Lyla Dejesus
Honeymoon funds are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional wedding registries, especially for couples who have lived together for a long time and already have the household items that would usually be gifted. There are several sites that allow couples to set up a honeymoon fund, such as Honeyfund, The Knot, and Zola. These sites allow guests to contribute to specific experiences, such as spa treatments, romantic dinners, or excursions, rather than giving a simple cash gift. The average contribution per guest is approximately $110, but this can vary depending on the guest's budget and their relationship to the couple. It is important to be transparent about your expectations and provide clear instructions for guests when setting up a honeymoon fund.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon fund sites | The Knot, Zola, Honeyfund |
| Average contribution per guest | $110 in 2018 |
| Average contribution per guest in 2017 | $100 |
| Amount to give according to one source | $30-$50 for family members or family friends you're not close to |
| Amount to give according to one source | $50-$100 for close friends |
| Amount to give according to one source | $75 for a gift from the registry on behalf of your partner and yourself |
| Amount to give according to one source | $100 or more if it's a close friend |
| Amount to give according to one source | $900-$1,000 if you're in the wedding party |
| Amount to give according to one source | $100 if you're already spending a lot to attend the wedding |
| Honeymoon fund wording | "In lieu of gifts, please consider making a contribution to our honeymoon fund" |
| Honeymoon fund wording | "We would love to create lifelong memories, instead of receiving physical gifts" |
| Honeymoon fund wording | "Please consider making a contribution to our honeymoon fund. We can’t wait to begin our married life together and celebrate our bond on our honeymoon" |
| Honeymoon fund wording | "In lieu of gifts, we would appreciate contributions toward our honeymoon fund. We are fortunate enough to already have all the physical items we need for our home" |
| Honeymoon fund wording | "Instead of physical gifts, please consider contributing to our honeymoon fund" |
| Honeymoon fund wording | "Your presence at our wedding is genuinely the best present we could ask for. If you wish to contribute, we've set up a honeymoon registry: www.hitchd.com/your-registry-name" |
| Honeymoon fund wording | "Your presence at our wedding is genuinely the best present we could ask for. Please contribute as much as you can spare so we can go on our dream honeymoon: www.hitchd.com/your-registry-name" |
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What You'll Learn
How to ask for money tastefully
Asking for money as a wedding gift can be a sensitive topic, but there are tasteful ways to do it. Here are some tips on how to ask for money tastefully, specifically for a honeymoon fund:
Provide a Range of Options
It is considered poor etiquette to provide little to no options for guests when they are exploring your registry. Even if you have more substantial gifts, ensure they are broad enough to suit different tastes and budgets. Exciting and romantic gifts are usually funded first, so create a range of options, from big-ticket items like flights and accommodation to smaller, more affordable choices. This allows guests to choose a gift that matches their interests and financial situation.
Share Your Story and Plans
Guests are more likely to feel excited about contributing if they are engaged by your story and plans. Share specific details about your honeymoon, such as the destination, activities, and duration. This helps guests understand what they are contributing to and makes their gift more personal and meaningful. You can also reframe your request as a way for them to help you achieve a life-changing adventure or by telling them about your plans for the money, such as upgrading your flights or booking an incredible excursion.
Use a Honeymoon Fund Website
Using an online cash registry or honeymoon fund website like Hitchd can normalize the process by integrating it into standard wedding procedures. These websites often offer features that allow guests to choose an amount they are comfortable with, avoiding discomfort among guests with different budgets. Be sure to include a link to your registry on your wedding website or invitation suite, making it easy for guests to access.
Craft a Thoughtful Message
When asking for money, it's essential to make it clear that giving a gift is entirely optional. You can express this in your message by focusing on their presence at your wedding being the most important thing. For example, "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift. However, if you wish to celebrate with a gift, a contribution towards our honeymoon would be greatly appreciated." You can also add a personal touch by sharing a poem or a message of appreciation.
Communicate Through Ambassadors
If you feel uncomfortable directly asking for money, enlist the help of your nearest and dearest. They can be great ambassadors for communicating your preferences to other guests who may inquire about gifting options. Encourage them to reinforce that all gifts, whether traditional or monetary, will be sincerely welcomed.
Remember, the key to asking for money tastefully is to make it optional, provide clear and exciting details about your plans, and express gratitude to your guests for their contributions.
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How much to contribute
Honeymoon funds are becoming increasingly popular, especially for couples who have lived together before marriage and already have the home essentials that would usually be gifted at a wedding.
Honeymoon funds allow guests to contribute to experiences and activities that the couple will enjoy on their honeymoon, such as spa treatments, romantic meals, excursions, and travel upgrades. This can be more meaningful for guests than a simple cash gift, as they can choose specific experiences for the couple to enjoy.
There are several honeymoon fund sites that allow couples to set up a fund, including The Knot, Zola, and Honeyfund. These sites allow couples to register for specific experiences and activities, and guests can then contribute as much as they wish towards these experiences.
When it comes to how much guests should contribute, this is entirely up to the individual and what they can afford. In 2018, the average gift contribution per person was $110, up from $100 in 2017. However, this amount can vary depending on the guest's relationship with the couple, their financial situation, and other factors such as the cost of attending the wedding. For example, a guest who is a close friend of the couple may contribute more, whereas a family member or family friend they are not close to may give a smaller amount. It is also important to remember that guests may not be able to give as much as they would like during difficult economic times or unexpected hardships.
Couples can encourage guests to contribute by providing detailed information about their honeymoon plans, including the destination, activities, and duration of the trip. This allows guests to feel more engaged and personally connected to the couple's story, increasing the likelihood of contributions.
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Online honeymoon fund platforms
If you're looking for online honeymoon fund platforms, there are several options to choose from. Here are some detailed descriptions of some popular platforms:
Honeyfund: Honeyfund is a free online honeymoon registry platform that allows couples to create a gift registry reflecting their unique interests and priorities. It is designed for couples who value experiences over material possessions. With Honeyfund, you can customize your website with details about your love story, wedding day, and registry. It also offers convenient features such as RSVP management and guest list organization. Honeyfund is trusted by many, with nearly $1 billion gifted through the site.
The Knot: The Knot offers a comprehensive wedding registry platform that includes the option to add a honeymoon fund. You can include the link to your registry on your wedding website, making it easily accessible for your guests. The Knot also provides traditional gift and cash fund options, allowing you to customize your registry with pre-packaged experiences or set a custom cash gift amount.
Hitchd: Hitchd is another online honeymoon fund platform that emphasizes the importance of storytelling. They found that couples who provided more details about their trip received, on average, 20% more in contributions. Hitchd allows you to include a welcome message on your registry, engaging your guests and helping them connect with your story. The platform also features a price slider, enabling guests to contribute within their budget without feeling pressured.
Blueprint: Blueprint is a one-stop shop for your wedding's online presence. It offers wedding website building and registry creation, with the ability to add traditional gift and cash fund options, including honeymoon experiences. You can customize your honeymoon registry with pre-packaged experiences or set a custom cash gift amount to suit your needs.
When it comes to how much you can expect to receive for your honeymoon fund, it varies based on your guests' preferences and financial situations. According to Hitchd, the average gift contribution per person was $110 in 2018, up from $100 in 2017. It's recommended to set your gift goal amount equal to or higher than what you hope to receive per person, ensuring your guests can contribute within their comfort levels.
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Gift cards and vouchers
If you're looking for a way to give your guests a more personalised present-buying experience, gift cards and vouchers are a great option. This way, your guests can contribute to specific experiences that they know you'll enjoy, rather than just giving cash.
For example, your guests could give you a gift card for a romantic dinner, a spa treatment, or an exciting excursion. This adds a special touch to their gift and ensures that you get to enjoy some unique experiences on your honeymoon. It also gives your guests the flexibility to choose an option that suits their budget.
There are several websites that offer honeymoon fund registries, such as Honeyfund, The Knot, and Zola. These sites allow you to create custom lists and register for specific experiences. Honeyfund, for instance, offers a digital gift card balance, the Honeyfund Wallet, which can be redeemed for various gift card brands or transferred to a PayPal or Venmo account.
When creating your gift card or voucher registry, it's important to provide enough details about your honeymoon plans. This includes information such as the destination, activities you plan to do, and the duration of your trip. This helps your guests understand what they are contributing to and allows them to feel more connected to your honeymoon experience.
Additionally, consider including a polite message on your wedding website or registry, inviting guests to contribute. For example, "Your presence at our wedding is the best gift we could ask for. If you wish to contribute further, we've set up a honeymoon registry with some experiences we're excited about." This way, you can politely express your wishes while still making the gift-giving optional.
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Budgeting for your honeymoon
Determine your budget
Firstly, you need to work out what you can afford. Review your finances and decide how much you can realistically spend without causing financial difficulties or debt. It's important to consider your long-term financial goals and ensure that your honeymoon budget aligns with them.
Choose your destination wisely
The destination you choose will have a significant impact on your budget. Consider places that offer a good exchange rate, like India, South Africa, or Indonesia, where you can save money and still have a luxurious experience. If you're set on a particular location, research the best times to go to save on airfare and accommodation. Travelling during the shoulder season, the period between a destination's peak and off-peak seasons, can offer significant savings.
Length of your trip
The length of your honeymoon will also affect your budget. The average honeymoon lasts anywhere from 8 to 14 days, but some couples opt for longer trips. Decide what works best for you and your partner, keeping in mind that a longer trip may require a larger budget.
Save on airfare and accommodation
To save on airfare, book your flights well in advance as prices tend to increase as the departure date approaches. Use price-tracking websites and apps to find the best deals and predict the optimal time to purchase tickets. Consider package deals that bundle your hotel and flight, or look into all-inclusive resorts and cruises, though be aware that additional costs for alcohol or excursions may apply.
Mix and match accommodations
You don't have to stay in luxury accommodations for your entire trip. Opt for a mix of mid-range and budget-friendly options, with a few nights of luxury sprinkled in. This approach allows you to experience different types of accommodations and save money simultaneously.
Plan your activities and dining
Consider the types of activities and dining experiences you want to include in your honeymoon. If you're visiting a place like Paris, where fine dining and tourist attractions can be expensive, allocate a larger portion of your budget to these expenses. Alternatively, if you're adventurous and want to explore local culture and cuisine, you can save money by trying street food and engaging in budget-friendly activities.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to budgeting for your honeymoon. Tailor your plans to your financial situation and preferences, and don't be afraid to delay your trip to ensure you can afford your dream vacation without incurring debt.
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Frequently asked questions
We received around \$100 per guest, which was in line with the average contribution per guest in 2018. We were very grateful and it helped us have a memorable trip.
We were very fortunate that our guests were keen to contribute to our honeymoon fund. We made sure to ask for this in a polite and tasteful way on our wedding website and via word of mouth. We also made sure to include lots of details about our trip so that guests could feel engaged and excited about where their money was going.
We used Honeyfund, which is a free honeymoon registry site. We liked that it had no fees and allowed us to choose how and when to redeem the funds. We also liked that it had lots of partnerships with travel companies and gift card brands.
