Honeymoon Fund: Wedding Invitation Etiquette For Monetary Gifts

Honeymoon funds are a modern alternative to traditional wedding registries. Couples can create a honeymoon fund to help pay for their honeymoon using a honeymoon registry website. This allows guests to contribute to the couple's honeymoon as their wedding gift. While it is acceptable to ask for money for your honeymoon, it is not okay to ask for it on your wedding invitation. The appropriate places to mention your honeymoon fund are your wedding website, shower invitations, and via word of mouth. Here are some tips on how to include honeymoon fund wording on your wedding invitations and website.

Where to include honeymoon fund details

When it comes to your wedding invitations, it's important to keep the wording regarding gifts to a minimum. You want to leave room for essential details like the time, place, and venue of your wedding. However, it's still possible to include a short and sweet mention of your honeymoon fund. Here are some ideas on where to include these details:

Insert Cards

One elegant solution is to include a separate insert card with your wedding invitation suite. This card can be dedicated to providing information about your wedding website and your registry wishes. It's a subtle yet effective way to guide your guests towards your honeymoon fund without overwhelming them with information on the invitation itself.

Wedding Website

Your wedding website is the perfect place to go into more detail about your honeymoon fund. Here, you have ample space to explain your wishes in regard to a honeymoon fund. You can share your travel plans, itinerary, and even break down specific items or experiences that guests can contribute towards. This additional context will help your guests understand your wishes and feel more connected to your honeymoon plans.

Wedding Showers

If you're hosting wedding showers, such as bridal showers or couples' showers, you can include information about your honeymoon fund on the invitations. This is a great opportunity to let guests know about any activities or experiences they can contribute toward, making their gifting more personal and exciting.

Word of Mouth

Don't underestimate the power of good old-fashioned word of mouth! Let your wedding party, close family members, and friends know about your preference for honeymoon contributions. They can help spread the word and educate other guests who may be less familiar with the concept of a honeymoon fund. This approach ensures that your wishes are communicated personally and effectively.

Wedding Website Registry Tab

Most wedding website templates include a "Registry" tab, where you can list all the places you are registered. Be sure to include your honeymoon fund registry information and link on this tab, making it easy for guests to access and contribute.

Wedding Invitation Suite

While it's generally advised to avoid putting registry information directly on your wedding invitation, you can include a brief mention of your honeymoon fund wishes. For example, you can add a simple line like "For more information about our wedding and honeymoon fund registry, please visit [wedding website link]." This approach directs guests to your website, where they can find more detailed information.

Honeymoon fund wording ideas

Honeymoon funds are a great way to ask for money towards your honeymoon instead of physical gifts. They are becoming more and more popular, but it can be tricky to know how to ask for money without causing offence. Here are some ideas for how to word your request.

Keep it short and sweet

A short request will get your point across without taking up too much space on your invitations. For example:

> "Our wedding wouldn't be the same without your presence. However, when it comes to presents, please be aware that we would appreciate a donation towards our honeymoon fund in place of wedding gifts. To contribute, simply visit [insert link to your online honeymoon fund]. With sincere appreciation, [Your Names]"

Be more descriptive

If you want to include more detail, you can explain why you are asking for money and what it will be used for. For example:

> "We are excited to start our lives together, and we are thankful for our loved ones. As we enter our marriage, we realize that we have enough belongings. Therefore, we have decided to plan the honeymoon of our dreams. Our wedding registry includes a honeymoon fund along with personalized experiences — such as excursions, meals, and spa days — that can be given as wedding gifts. We are excited to share our special day with you, and we also look forward to providing glimpses into our honeymoon when we return. Thank you!

> To contribute, simply visit [insert link to your online honeymoon fund].

> With sincere appreciation, [Your Names]"

Use poetry

A poem is a fun and creative way to ask for money. It can be light-hearted and is likely to make a good impression on your guests. For example:

> "Roses are red; violets are blue,

> We can’t wait to share our big day with you!

> Afterward, we’ll be on the way,

> To our adventurous honeymoon getaway.

> There are ways to help us take flight,

> Have a spa day or a date night.

> Be a part of our first married trip,

> We’re so excited; we could flip!

> To contribute, simply visit [insert link to online honeymoon fund].

> With sincere appreciation, [Your Names]"

Be informal

If you want your personalities to shine through, an informal message is a great option. For example:

> "We are thrilled about our wedding, and we hope you can attend! Because we are combining households, we have more than enough stuff. So, instead of a traditional wedding registry, we have decided to establish a honeymoon fund. Contributing to our fund will help pay for our honeymoon — you can also give us specific gifts, such as date nights, spa treatments, and adventurous excursions. We can’t wait to head off on our honeymoon, and we’ll be sharing lots of photos of our time.

> To contribute, simply visit [insert link to your online honeymoon fund].

> With sincere appreciation, [Your Names]"

Honeymoon fund etiquette

Honeymoon funds are a modern alternative to traditional wedding registries, but the same etiquette rules apply. Honeymoon funds are a great option for couples who don't need physical items and would prefer money to fund their honeymoon instead. It's important to note that while it's okay to ask for financial contributions instead of gifts, it's not okay to ask for them directly on your wedding invitation. Here are some tips on how to navigate this process gracefully:

• Share your travel plans: On your honeymoon fund website, be descriptive and honest about your itinerary. Outline your planned activities and experiences so that guests understand what they are contributing towards. This puts people at ease, knowing they are giving towards something specific.
• Break it down: Instead of a general fund, break down your honeymoon fund into specific items and experiences. This makes the gifting experience more personal for your guests. They may enjoy contributing to a romantic dinner or a fun excursion rather than a piece of cutlery.
• Provide a traditional registry as well: While you may prefer a honeymoon fund, some guests might not be comfortable with contributing online or may prefer giving a tangible gift. It's a good idea to register for a few traditional gifts as well, especially if they complement your travel plans, such as luggage or travel accessories.
• Include an insert card with your invitation: Instead of printing registry information directly on your invitation, include a separate insert card with your wedding website and specific registry wishes. This way, guests can choose to contribute to your honeymoon fund or select a traditional gift.
• Be flexible: While you should use the money contributed to your honeymoon fund for your trip, you don't have to stick to the specific experiences listed. Feel free to be flexible and make changes as needed. However, any money received should still go towards enhancing your honeymoon experience.
• Don't delay the trip: If guests are contributing to your honeymoon, it's important to go on the trip soon after the wedding. Waiting too long would be considered inappropriate.
• Include a memory in your thank-you card: When sending thank-you cards, include a photo or memory from the experience that your guests contributed towards. This adds a personal touch and shows your gratitude for their gift.
• Spread the word through your wedding party: Let your wedding party, close family members, and friends know about your preference for honeymoon contributions. They can help spread the word and educate other guests who may be unfamiliar with the concept.
• Provide clear and concise instructions: Choose a user-friendly platform for your honeymoon fund and provide clear instructions for guests. This ensures that everyone can navigate and contribute without confusion.
• Be personal and authentic: When writing your honeymoon fund request, use language that sounds like you. Whether you're formal or informal, make your request specific and authentic to your voice.

Honeymoon fund website options

There are several honeymoon fund websites to choose from, each with its own unique features and pricing plans. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Honeyfund: This website was featured on Shark Tank and was created specifically to make it easier for couples to ask for money as wedding gifts. Honeyfund does not charge any fees to gift-givers, and you only pay a fee when cash gifts are deposited into your bank account (3.5%) or PayPal account (2.6%). Gift cards are free. Honeyfund allows couples to create an itinerary and let wedding guests choose what they want to contribute towards, such as flights, activities, or accommodation.
• TheKnot: The Knot is an all-in-one platform that allows couples to create a wedding website and cash registry. It offers a comprehensive dashboard for tracking gifts and funds. While creating an account is free, The Knot charges a 2.5% transaction fee for transferring funds to your bank account.
• Zola: Zola is a popular wedding website builder that integrates a traditional or cash registry. Couples can add their own pictures, captions, and amounts to their honeymoon fund experiences or choose from pre-written ideas. Zola also charges a 2.5% transaction fee for transferring funds.
• Hitchd: Hitchd is a design-forward honeymoon fund website that offers impressive features for couples and their guests. It allows couples to create a personalised registry with custom details and images. Hitchd provides a suite of over 1 million high-definition images to choose from. Couples can create gifts and experiences, such as flights, accommodation, and activities, and guests can contribute towards these specific items. Hitchd has a one-time fee of between $119 and $199, depending on the wedding size.
• Joy: Joy is a free wedding website and app that offer a honeymoon fund registry with zero fees. It provides various wording options and templates to help couples communicate their wishes politely.

When choosing a honeymoon fund website, it is important to consider factors such as user-friendliness, fees, payment methods, and the level of customisation offered. Be sure to read reviews and clarify any associated fees before making a decision.

How to accept honeymoon fund contributions

Honeymoon funds are a great way to ask for money towards your honeymoon as wedding gifts from your loved ones. Here are some tips on how to accept honeymoon fund contributions:

Choose a Honeymoon Fund Platform:

Select a user-friendly platform that suits your needs and has all the necessary features. Some popular options include Honeyfund, Hitchd, Zola, and The Knot. Compare the different platforms and choose one that best fits your requirements and budget.

Set Up Your Honeymoon Registry:

Create an account and personalize your registry with details about your wedding and honeymoon plans. Include information such as your destination, activities you plan to do, and any specific items you want to fund (e.g., flights, accommodation, excursions). This helps guests understand what they are contributing towards and makes their gifting experience more personal.

Share Your Honeymoon Fund Details:

Share the link to your honeymoon fund on your wedding website, making it clear that this is your registry. If you don't have a wedding website, include the URL in your wedding invitation suite. You can also spread the word through your wedding party, close family members, and friends, who can help educate other guests about the concept.

Provide Clear Instructions:

Ensure your honeymoon fund platform provides clear and concise instructions for guests to navigate and contribute. Consider including a separate insert card with your wedding invitations that directs guests to your wedding website for more information about the honeymoon fund.

Be Flexible with Contributions:

While you should use the money contributed to your honeymoon fund for your trip, you have the flexibility to adjust how you spend it. For example, you might decide to upgrade your accommodation or choose a different activity than what was initially listed.

Send Thank-You Cards:

After your honeymoon, send thoughtful thank-you cards to your guests. Include a picture or a personal note about how their contribution enhanced your trip. This shows your gratitude and lets them know their gift was meaningful.

Remember to be polite and gracious when accepting honeymoon fund contributions, and always follow good etiquette. By following these steps, you can effectively accept and utilize the generous contributions from your loved ones to create memorable honeymoon experiences.

Frequently asked questions