A wedding wishing well is a great way to collect cash, gift cards, or other small gifts from your wedding guests. It is a more subtle way of asking for money instead of physical gifts, which can be helpful if you're saving up for a large expense like a honeymoon or a house deposit. To make a small wedding wishing well, you can use a simple box or basket, or get creative with a decorative mailbox or large vase. You can customise it with decor and signage to match your wedding theme. It's best to place it in a quiet corner at the reception to give guests privacy. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about creating a small wedding wishing well, from crafting a polite message to share with your guests to thanking them for their contributions.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | To collect cash, gift cards, or other small gifts |
Placement | In a quiet corner at the reception |
Communication | Include a separate card with the invitations explaining the purpose of the wishing well |
Wording | Polite, friendly, and not pushy |
Examples | "Your presence at our wedding is a gift in itself. However, if you would like to contribute to our future together as a couple, a wishing well will be available at our reception." |
Customisation | Can be customised with creative decor and signage |
What You'll Learn
Wishing well wording
If you're opting for a wedding wishing well, you'll want to let your guests know in advance. The best way to do this is to include a note on or within your invitations. It's also a good idea to explain what a wishing well is and where it will be, rather than printing it on the main card. You can also include this information on your wedding website.
"We kindly request that guests contribute to our wishing well in lieu of gifts. We are saving for [specific purpose] and truly appreciate your generosity."
"We are so grateful for your presence at our wedding. If you wish to honour us with a gift, we kindly request a contribution to our wishing well, which will go towards [specific purpose]."
"We are delighted to be building a home together and kindly request that guests contribute to our wishing well to help us create a cosy space to call our own."
"We are fortunate to already have many of the material items we need, so in lieu of gifts, we invite you to contribute to our wishing well. We are saving for [specific purpose] and are incredibly grateful for your support."
"We are all set with household items and would be honoured if you contributed to our wishing well instead of giving a physical gift. We are saving for our dream honeymoon and would be so grateful for your generosity."
"We are truly fortunate to have found each other and to be building a life together. We kindly request that you contribute to our wishing well in lieu of gifts. We are saving for a down payment on a home and are incredibly appreciative of your support."
"Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. However, if you wish to honour us with a contribution, we kindly request that you donate to our wishing well. We are saving for [specific purpose] and are incredibly grateful for your generosity."
"We are all set with physical gifts and kindly request that you contribute to our wishing well instead. We are saving for [specific purpose] and are incredibly appreciative of your support."
"We are delighted to be starting our married life together and are so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends. If you wish to give a gift, we kindly request a contribution to our wishing well, which will go towards [specific purpose]."
"We are fortunate to have found each other and to be building a future together. We kindly request no boxed gifts. Instead, we invite you to contribute to our wishing well, which will help us create a cosy home and a bright future."
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How to communicate its purpose
Communicating the purpose of a small wedding wishing well is important to ensure your guests understand your wishes and feel comfortable with your choice. Here are some detailed and direct instructions on how to do so:
Include a Note with Your Invitations:
Explain your gift preferences as a couple in a separate card or note included with your wedding invitations. This is an opportunity to provide a more personalised and intimate explanation of your decision. For example, you could mention that you already have a home together or that you are saving for a specific purpose, such as a honeymoon or a house deposit. Here is a simple wording example:
> "Your presence at our wedding is a gift in itself. However, if you wish to honour us with a gift, we kindly request a contribution to our future adventures. We are saving for our dream honeymoon, and your generosity would be greatly appreciated."
Create a Wedding Website:
In addition to the invitations, consider creating a wedding website where you can dedicate a page to sharing your love story and future plans. Express your preference for monetary gifts and explain how they will help you embark on your new journey together. This platform allows you to provide more details and emphasise your gratitude for any gifts received, regardless of their form.
Word of Mouth:
Leverage your close family and friends to spread the word about your preference for cash gifts. Kindly ask them to inform other guests who may inquire about gift ideas. This subtle approach ensures that your wishes are communicated without any direct solicitation.
Wishing Well Signage:
At the wedding venue, allocate a space for your wishing well and make it easily identifiable with clear and nicely designed signage. This sign doesn't need to be complex, as your guests will have already received more detailed information with their invitations. The signage simply reinforces the message and guides guests to the designated area.
Follow-up Communication:
After the wedding, take the time to thank your guests and let them know how their contributions were used. This can be done through personalised thank-you notes, social media posts, or even a small housewarming gathering. Share photos or details of your honeymoon experiences or the purchase you made with their generous gifts. This step helps your guests feel valued and appreciated.
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Where to place it at the reception
Place your wedding wishing well in a quiet corner of the reception venue. This will allow guests who have brought loose cash to feel more comfortable placing it in the well without others watching. You may also want to leave blank envelopes near the well for this purpose.
The wishing well should be placed on a welcome table or a space allocated for it at the venue. It should be identifiable, with a clear and nicely designed sign. The sign doesn't need to be complex or explain anything in detail, as guests will have received more in-depth information along with their invitations.
The wishing well can be customised with creative decor and paired with wishing well signage to help guests understand where they can leave their cards and gifts. It can be a simple basket, a decorative box, or something more creative and personalised, like a mailbox or a money tree. You could even make it interactive, such as a structured decorative wall where guests can write their notes.
Remember, the wishing well doesn't need to be a central focus of your design. It can be a small box or another small vessel, perhaps something meaningful from your home. Small boxes, baskets, decorative mailboxes, or large vases are all great options.
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How to show guests where their money went
A wedding wishing well is a great way to ask for money instead of physical gifts, without it feeling like you are simply asking for money. It can be a beautiful space to receive envelopes with cards and well wishes, alongside monetary gifts.
Now, how do you show your guests where their money went? Here are some ideas:
- Personalised Thank You Notes: After your wedding, take the time to craft handwritten thank-you notes to express your sincere thanks. Personalise each message by mentioning the contribution and explaining how it helped you. For example, "Thank you so much for your generous gift. We were able to put it towards our dream honeymoon to Bali, and it helped create memories that will last a lifetime." This way, guests will know their money was appreciated and used for the intended purpose.
- Share Your Experiences: If you used the monetary gifts for experiences such as a honeymoon or adventures, be sure to share your experiences with your guests. You can do this through a heartfelt message on social media or by sending personalised emails or messages. Include details about how their contributions made these experiences possible. For example, "We wanted to share our gratitude for your generous gift. Thanks to you, we were able to go on a wine-tasting tour in France, which was an unforgettable experience."
- Photo Updates: If you used the money for a honeymoon or a special trip, be sure to share photos with your guests. You can send these via email or social media, or even print them out and send physical copies. Include captions or messages that explain how their contributions made these memories possible. For example, "We wanted to share a glimpse into our honeymoon in Italy, made possible by your thoughtful gift. Thank you for helping us create these lasting memories."
- Host an Event: If you used the money for something more tangible, such as a down payment on a house or furniture, consider hosting an event to showcase how you used the funds. For example, you could host a housewarming party and show your guests the home they helped you purchase. This way, they can see the direct impact of their contributions.
- Keep Them Updated: Throughout your first year of marriage, find opportunities to update your guests on how you are doing and how their gifts continue to make a difference. For example, if you used the money for a down payment on a car, you could share how the car has made your life easier or helped you explore new places.
Remember, it is important to be transparent and show your guests that their contributions were valued and used for the purposes you outlined. This will make them feel appreciated and strengthen your relationships as you start your married life together.
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How to thank guests for contributing
A wedding wishing well is a great way to collect monetary gifts from your guests without making it seem like you are asking for money. It is a fun and elegant way to receive gifts and well wishes from your guests. But how do you thank your guests for their contributions? Here are some ideas to show your love and appreciation:
- Personalised thank-you notes: Take the time to craft handwritten thank-you notes to express your sincere thanks. Personalise each message by mentioning the contribution and how it will contribute to your future plans. This personal touch will go a long way in showing your gratitude.
- Share your love story: Consider sharing a heartfelt message on social media, highlighting your gratitude for the love and support shown by your family and friends. Use this opportunity to showcase the positive impact their contributions will have on your journey as a married couple.
- Thoughtful gestures: For guests who went above and beyond with their generosity, consider personalised tokens of appreciation such as small keepsakes, photo albums, or personalised videos. These heartfelt gestures will help them feel cherished and valued for their contributions.
- Show guests what their contributions bought: It is important to keep your wedding guests updated on your wishing well fund. Show them what you were able to buy or do with their donations. This can be done through your wedding website or social media.
- Thank your guests for their attendance: Appreciate them for showing up for you and your spouse. You can also give them a customised thank-you card that shows your appreciation and humble heart.
- Share a photo: If you spent the wishing well funds on your honeymoon, consider including a photo when you thank your guests. This will help them visualise how they contributed to your special trip.
Remember, it is important to acknowledge your loved ones' contributions and to let them know the impact of their generosity. These suggestions will help you express your gratitude and make your guests feel valued.
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