How To Ask Wedding Guests To Fund Your Honeymoon

Traditionally, the groom or the groom's parents paid for the honeymoon. However, this tradition has changed over time, and now, it is common for couples to pay for their honeymoons, especially if they are older and more financially established. Couples may also receive financial help from their family members or create a honeymoon fund or registry, where wedding guests can contribute to the honeymoon expenses.

Honeymoon funds and registries

• Choose a mix of price points: Your guests will have different budgets, so your honeymoon fund should have multiple contribution levels. Break up larger expenses, such as dinners, into smaller amounts so guests can choose to pay for just one meal or event.
• Personalize each item: Your guests will want to feel involved in helping you create the perfect honeymoon, so tell them about what they're paying for. Include links to your hotel's website to show them how lovely it'll be and which activities you plan to book.
• Include photos of you and your partner: If you plan to go hiking in Costa Rica or surfing in Hawaii, for example, add a few photos so your guests can see how much you love doing an activity together.
• Add a small traditional wedding registry: Some people prefer to send physical gifts instead of cash, so give them an option that works for them.

If you are paying for your honeymoon, you and your partner should decide on a budget together and discuss who will be responsible for which expenses. You can also ask your guests to contribute to your honeymoon fund instead of giving you physical gifts. This is a great option for couples who don't need household items like china or crystal.

There are a few different ways to set up a honeymoon fund or registry:

• Use a honeymoon registry website like Honeyfund, Zola, or Traveler's Joy. These websites allow guests to contribute to specific items like airfare, activities, or meals.
• Set up a special savings account just for depositing monetary wedding gifts.
• Use a credit card with travel rewards. Charge as much as you can for your wedding and then use the points to pay for your honeymoon expenses.

Remember, it's important to be honest with your guests about what you want and what would make you happiest.

Pros and cons of different people paying

Groom or groom's family pays for the honeymoon

Pros

• The bride will be busy planning the wedding, so this takes a burden off her.
• The couple might be able to go on a more extravagant honeymoon than they could afford themselves.

Cons

• The groom might not be able to afford it.
• It could cause friction between the couple if the groom feels it's unfair.
• It might be difficult to discuss money and boundaries with the groom's parents.
• The groom's parents might ignore the couple's requests or refuse to provide details about the trip.

Couple pays for the honeymoon

Pros

• The couple gets to decide every aspect of the trip.
• Planning the trip together can be a great bonding exercise.
• The couple doesn't need to involve others in the process.

Cons

It may be difficult to afford.

Guests contribute to a honeymoon fund

Pros

• It's an easy way to save money for the trip.
• Guests will probably prefer to contribute to an experience rather than buying an air fryer.
• It's a good option for couples who don't need any physical gifts.

Cons

• Some guests might prefer to give a physical gift.
• It might be considered "tacky" to ask for money.

Newlyweds' family members pay for the honeymoon

Pros

• It can help newlyweds who can't afford the trip themselves.
• It's a generous gift that the couple will be grateful for.

Cons

• The couple might not be able to go to their dream destination.
• It might be difficult to decline the offer if the couple doesn't like the suggested destination.

Creative ways to pay for your honeymoon

Traditionally, the groom or the groom's parents would pay for the honeymoon. However, this is a practice that is becoming less common, with modern couples often choosing to pay for their own honeymoons. There are several creative ways to pay for your honeymoon, and you can even get your wedding guests involved. Here are some ideas to help fund your dream trip:

• Honeymoon Registry: Instead of a traditional wedding registry, you can opt for a honeymoon registry, where guests can contribute to specific aspects of your honeymoon, such as airfare, activities, or accommodation. Websites like Honeyfund, Traveler's Joy, and Hitchd allow you to set up a fund where guests can directly support your dream experiences. This option is especially appealing to modern couples who may already have most household essentials and prefer experiences over material gifts.
• Crowdsourcing from Loved Ones: In addition to a honeymoon registry, you can get creative and ask your loved ones to chip in for your honeymoon. This could be done through your wedding website, word of mouth, or at wedding-related events like the bridal shower or bachelorette party. Your loved ones will likely be happy to contribute to an experience that will create lasting memories for you.
• Cash Wedding Gifts: It is common to receive monetary gifts from wedding guests, and you can choose to allocate all or part of this money towards your honeymoon fund. You could even set up a special savings account dedicated to depositing these monetary gifts.
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards: Signing up for a credit card with excellent travel rewards can help you accumulate points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Using such a credit card for your wedding expenses and everyday purchases can quickly earn you substantial rewards to offset your honeymoon costs.
• Delay Your Honeymoon: There is no rule that says your honeymoon has to be right after your wedding. Delaying your trip by a few months or until your first anniversary can give you more time to save up and ensure you can have the honeymoon of your dreams without financial constraints.
• Use Reward Points: If you travel frequently for work, you may have accumulated reward points with airlines or hotel chains. Cashing in these points can help cover some or all of your honeymoon expenses, depending on how many points you've accrued.
• Open a Joint Savings Account: If you don't already have one, consider opening a joint savings account with your partner dedicated to your honeymoon fund. Contribute regularly to this account, and you'll be surprised at how quickly your savings grow.
• Ask for Experiences Instead of Physical Gifts: If you're uncomfortable with the idea of directly asking for money, you can suggest that your wedding guests gift you experiences instead of physical gifts. For example, they could offer to cover a romantic dinner, a couple's spa treatment, or an exciting excursion that you can enjoy on your honeymoon.
• Contributions from Family Members: If your family members are in a position to help, don't be afraid to accept their offer to contribute to your honeymoon. It's common for parents to want to treat their children to a special trip, especially if it's a place that holds a special meaning for them. However, it's important to have an open conversation about expectations and preferences to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Start Planning Early: The earlier you start planning and saving for your honeymoon, the more achievable your dream trip becomes. Begin by setting a realistic budget and then work towards it by saving regularly and taking advantage of the other creative options mentioned above.

Remember, your honeymoon is a special trip that you and your partner will always remember. By using these creative funding options, you can ensure that your honeymoon is not only financially feasible but also filled with memorable experiences that you'll cherish forever.

Accepting help from family members

Traditionally, the groom or the groom's parents would pay for the honeymoon. However, this is not always the case nowadays, as weddings have become more creative and less by-the-book. If the newlyweds are young and their parents are in a position to help fund the honeymoon, it is perfectly acceptable for them to do so.

If you are accepting financial help from family members for your honeymoon, it is important to have an open conversation with them about it. Discuss their expectations and preferences, and be willing to compromise or make adjustments to your plans if needed. It is also a good idea to involve them in the planning process and keep them apprised of your progress, so they feel included.

• Be gracious and appreciative: Thank your family members for their generosity and let them know how much you appreciate their support.
• Be open to compromise: If their financial contribution comes with conditions or requests, be willing to compromise and work together to find a solution that makes everyone happy.
• Keep them involved: Include your family members in the planning process, ask for their input, and keep them updated on your progress. This will make them feel valued and appreciated.
• Be transparent: Be clear about your budget and how their contribution will be used. This will help set clear expectations and avoid any misunderstandings.
• Show your gratitude: Find ways to show your gratitude beyond just saying thank you. For example, you could offer to help with any tasks or projects they may have or plan a special dinner to express your appreciation.
• Respect their boundaries: If your family members have specific requests or boundaries, respect their wishes. For example, if they prefer not to cover certain expenses or want to keep the cost within a certain budget, try to accommodate their wishes as much as possible.
• Communicate honestly: Be honest and open about your plans, budget, and any challenges you may encounter. This will help build trust and ensure everyone is on the same page.

How to ask for money tastefully

Asking for money can be tricky, especially when it comes to your wedding. Here are some tips on how to ask for money tastefully to fund your dream honeymoon:

Do's:

• Use a honeymoon fund registry: Instead of a traditional wedding registry, opt for a honeymoon fund registry such as Hitchd, Honeyfund, or Zola. These platforms allow guests to contribute easily and give you a chance to showcase your honeymoon plans, including the destination, activities, and special experiences.
• Tell your story: Engage your guests by sharing details about your trip. Explain where you plan to go and what experiences you're looking forward to. This will help them feel excited about contributing to your adventure.
• Offer a variety of experiences and price points: Break down your honeymoon fund into smaller categories like flights, accommodations, excursions, meals, etc. Provide a range of options and price points to accommodate different budgets and interests.
• Express gratitude: Thank your guests for their presence and let them know that their attendance is the most meaningful gift. Emphasize that contributions to your honeymoon fund are optional, and any amount is appreciated.
• Personalize your registry: Add a personal touch by including photos of you and your partner, sharing your love story, and expressing your excitement for the honeymoon. This will make your guests feel more connected to your plans.
• Absorb or split the service fee: When it comes to credit card fees, consider absorbing the fee yourself or splitting it with your guests. This is a thoughtful gesture and avoids adding extra costs to your guests' contributions.

Don'ts:

• Ask for money in your wedding invitation: Avoid mentioning wedding gifts or monetary requests in your invitations. Instead, include a link or address to your honeymoon registry on your wedding website or in a separate insert card.
• Make it feel transactional: Ensure your guests feel that contributing is entirely optional and voluntary. Present your honeymoon fund with a friendly message that expresses your gratitude and avoids putting pressure on your guests.
• Write tacky poems: Keep your messages tasteful and straightforward. While a poem can be a creative way to ask for contributions, it's important to maintain a respectful tone. Avoid making your guests feel obligated to contribute.
• Scrutinize fees: When choosing a honeymoon fund platform, don't base your decision solely on fees. Prioritize safety, reliability, and user-friendliness to ensure a smooth experience for your guests.
• Make gifts too small: Consider the average contribution amounts and set your gift goals accordingly. You want your guests to feel comfortable contributing within their budget without feeling pressured or guilty.

Frequently asked questions