British newlyweds have collectively spent a staggering £30 billion on their honeymoons, with the average couple shelling out £4,062 for their romantic getaway, a study found.
The research, conducted by Opinium on behalf of Emirates, surveyed 2,000 UK honeymooners who tied the knot in the last decade.
It reveals that one in three couples are now including honeymoon contributions on their wedding gift lists, eager to make their dream trips a reality.
Luxury seems to be a priority for many, with nearly a fifth of honeymooners treating themselves to upgrades. 28% opt for Premium Economy, while 11% splurge on Business Class. Once airborne, 40% of newlyweds expect special treatment to commemorate their nuptials.
Planning these post-wedding escapes is no hasty affair. British couples dedicate an average of two months to researching their perfect honeymoon - a fortnight longer than they typically spend planning regular holidays. Key factors influencing their choices include budget and affordability (33%), alignment with personal interests (32%), and recommendations from family and friends (26%).
While most couples take charge of their own bookings, 13% prefer to leave the task to their partner. Surprisingly, 11% entrust family or friends with the responsibility of arranging their honeymoon.
Beach destinations remain the top choice for 47% of honeymooners, but city breaks (24%), spa-themed trips (17%), and adventure holidays (16%) are also popular options. British newlyweds are increasingly opting for multi-destination honeymoons, with the average trip lasting two and a half weeks. One in four couples visit at least three countries during their post-wedding travels.
The study was conducted between 26th April and 3rd May 2024, with additional data collected from 11th to 14th June. The £30 billion figure is based on calculations using the percentage of UK adults married in the last three years and the average honeymoon spend per couple.
