Rhiannon Hendricks
Honeymoon funds are a modern take on the traditional wedding registry, where guests can contribute to the cost of the couple's honeymoon instead of buying physical gifts. Some people consider honeymoon funds to be tacky, as they involve asking guests for money. However, others argue that it is becoming more commonly accepted, just as gift registries became the norm in the past. There are several websites that allow couples to set up honeymoon funds, including Honeyfund, Hitchd, Zola, Traveler's Joy, and The Knot. Some of these platforms charge a fee for credit card transactions, while others are completely free. Couples can include a link to their honeymoon fund on their wedding website or invitation suite, although some sources suggest that it is best to direct guests to the wedding website and include the fund as one of several registry options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Some platforms are free, while others charge a one-time fee or a percentage of each transaction. |
| Customization | Couples can personalize their fund with descriptions, pictures, and different price points. |
| Payment methods | Guests can contribute via credit card, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, or cash. |
| Registry options | Couples can choose to have a honeymoon fund only or combine it with a traditional registry for physical gifts. |
| Communication | It is recommended to direct guests to the wedding website for registry details and include a printed insert card with the invitation. |
| Timing | Couples should go on their honeymoon soon after the wedding if guests are contributing to the fund. |
| Usage | Funds should be used for the honeymoon, but any remaining money can be spent on other things. |
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What You'll Learn
Online vs in-person
There are a variety of options available for couples looking to create a honeymoon fund, both online and in-person.
Online
Online honeymoon funds are a more modern approach, allowing couples to create a personalised page with details about their love story, wedding day, and registry. Websites such as Honeyfund, Hitchd, and The Knot offer free services with no set-up charges or fees for guests. These platforms provide couples with the ability to customise their fund, adding specific experiences such as spa treatments, romantic dinners, or excursions that guests can choose to contribute to. Online funds also offer convenience, allowing guests to easily find and contribute to the registry from anywhere in the world. Additionally, they provide a range of payment methods, including international cards and fee-free redemption options like PayPal or Venmo.
In-Person
In-person honeymoon funds are a more traditional approach, often taking the form of a small "classic" registry of tangible items that guests can choose to purchase for the couple. This option caters to those who prefer giving physical gifts and may not be comfortable with online transactions. In-person funds can also be collected at the wedding reception, where guests can contribute cash or cheques directly to the couple. This avoids any transaction fees associated with online funds.
Comparison
Both options have their advantages, and some couples may choose to offer a combination of both to accommodate varying preferences. Online funds provide convenience, personalisation, and a wider reach for guests, while in-person funds cater to those who prefer traditional gift-giving and may not have internet access. Ultimately, the decision depends on the couple's preferences and their guest list's characteristics.
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Honeymoon fund websites
There are several honeymoon fund websites that you can use to ask for contributions to your honeymoon fund instead of wedding gifts. Here are some of the top-rated ones:
Honeyfund
Honeyfund is a free honeymoon and registry website. It can be used for any type of cash gift. You can include a long list of trips and activities or just one donation box for guests to contribute to. 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
Hitchd has tons of perks and benefits that you won’t find with other honeymoon fund websites. It has cool features to make your website stand out, and many payment perks so all guests will have payment options that fit their lifestyles.
Blueprint
Setting up an account on Blueprint’s website is completely free. In addition to asking for contributions to your honeymoon fund, you can also import existing registries from your favorite retailers. However, your guests will need to cover a 2.5% processing fee.
Honeymoon Wishes
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's also an industry-standard 2.5% credit card processing fee for guests. Couples and guests rave about the customer service specialists available through Honeymoon Wishes.
The Knot Honeymoon Fund
The Knot's honeymoon fund registry is ranked as the best by The Knot. Cash funds from The Knot look like traditional registry items from The Knot Registry and are even listed beside them with a picture and price. When users click on a block, they'll be directed to a custom honeymoon fund wording product description written by you. You can create one block for your entire experience or spread the love across with specific honeymoon fund ideas like airline tickets, hotel rooms, a relaxing couple's massage, spa days, wine tastings, and more.
SPUR Experiences
SPUR Experiences is linked with The Knot, which means once you've created your wedding website (and added your wedding QR code to your invitations) you can easily put your SPUR Experiences registry on your site. Couples get a 20% discount for any remaining items on their registry and can get free bonus gifts depending on what their loved ones purchase. For gifts over $100, SPUR Experiences allows customers to do a "partial purchase" where the gift's cost is split into 10 partial payments with each priced at 10% of the total cost.
Joy
Joy is a zero-fee cash registry and doesn't charge you or your guests any credit card fee, processing fees, transaction fee, or service fee. You can create a general cash fund or customize cash funds for specific requests such as honeymoon flight upgrades. You can also set the ‘goal amount’ you hope to get for each cash gift.
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Traditional gifts vs cash
Honeymoon funds are becoming increasingly popular, with many couples opting for cash gifts to fund their honeymoon experiences. This modern approach to gift-giving differs from the traditional wedding registry, where guests would give physical gifts to the newlyweds. The shift towards honeymoon funds reflects the changing preferences and needs of contemporary couples.
Advantages of Honeymoon Funds
Honeymoon funds offer several benefits over traditional gifts. Firstly, they provide flexibility and convenience. With a honeymoon fund, guests can contribute from anywhere in the world, and the couple can instantly access and utilise the funds for their travel expenses. This real-time access to funds can enhance the honeymoon experience, allowing couples to indulge in decadent meals, restful vacations, and quality time together without financial worries.
Another advantage is practicality. In today's busy world, couples may prefer the simplicity of cash gifts over the hassle of managing and arranging physical gifts. Honeymoon funds also address the common issue of receiving duplicate or unnecessary items, ensuring that the couple receives gifts that align with their specific needs and desires.
Honeymoon funds can also be more financially sensible for both the couple and their guests. They allow guests to contribute any amount they wish, rather than being limited to specific price points on a gift registry. For couples, receiving cash gifts can help them save money and better manage their finances, especially if they are on a tight budget.
Additionally, honeymoon funds offer a memorable experience. Guests can contribute to creating special memories for the couple, knowing that their gifts are directly funding unique experiences and adventures. This aspect adds a personal touch to the gift-giving process and strengthens the bond between the couple and their loved ones.
Considerations for Honeymoon Funds
While honeymoon funds offer numerous advantages, it is essential to consider potential challenges. Some guests may prefer traditional gifts, especially older guests accustomed to gift-giving customs. To address this, couples can provide a thoughtful explanation on their wedding website, gently expressing their preference for cash contributions over physical gifts.
It is also important to remember that guests' financial situations may vary. During challenging economic times, guests might not be able to contribute as much as they would like. Couples should ensure that their guests understand that contributions are entirely optional and that their presence at the wedding is the most valuable gift.
Combining Traditional Gifts and Honeymoon Funds
Couples can also choose a hybrid approach, incorporating both traditional gifts and a honeymoon fund. This option allows guests to select the type of gift they prefer. By providing a range of gift options, couples can cater to different tastes and budgets. Additionally, couples can suggest specific experiences or activities within their honeymoon fund, giving guests a sense of contributing to something tangible and memorable.
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How to ask for a honeymoon fund
Asking for a honeymoon fund can be a sensitive topic, as some guests may not feel comfortable contributing to it, and some may find it rude or tacky. However, it is becoming a more common occurrence, and there are ways to approach the topic with your guests that can help them understand your wishes. Here are some suggestions on how to ask for a honeymoon fund:
Understand your guests' preferences:
Before asking for a honeymoon fund, consider your guests' perspectives. Some older guests may prefer giving tangible goods or physical gifts, as they are used to giving traditional wedding gifts. They may feel that contributing to a honeymoon fund is too specific or that they are just giving you money for a vacation. To address this, you can provide a small "traditional" registry of a few items you actually need or want, such as household items or luggage, alongside your honeymoon fund. This way, guests have the option to choose how they want to contribute.
Create a thoughtful registry:
When creating your honeymoon fund registry, make it personal and thoughtful. Include different price points, descriptions, and pictures of the experiences or items you are hoping to enjoy on your honeymoon. This way, guests can contribute to specific activities or aspects of your trip, such as plane tickets, hotel stays, or romantic dinners. It also helps guests visualize their contribution and makes it more likely that they will purchase these activities for you.
Use a user-friendly platform:
Choose a honeymoon fund platform that is easy to navigate for all your guests, especially those who may not be technologically savvy. Consider using a platform that offers a personalized wedding website, such as Honeyfund, Hitchd, or Joy, where guests can conveniently find your registry and contribute. These platforms often have customizable templates, allowing you to add your own touch and make it more special for your guests.
Communicate your wishes clearly:
When sharing your honeymoon fund with your guests, be transparent and clear about your wishes. Create a printed insert card that you can include with your wedding invitations, explaining why you have chosen a honeymoon fund over a traditional gift registry. You can also direct them to your wedding website for more details and provide them with different options to contribute, such as through PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp.
Be timely:
If you are asking for a honeymoon fund, it is important to go on your honeymoon trip soon after the wedding. Etiquette expert Elaine Swann advises against waiting too long, as it may not be appropriate to delay the trip when guests have contributed to making it happen. So, be sure to plan your honeymoon accordingly and let your guests know that you will be using their generous contributions to create timely memories.
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Honeymoon fund fees
When creating a honeymoon fund, it's important to consider the fees involved. While some platforms advertise themselves as ""free""", there may be transaction fees or other charges associated with using their services. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Per-transaction fees: Some sites charge a fee for each gift received, typically between 2-6% of the total gift amount. This fee is usually paid by the couple when they withdraw the funds.
- Credit card processing fees: If guests use credit cards to make contributions, there may be a processing fee, usually around 2.5-3% of the gift amount. Some platforms allow couples to absorb this fee, pass it on to guests, or give guests the option to cover it.
- One-time fees: Certain platforms, like Hitchd, charge a one-time fee for using their service, which is usually paid by the couple. This can range from $119 to $199, depending on the number of contributions.
- Site customisation fees: While some sites offer basic customisation options, others may charge extra for specific design templates, layouts, or a no-ads site experience.
- Direct fund transfer fees: In some cases, there may be fees for transferring funds directly to your bank account or to partnering hotels and tour companies. These fees can vary depending on the platform.
Fee-Free Options
To avoid fees, consider using platforms like Honeyfund, which has no setup charges, guest fees, or redemption fees for PayPal or Venmo transfers. Similarly, The Knot's cash fund feature has no fees for cash, check, or direct transfer gifts, although there is a standard credit card processing fee of 2.5%. SPUR Experiences, linked with The Knot, also has no sign-up fees and does not charge couples or guests fees for purchasing gifts. For those looking for a simple option, Traveler's Joy offers free honeymoon registry options, free gift redemptions in the US, and free transfers to partnering hotels and tour companies.
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Frequently asked questions
Some honeymoon fund websites include Honeyfund, Hitchd, Traveler's Joy, Zola, and The Knot.
It is recommended to have both a honeymoon fund and a physical gifts registry. This allows guests who are not comfortable with giving money to contribute in a way they prefer. It is also important to note that some older guests may not be comfortable with navigating a website or providing their credit card or banking information. In addition, some guests may simply prefer to give a tangible gift. Therefore, it is a good idea to include a few items on your registry to complement your honeymoon fund.
It is recommended to not put your honeymoon fund request on your wedding invitations. Instead, you can create a printed insert card that can be included as part of the invitation suite. You can direct guests to your wedding website for more details on your registry.
