stunning view of the sea, perfect for escaping wedding stress during a pre-moon

Why do people decide to go on a holiday before their wedding?

There are myriad reasons why a pre-moon may be an exquisite alternative to the traditional honeymoon. We’ve listed the two most common reasons for you:

  • Escape wedding planning stress: It offers the perfect getaway from all sorts of stress that accompany planning a wedding and is the perfect opportunity to reconnect in the midst of such a hectic period.
     

  • A private pre-wedding celebration: Some also consider the pre-moon the perfect time for a small pre-wedding in private. Exchanging wedding rings in secret adds a whole new air of romance to the special event and makes your big day even more exceptional.
A couple stands by a pool, framed by lush palm trees, enjoying a sunny day in a tropical paradise

What should I take into account when considering a pre-wedding holiday?

When planning a pre-moon, you should take your time to find the perfect location. Most pre-moons tend to be shorter than traditional honeymoons, which makes the perfect location even more important for a short and sweet visit. Secondly, take care not to plan your pre-moon too close to the wedding. Sunburn or jet lag might interfere with being your best self on your big day, so take some time to recover before walking down the aisle and swapping wedding rings.
Honeymoons often take place in the high travel season and are far more expensive because of it. Going on a holiday before the wedding gives you the chance to choose a different time of year when your travels will not add another big expense to an already financially significant period. Make sure to look for a beneficial travel opportunity.

When to schedule your pre-moon: timing guidelines

For a smoother lead-up to the wedding, think in concrete windows rather than vague rules. These practical buffers help protect your energy, appearance and ability to finalise last-minute tasks.

- Short international or long domestic trips: avoid travel within 7 to 10 days before the wedding. This lowers the chance that jet lag, a minor illness or sunburn will affect your ceremony. Treat the final week as a recovery and prep window.

- Short getaways and mini-moons: aim for 2 to 6 weeks before the wedding. These quick escapes give time to recharge while leaving room for final arrangements.

- Typical earlymoon (one-week to ten-day trips): schedule 1 to 3 months before the wedding. That offers breathing room for bookings, small delays and any necessary follow-up.

- Long international trips with multiple stops or supplier meetings: plan 3 months or more before the wedding. If you need to inspect venues or do in-person fittings, add extra lead time for changes.


Two common timeline examples

1) Weekend mini-moon (wellness spa or city break): book about 1 to 2 months ahead. Travel 2 to 6 weeks before the wedding so you can recover, attend final fittings and keep the last week free for calm preparation.

2) One-week international earlymoon: book 3 to 6 months ahead depending on destination demand. Return at least 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding to allow for travel recovery and any last-minute tasks.

These windows balance relaxation with logistics: you get meaningful time away without risking your energy, appearance or ability to finalise wedding details in the immediate run-up to the ceremony.

Practical planning checklist: what to pack and how to plan your pre-moon

Trip-length recommendations (pros and cons)

- Weekend (2–3 days): low time off work, ideal for spa breaks or city escapes. Quick reset but little time to travel far.

- One week (5–8 days): the best balance of rest and exploration. Allows a relaxed rhythm, a couple of excursions and time to unwind.

- 10+ days: suited to long-haul or multi-destination itineraries. More immersive, but requires earlier booking and more organisation.



Packing and timing dos and don'ts

- Do schedule any in-person beauty treatments, hair colour or intensive skin procedures at least 7 days before the wedding to allow for recovery.

- Don’t plan prolonged sun exposure or aggressive outdoor activities within 10 days of the wedding to avoid sunburn or irritation.

- Bring a compact recovery kit: basic travel medicines, a gentle after-sun or moisturiser, high-SPF sunscreen, blister plasters and a small first-aid kit.

- Carry travel copies of key wedding documents and vendor contacts, especially if you’ll be out of regular reach.

Contingency and booking tips

- Choose flexible bookings where possible: refundable or changeable flights and accommodation reduce stress if plans shift.

- Consider travel insurance that covers illness and trip changes; it provides a safety net for larger bookings.

- Plan a calm buffer day on your return before any rehearsal or crucial appointments, so you have time to reorient.



Three quick sample itineraries

- Wellness weekend (2–3 days): morning yoga, a couples massage, healthy meals and two relaxed afternoons by the pool. Low travel time, high recharge.

- Cultural city break (5–7 days): museum mornings, long lunches, a candlelit rooftop dinner and a slow final day for packing and rest. Easy walking, light sightseeing.

- Beach week with light excursions (7–10 days): alternate beach days with a single light excursion such as a coastal boat trip, with at least two full recovery days before returning home.

This checklist helps you choose the right length, pack sensibly and plan for the unexpected, so your pre-moon refreshes rather than complicates your wedding preparations.

Which other types of ‘moons’ are there?

Going on pre-moon before exchanging wedding rings is not the only new variety of honeymooning, let’s talk about baby-moons and mini-moons.

Inspiration: what to do on your pre-moon

- Wellness retreat: wake slowly to guided morning stretches, share a couples massage, enjoy nourishing meals and take two digital‑detox days. The pace is unhurried and focused on rest and reconnection.

- Romantic city break: wander cobbled streets, visit a favourite museum in the morning, reserve a sunset rooftop dinner and keep an afternoon free for a private moment together or a quiet rehearsal.

- Seaside week: alternate lazy beach mornings with one gentle boat trip or coastal walk, finish each day watching the sunset and choose two full rest days before travelling home.

- Light adventure: book a single guided day tour such as an easy hike, a wildlife excursion or a scenic drive, then prioritise gentle recovery and a spa session the following day.

- Slow cultural circuit: stay in one or two small towns, dine at family-run restaurants, take a relaxed cooking class together and use free afternoons to talk and plan the life ahead.

Each vignette pairs a clear pace with a few simple activities, so you can pick an earlymoon that fits your energy levels and wedding calendar.

Baby–moons

Baby-moons have also significantly risen in popularity over the past years. Baby-moons are divided into pre-baby-moons and post-baby-moons:

  • Pre-baby-moons: The first type is aimed at enjoying your final months together as a couple before adding parenthood to the mix and changing your lives forever.
  • Post-baby-moons: This type gives your family the chance to quietly and privately adjust to the life-altering new arrival and gently ease into the new dynamic in a beautiful and relaxing environment.

Mini-moons


In addition to pre-baby and post-baby moons, couples may also consider a mini moon, which are quick getaways designed to rejuvenate and reconnect without requiring a significant time commitment. These brief escapes can be planned over a long weekend or during a mid-week break, allowing couples to enjoy quality time together amidst their busy lives.

Ready to make your wedding day even more memorable?

Whether you choose a pre-moon, honeymoon, or even a baby-moon, the key is to find a moment to relax, reconnect, and celebrate your unique bond. If you're intrigued by the idea of a pre-moon, start planning your perfect getaway now.

Ready to make your wedding day even more special? Book a call with one of our expert stylists to help you refine your style and choose the perfect diamond jewellery to complement your big day.

  • Fabienne Rauw

  • BAUNAT Antwerp

  • Fabienne, manager of the German market is able to guide every client with finding the right jewel. She takes care of most of the German orders, but also takes other task on her plate. Thanks to her six  years of experience at BAUNAT she acquainted well with the product and the marketing around it. Her degree in PR ensures that BAUNAT is well presented across all media channels. For anyone looking into a new investment opportunity, Fabienne is the perfect guide in this process. No question will be left unanswered, and she will help you every step of the way.

    Selected Bespoke Projects

    • Eternal Bloom bespoke engagement concept - Role: project lead for client briefing and prototype coordination. Fabienne translated personal design references into a 3D-printed prototype, supervised stone selection and ensured the finished piece matched the client’s vision and comfort preferences.

    • Personalized anniversary necklace - Role: design coordinator and quality overseer. She managed the custom design process from the initial sketch to final polishing, liaising between client and workshop to preserve proportions and finish.

    • Reimagined heirloom ring restoration and redesign - Role: client consultant and technical coordinator. Fabienne guided the client through options to modernize setting details while keeping sentimental elements, delivering a wearable result that respected the original piece.

    Her hands-on involvement in bespoke commissions ensures each custom order has a clear brief, careful prototype review and close follow-up with the workshop, so clients receive a tailored jewel that meets both aesthetic and practical expectations.

    Professional enquiries

    For speaking engagements, press requests or research collaborations, please send your message to BAUNAT’s communications team with the subject line: "Fabienne Rauw  -  Professional Enquiry." Include a brief description of the request and any relevant dates or documents. The communications team will route enquiries to Fabienne and provide guidance on next steps.

Fabienne, manager of the German market is able to guide every client with finding the right jewel. She takes care of most of the German orders, but also takes other task on her plate. Thanks to her six  years of experience at BAUNAT she acquainted well with the product and the marketing around it. Her degree in PR ensures that BAUNAT is well presented across all media channels. For anyone looking into a new investment opportunity, Fabienne is the perfect guide in this process. No question will be left unanswered, and she will help you every step of the way.

Selected Bespoke Projects

• Eternal Bloom bespoke engagement concept - Role: project lead for client briefing and prototype coordination. Fabienne translated personal design references into a 3D-printed prototype, supervised stone selection and ensured the finished piece matched the client’s vision and comfort preferences.

• Personalized anniversary necklace - Role: design coordinator and quality overseer. She managed the custom design process from the initial sketch to final polishing, liaising between client and workshop to preserve proportions and finish.

• Reimagined heirloom ring restoration and redesign - Role: client consultant and technical coordinator. Fabienne guided the client through options to modernize setting details while keeping sentimental elements, delivering a wearable result that respected the original piece.

Her hands-on involvement in bespoke commissions ensures each custom order has a clear brief, careful prototype review and close follow-up with the workshop, so clients receive a tailored jewel that meets both aesthetic and practical expectations.

Professional enquiries

For speaking engagements, press requests or research collaborations, please send your message to BAUNAT’s communications team with the subject line: "Fabienne Rauw  -  Professional Enquiry." Include a brief description of the request and any relevant dates or documents. The communications team will route enquiries to Fabienne and provide guidance on next steps.