SHOULD YOU TAKE YOUR CHILDREN ON HONEYMOON WITH YOU?

Intimate adult escape OR family holiday? Does marriage really change things that much? Should you mark this special occasion with just you and your newly-wed? With so many family-ready couples tying the knot later, should you take the children on honeymoon with you? We ask the experts…

EXPERT LIFE AND CONFIDENCE COACH MICHELE PARADISE SAYS…

That depends on several factors – the age of your children, your budget and where you plan to go on honeymoon. The first question to answer is: do you really want your children to go with you? There’s nothing worse than having sulky teenagers or bored toddlers in tow, especially for your first newlywed break. If you don’t sort out their activities and interests beforehand, none of you will have a good time!

You’re going to have to put their needs first before booking the destination. If they’re happy then you’ll have a great time, if not, forget it. You’ll spend most of your time entertaining them and not enjoying your very special trip. You need to find a location that suits everyone’s needs so you can spend that special time together with your whole family. That said, does it then no longer become a celebration of your marriage, just another family holiday?

This is a holiday to have some quality time between the two of you and to celebrate the next stage of your life together. I know some people say that if you are living with your partner beforehand, marriage doesn’t change things much, but it does. You’ve made a legal commitment to each other in the eyes of your loved ones, so the honeymoon is even more important!

You wanted my advice, so here it is – leave the children at home, go off on a fabulous honeymoon to a location that you’ve never been to before and have a wonderful time. Sit back and relax with no worries or responsibilities and give yourselves a chance to reflect on your big day. Honeymoons are what dreams are made of so be sure that you have some wonderful memories on those cold and wet days when you’re washing up for the third time… You’ll need them!

OUR REAL BRIDES SAY…

“We’re doing both! We have three kids, so have decided to have a minimoon for just us for a couple of nights straight after the wedding, and then a familymoon a couple of months later with all five of us.” Hailey

“Our son was three when we married, so we had the choice between a very short honeymoon for just us, as I wouldn’t want to be away from him for long, or a good family holiday to enjoy together. The family holiday/honeymoon won us over and 15 other family members joined us on our honeymoon to Disney World Florida.” Jade-Louise

“It wouldn’t be a honeymoon with children there. There are lots of other times to go on a family vacation!” CJ

“My daughter is nearly 13 so she won’t want to holiday with us much longer – we’re making the most of her now! When she’s left home we can honeymoon every year!” 

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