Franklin Dean
Honeymoon funds are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional wedding registries, especially for couples who have lived together for a while and already have most household items. There are several online platforms that allow couples to set up a honeymoon fund, such as Honeyfund, Zola, and Traveler's Joy. These platforms enable couples to create custom lists and register for specific experiences, such as a romantic dinner or a sunset cruise, that guests can choose to monetarily contribute to. While there is no standard amount for guests to give, the average gift contribution per person in 2018 was $110, and it is recommended to keep the gift goal amount equal to or higher than what the couple is hoping to receive per person.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average gift contribution per person | $110 in 2018, $100 in 2017 |
| Average amount gifted by a couple | $100-$300 |
| Amount gifted by a close friend | $50-$100 |
| Amount gifted by family members or family friends | $30-$50 |
| Amount gifted by a recent college graduate | $75 |
| Amount gifted by a college student | $50 |
| Amount gifted by a guest who is already spending a lot on the wedding | $100 |
| Amount gifted by a guest who is not working | $100 |
| Amount gifted by a guest who is a high school friend | $100 |
| Amount charged by The Knot for transaction fees | 2.5% |
| Amount charged by Zola for transaction fees | 2.5% |
| Amount charged by Honeyfund for transaction fees | 0% |
| Amount charged by Traveler's Joy for gifts purchased on a credit card | 2.95% |
| Amount charged by Traveler's Joy for gifts purchased by cash or check | 0% |
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What You'll Learn
Honeymoon fund sites
If you're looking to set up a honeymoon fund instead of a traditional gift registry, there are several sites that can help you do this.
- Honeyfund: This site allows you to save for any type of cash gift, whether it's for your honeymoon, a charity donation, or a down payment on a home. Setting up an account is free, and you can opt to have a single "donation box" or a list of specific activities or excursions. There are no transaction fees, and the money is automatically deposited into your bank account.
- Zola: Zola is a popular wedding hub that allows you to integrate a traditional or cash registry into your wedding website. Couples can get creative by adding their own pictures, captions, and amounts to their honeymoon fund experiences or opt for pre-written ideas. There is a 2.5% transaction fee to move funds to your account.
- The Knot: This site offers a comprehensive dashboard for tracking who has given what and how much money you've been gifted. While creating a Knot Cash Registry is free, they charge a 2.5% transaction fee for all collected funds that are moved to your bank account.
- Hitchd: This honeymoon fund site is dedicated exclusively to registries and focuses on registry page design and a modern mobile and desktop experience for couples and guests. Hitchd offers a one-time fee and service plans ranging from $119 to $199 based on your wedding size, but you can try it for free before deciding.
- Traveler's Joy: One of the oldest honeymoon fund websites, Traveler's Joy allows couples to register for a variety of travel-related cash funds, like an upgrade to first-class airfare, romantic excursions, or even a new camera. Setting up a fund is free, and you can customize your page with images, videos, photos, and travel plans. Guests can easily find your registry by searching your wedding website on The Knot.
- SPUR Experiences: With over 4,000 adventures to choose from, SPUR Experiences offers a wide range of options for your honeymoon fund, including spa days, wine tastings, and adrenaline-filled activities. They also offer a 20% discount for any remaining items on the registry and free bonus gifts based on what loved ones purchase. For gifts over $100, SPUR Experiences allows "partial purchases", splitting the cost into 10 partial payments.
- WithJoy: WithJoy integrates with Venmo and does not collect a fee on honeymoon funds. It offers a wide range of "experiences" that guests can choose from to add fun to the honeymoon, such as massages, dinner, bungee jumping, or a helicopter ride.
When it comes to how much people typically give for a honeymoon fund, it varies depending on the relationship between the guest and the couple, as well as the guests' financial situation. Some people give a set amount for all weddings they attend, such as $50-$100 for close friends' weddings and $30-$50 for family members or distant friends. Others base their gift on the cost per plate at the reception, while some simply give what they are comfortable with and can afford.
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How much to expect
There is no definitive answer to how much people can expect to receive from a honeymoon fund, as it depends on a range of factors, including the number of guests, their wealth, and their attitudes towards honeymoon funds.
Some sources suggest that honeymoon funds are becoming more common and acceptable, especially for couples who have been cohabitating for years and don't need more "stuff". However, others still view them as tacky or a faux pas. It's important to consider your guests' preferences and comfort levels when deciding whether to have a honeymoon fund.
The amount guests contribute to a honeymoon fund can vary depending on their relationship to the couple, their financial situation, and the cost of the wedding. For example, one source suggests that $50-$100 is appropriate for close friends' weddings, while $30-$50 is more suitable for family members or distant friends. Another source recommends that guests give an amount that covers the cost per plate at the wedding. It's also worth noting that guests may be more likely to contribute to specific experiences or activities, such as a romantic dinner or a vineyard tour, rather than a general fund.
To maximise contributions, couples should provide detailed information about their honeymoon plans, including the destination, duration, and specific activities they hope to do. This helps guests feel more connected to the trip and excited about contributing. It's also a good idea to create a wedding website with a dedicated page for the honeymoon fund, making it easy for guests to access and learn more about the couple's plans.
While there is no guarantee of how much money will be received, some sources suggest that couples can expect an average contribution of around $100-$300 per couple. However, it's important to remember that not all guests will feel comfortable giving money, and some may prefer to give physical gifts or cash in a card. Therefore, it's recommended to have a backup plan and budget for basic travel costs, treating any contributions as a bonus that can be used for upgrades or extra experiences.
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Etiquette
When it comes to honeymoon funds, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that everything is handled tastefully and considerately. Firstly, it's important to recognise that not all guests will be comfortable with the idea of a honeymoon fund, especially older guests who may prefer to give physical gifts. Therefore, it is crucial to make it clear that contributing to the fund is entirely optional. You could include a message such as, "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 fund...". This way, guests will understand that they are not obligated to donate.
Secondly, it is essential to provide sufficient details about your honeymoon plans on your wedding website. This includes information such as the destination, activities you plan to do, and the duration of your trip. By sharing these details, guests can feel more connected to your journey and understand what they are contributing towards. It also helps to create excitement and encourage donations.
Thirdly, when setting up your honeymoon fund, consider using a reputable registry service that ensures the safety and security of your guests' personal and financial information. While some platforms may advertise lower fees, they may have hidden costs or force upgrades. Choose a platform that is transparent about its fees and provides a safe and reliable donation process.
Additionally, be mindful of your guests' budgets and financial situations. It is recommended to set your gift goal amount equal to or higher than the amount you hope to receive per person. This way, guests can contribute according to their means without feeling pressured or guilty. For example, if you are hoping to receive $100 per person, you could set your gift goal at $100 or more to make it seem like a suggested amount rather than a required donation.
Finally, remember to express your gratitude for any contributions received. Whether through a personal message or a general thank-you note on your wedding website, let your guests know that you appreciate their generosity and that it will help create lasting memories on your honeymoon.
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Online vs in-person funds
When it comes to setting up a honeymoon fund, there are two main options: creating an online registry or accepting gifts in person. Both options have their own advantages and considerations, and the best choice for a couple will depend on their specific needs and preferences.
Online honeymoon funds offer several benefits in terms of convenience and personalisation. Couples can create a custom list with personality, registering for specific experiences such as a sunset cruise or a wine-tasting tour. This allows guests to choose an activity that resonates with them and feel more connected to the couple's travel experience. Sites like Honeyfund, Zola, and Traveler's Joy offer free accounts and allow couples to integrate their honeymoon fund into their wedding website, providing a seamless experience for guests. These platforms also offer a comprehensive dashboard for tracking contributions and often provide various payment methods, including international cards and fee-free redemption via PayPal or Venmo.
On the other hand, in-person funds have their own advantages. They can be more personal and allow guests to give cash or cheques without any transaction fees. In-person funds may be preferred by guests who are less familiar or comfortable with online platforms. Additionally, some couples may find it more meaningful to receive gifts directly from their guests during the wedding celebrations. However, it is important to consider the potential challenges of managing and securely storing cash gifts received in person.
Ultimately, the decision between online and in-person funds depends on the couple's preferences and their guests' comfort levels with technology. Online registries offer convenience, personalisation, and easy tracking, while in-person funds can provide a more tangible and immediate experience. Couples may also choose to offer both options to accommodate their guests' diverse preferences and ensure they feel comfortable contributing.
When creating a honeymoon fund, it is essential to provide clear and detailed information about the honeymoon plans. This includes specifics about the destination, activities, and duration of the trip. This transparency helps guests understand what they are contributing to and can increase their excitement and engagement in the process.
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Honeymoon fund alternatives
If you're looking for alternatives to a honeymoon fund, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that honeymoon funds are typically used by couples who don't need traditional wedding gifts, such as household items, as they may already be cohabitating and have most of what they need. In this case, a honeymoon fund allows guests to contribute specifically to the cost of the couple's post-wedding trip, which can include anything from airfare and accommodations to romantic dinners and excursions.
However, if you're looking for alternatives to a honeymoon fund, here are some ideas:
- Traditional Wedding Registry: If you do need items for your home, a traditional wedding registry may be more suitable. You can register for items such as towels, mixing bowls, appliances, or even experiences like NBA tickets. This option may be preferred by guests who prefer to give a more tangible gift.
- Charity Donations: Instead of gifts for yourselves, you can set up a charity fund where guests can donate to a cause that is important to you. This option allows your guests to contribute to something meaningful while also celebrating your marriage.
- House Fund: If you're saving up for a down payment on a home or for future home improvements, you can set up a house fund instead of a honeymoon fund. This option may be especially appealing to guests who understand the financial burden of homeownership.
- Flexible Cash Wedding Registry: Alternatively, you can opt for a flexible cash wedding registry, such as Honeyfund, which allows you to save for any type of cash gift. This could include a mix of honeymoon expenses, house funds, or even donations to charity. With Honeyfund, you can create a single "donation box" or list specific activities and excursions that guests can sponsor.
When it comes to how much people typically give to a honeymoon fund, it varies depending on the guest's budget and relationship to the couple. Some people suggest giving enough to cover the cost per plate at the wedding, while others give $50-$100 for close friends' weddings and $30-$50 for family members or distant friends. Ultimately, guests should give what they are comfortable with and can afford.
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Frequently asked questions
It is impossible to know how much people will contribute to your honeymoon fund. The amount you receive depends on your guests' preferences, comfort, and financial situation.
The amount you give is completely up to you and what you can afford. It is recommended to give what you would be comfortable spending on a wedding gift.
Honeyfund, Zola, and Traveler's Joy are all popular honeymoon fund websites. Honeyfund and Traveler's Joy are free to use, while Zola charges a 2.5% transaction fee.
It is recommended to include details about your honeymoon fund on your wedding website. You can also include a separate insert card with your wedding invitation that directs guests to your website. It is important to make it clear that contributions are optional.
It is a good idea to do some research about your honeymoon plans before setting up the fund. This will help you determine your budget and the specific experiences you would like to register for. Keep in mind that some guests may prefer to give cash or physical gifts, so it is a good idea to have a registry as well.
