By Need to See IT News Team 
Written by Amy Walters
As it gets increasingly more difficult to get a foot on the property ladder, young Brits are prioritising spending their hard-earned cash on honeymoons instead of buying their own bricks and mortar.
A new study, conducted by TUI to mark its partnership with Married At First Sight UK, has shown that over four in 10 Gen Zers would prefer to splash their savings on a post-wedding trip abroad.
The research, released 6th October, investigated how people aged 18-24 in the UK rank life experiences – including saving for a house deposit versus weddings and honeymoons – as well as how much they are willing to spend on the celebration itself.
And the trend of ‘alternative moons’ is also rising as Brits favour adventure over traditional romantic trips.
HOW YOUNG BRITS PRIORITISE LIFE EXPERIENCES
When asked to grade life goals in order of priority, 42% of Gen Z listed ‘dream honeymoon’ as their number one choice.
However, many are still holding on to the dream of buying their own place.
Of the participants, 41% still squirrel money away for that ever-important house deposit, while 33% focus on saving for general travel.
Only 22% of young Brits prioritise saving for their big wedding day over travelling.
‘ALTERNATIVE MOONS’ ARE ON THE RISE
The traditional loved-up trip-for-two is giving way to “alternative moons”.
The research by TUI, the UK’s leading package holiday company, showed that 19% would opt for an action-packed getaway with activities like safaris, diving and hiking – though the same amount of participants would seek a bit of R&R with a wellness-themed trip.
For 12% of Gen-Zers, it appears that foodies would have their whole honeymoon centered around indulgent, tasty treats.
WIth winter on the way, 16% also fancy a “chilly-moon” – such as skiing in Lapland or getting a picturesque shot of the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Or maybe a “party-moon” dancing the night away in Ibiza or Las Vegas (13%).
But 23% still like to keep it simple, with all-inclusive, stress-free days on the beach.
Meanwhile, three in 10 Brits (30%) said they’d happily bring someone else along such as their parents or children on their honeymoon, while 6% would like a “buddy-moon” with friends.
WEDDING VS HONEYMOON SPENDING
Across ages, the average participant said they would be willing to spend around £8,000 on their post wedding getaway.
But when split by age, Gen Z would go higher – splashing on average £13,000.
Some young newlyweds, aged 18-24, take it even further – one in 10 would pay out more than £20,000 and 13% would go as high as £50,000+.
Traditional honeymoon locations such as the Caribbean, the Maldives or Mauritius still appear to be at the top of the list.
And many Brits are willing to forego classic wedding features in order to save money for the big trip.
Of those surveyed, 26% of Gen Z would whittle down the guest list, while 28% would skip bridesmaids dresses and 19% would choose a cheaper venue.
But only 9% were willing to say goodbye to an open bar.
Even flowers, cakes and stag or hen dos were among the traditions some couples were prepared to ditch for a dream honeymoon.
THE NUMBER ONE REASON BRITS HONEYMOON
Survey participants said the number one reason for a honeymoon is to destress after the wedding (48%) – with celebrating love coming in at a close second (41%).
Nearly seven out of 10 couples honeymoon within two weeks of the wedding; of those, over half (39%) head off immediately.
The most popular trip length is one week (48%).
But 22% of Gen Z take two weeks and a modest 17% opt for a quick “mini-moon” of just one to three nights.
The “multi-moon” trend is also on the rise, with 14% choosing several smaller trips across the year rather than one big blowout holiday.
The findings come as TUI becomes the sponsor of Married at First Sight UK, and has commissioned research into all things weddings to find the top honeymoon trends amongst Brits.
“Our research shows that young couples are prioritising travel over all else”, says Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK & Ireland.
“For many, the honeymoon is no longer just a follow-up to the wedding – it’s the main event.
“Whether it’s an all-inclusive escape to Mauritius, a safari adventure in Kenya, or a romantic city break in Paris, today’s newlyweds are looking for experiences that reflect who they are, give them space to spend quality time together, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
“We’re also seeing more couples choosing to take several smaller trips across the year – a growing ‘multi-moon’ trend that speaks to a more flexible, experience-led approach to mark the start of married life.”
To check out all the moons from city breaks to beach paradise to wintery snowscapes, please visit: tui.co.uk.