Lyla Dejesus
Honeymoon funds are a modern alternative to traditional wedding registries, allowing guests to contribute to the cost of a couple's honeymoon instead of giving physical gifts. Couples can set up a honeymoon fund on a website such as Hitchd, Honeyfund, or The Knot, where they can provide details about their honeymoon plans and a list of specific experiences that guests can choose to fund. While some people consider honeymoon funds tacky, they have become increasingly common as many couples now live together before marriage and already have most of the items typically given as wedding gifts. Most honeymoon fund websites charge fees, which can add up to a significant amount, so it is important for couples to carefully research the different options and choose the one that best suits their needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon fund fees | Honeymoon Wishes is free to create but has a service and handling fee depending on the fund request method: 3.5% for a direct funds transfer and 7% for a check. There's also a 2.5% credit card processing fee for guests. Honeyfund has no set-up charges and allows "fee-free redemption" for couples who want to put the money into and take the money out of their PayPal or Venmo accounts. Gifts purchased on a credit card via Traveler's Joy carry a service fee of 2.95%. |
| Honeymoon fund wording | It is considered good etiquette to include a polite message on your wedding website and a similar message on your honeymoon fund registry. It is also recommended to include specific details about your honeymoon so that guests understand what they are contributing to. Some couples opt for a poem instead of an "in lieu of gifts" message. |
| Honeymoon fund advantages | Honeymoon funds allow guests to contribute to experiences and items that the couple truly wants. It is more secure than giving cash or a check at the wedding. It is also convenient for guests who don't have to think about what to purchase or worry about bringing cash to the wedding. |
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What You'll Learn
Honeymoon fund wording and etiquette
Honeymoon funds are cash gifts from wedding guests to newlyweds to help pay for their honeymoon. They are becoming increasingly popular, with couples valuing experiences over physical gifts.
Etiquette
- It is important to remember that guests should never be expected to give gifts. It is fantastic when people contribute to your wedding registry or honeymoon fund, but not everyone can afford it.
- When creating gifts for your honeymoon fund registry, it is considered poor etiquette to provide little or no options for guests. It is wise to aim for a range of 20-50 gifts, with more expensive gifts such as flights and accommodation being contributed to by multiple guests.
- It is standard etiquette to direct your friends and family to your wedding website to learn more about the event and gift options.
- Couples should always aim to make guests feel that contributing towards a gift is entirely optional.
- It is important to acknowledge that asking for money can feel awkward, and coming up with the right words to ask in a way that still feels polite can be tricky.
Wording
- One popular way to ask for honeymoon funds is by using "in lieu of gifts" wording on your wedding invitations or wedding website.
- You can include a separate insert card with your wedding website and wording specific to your registry wishes.
- It is a good idea to add some humour to your honeymoon fund wording to take the stress out of the process.
- You can also make your honeymoon fund wording funny and sentimental, or choose to keep it short and sweet.
- Explain the details of your dream vacation without being too wordy.
- Add short summaries to any experiences or destinations.
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Honeymoon fund websites
A honeymoon fund is a modern registry where guests can contribute to your dream honeymoon. Instead of physical gifts, guests can give you money for airfare, accommodations, and travel excursions as a wedding gift. This allows guests to choose specific experiences to give you, such as spa treatments, a romantic dinner, or a unique excursion, making the honeymoon special.
There are several honeymoon fund websites to choose from, each with its own unique features and fee structures. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- The Knot Honeymoon Fund: The Knot allows you to have your wedding website and registry in one place. You can continuously check your pacing towards your dream honeymoon and see who contributed, making it easier to send thank-you cards. The Knot also offers cash funds that look like traditional registry items and are listed alongside them with pictures and prices. However, it's important to note that The Knot takes a small fee for its services.
- Traveler's Joy: Traveler's Joy is one of the oldest honeymoon fund websites, launched in 2004. It offers free sign-up with no upgrade fees and 100% free gift redemptions in the US for gifts made by cash or check. However, a 2.95% service fee is deducted from gifts made by credit card, and there is a small checkout fee for guests to cover the credit card processing fee. Traveler's Joy allows you to customize your page with images, videos, photos, and travel plans.
- Hitchd: Hitchd is a popular choice for couples who want to create a unique and personalized honeymoon registry. It offers the ability to add photos and links to help guests understand what they are giving. Hitchd also provides access to thousands of stock photos, wording, and gift templates. It is free to sign up and create a honeymoon registry, and guests typically know they only need to contribute a portion of the gift cost.
- Honeyfund: Honeyfund is a free honeymoon registry and cash wedding registry, with no fees for couples or guests. It allows you to save for any type of cash gift, whether it's a honeymoon, charity donation, or even a down payment on a home.
- WithJoy: WithJoy is another option that integrates with Venmo and does not collect a fee on honeymoon funds. It offers a wide range of "experiences" that guests can choose from, such as massages, dinner, bungee jumping, or helicopter rides. WithJoy also supports payments through PayPal and gives guests the option to give cash or checks in person.
- Zola: Zola is a website that allows you to create cash funds for different purposes, such as a honeymoon or a new home. You can mention your payment preferences, such as Zelle or Venmo, on your website. Zola also gives you the option to receive cash or checks in person if preferred.
When choosing a honeymoon fund website, it is important to consider the fees involved, the customization options available, and the ease of use for both you and your guests. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the fee structure to make an informed decision.
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Honeymoon fund fees
Honeymoon funds allow guests to contribute to the cost of a couple's honeymoon, instead of giving them physical gifts. This can include funding experiences such as spa treatments, romantic dinners, or travel excursions.
There are several honeymoon fund websites that couples can use to set up their fund. These include Honeyfund, Hitchd, Traveler's Joy, Honeymoon Wishes, and The Knot, among others. Some of these platforms are entirely free to use, with no transaction fees. For example, Honeyfund has no set-up charges, doesn't charge guest fees, and allows "fee-free redemption" for couples who use PayPal or Venmo. Similarly, signing up for an account on Traveler's Joy is free, and there are no transaction fees for gifts purchased with cash or check. However, gifts purchased on a credit card carry a service fee of 2.95%.
Other platforms may charge a variety of fees. For instance, while it is free to create a honeymoon fund on Honeymoon Wishes, there is a service and handling fee depending on the fund request method: 3.5% for a direct funds transfer and 7% for a check, in addition to a 2.5% credit card processing fee for guests.
When creating a honeymoon fund, it is important to consider the fees involved, as these can add up to a significant amount, especially for larger honeymoons. Couples should also be mindful of the potential for hidden fees or forced upgrades on platforms that advertise low pricing. It is recommended to provide guests with a range of 20-50 gift options to contribute to, with a mix of more substantial and less expensive gifts.
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Honeymoon fund vs traditional registry
Honeymoon funds allow guests to contribute to the cost of a couple's honeymoon, instead of giving them physical gifts. This is becoming increasingly common, as many couples already live together before marriage and have all the household items they need. A honeymoon fund allows guests to choose specific experiences to give the couple, such as spa treatments, romantic dinners or excursions, which can make the honeymoon extra special.
There are many honeymoon fund sites to choose from, including Honeyfund, Hitchd, The Knot, Honeymoon Wishes, and Traveler's Joy. Some sites charge fees, so it's worth shopping around to find the best option. For example, Honeyfund allows you to save for any type of cash gift, whether it's a honeymoon, a charity donation, or a down payment on a home, with no fees. In contrast, Honeymoon Wishes is free to create but has a service and handling fee of 3.5% for direct funds transfer and 7% for a check, as well as a 2.5% credit card processing fee for guests. The Knot's cash funds look like traditional registry items and are listed alongside them with a picture and price. When users click on a block, they are directed to a custom product description written by the couple. Hitchd also allows couples to break down their honeymoon into different categories so that guests can contribute to areas that they feel most drawn to.
When creating a honeymoon fund, it's important to provide plenty of details about the trip so that guests feel engaged and understand what they are contributing to. It's also crucial to make it clear that giving a gift is entirely optional. A polite message on the wedding website and registry can help to achieve this.
A traditional registry usually involves a list of physical gifts that the couple would like to receive. These may be household items such as kitchen appliances, bedding, or furniture. Guests then choose an item to purchase from the list. Traditional registries often come from big-box stores like Bed Bath and Beyond or Target, which may be more limited in terms of options compared to a honeymoon fund.
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Honeymoon fund poetry
Asking for monetary contributions for your honeymoon as a wedding gift may be considered a faux pas by some. However, it is becoming increasingly common, especially as many couples nowadays already live together before marriage and have all the physical items they need for their home. Honeymoon funds allow guests to contribute to specific experiences, such as spa treatments, romantic dinners, or unique excursions, adding emotional value to their gift.
If you're going to ask for money for your honeymoon, it's a good idea to include a polite note or poem on your invitations or wedding website. Here are some honeymoon fund poetry ideas to get you started:
"We know it's not traditional,
It's not the way it's done,
But instead of a gift,
We'd like a bit of sun!
We've lived together for quite some time,
And all our bills are paid,
We've got our plates, our pots, and pans,
Our plans have all been made."
"Your presence is what matters to us,
But if you wish to give,
We will have a honeymoon fund,
To help us take the leap!"
"We would love to create lifelong memories,
Instead of receiving physical gifts,
Please consider donating to our honeymoon fund,
As we begin our married life and celebrate our love."
"We value experiences over things,
So if you're wondering what to get,
A contribution to our honeymoon fund
Would be perfect, we can't deny!"
Remember, it's essential to make guests feel that contributing to your honeymoon fund is entirely optional. You can do this by including a nice lead-in message on your wedding website and a similar message on your honeymoon fund registry, emphasizing that their presence at your wedding is the most important thing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Honeymoon Wishes is free to create but comes with a service and handling fee depending on the fund request method: 3.5% for a direct funds transfer and 7% for a check. There is also a 2.5% credit card processing fee for guests.
Honeyfund has no set-up charges, doesn't charge guests fees, and allows "fee-free redemption" for couples who want to put the money into and take the money out of their PayPal or Venmo accounts.
Hitchd is free to sign up for and create your honeymoon registry. However, it is unclear whether they take a cut of the gift.
Signing up for an account on Traveler's Joy is free and easy. While you won't have to pay to obtain your funds, gifts purchased on a credit card carry a service fee of 2.95%. Gifts purchased by cash or check have no transaction fees.
