Creating A Wedding Venmo: Tips And Tricks For Newlyweds

In today's world, wedding registries are no longer the only option for couples. Many couples already live together and have accrued household goods, so they may prefer to ask for money instead of gifts. Venmo is a popular choice for this, with its convenience and ease of use making it a simple way for guests to contribute to the couple's dream honeymoon. However, there are pros and cons to using Venmo for wedding gifts, and it's important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as privacy and access concerns, before deciding to use this platform.

How to set up a Venmo wedding registry

Venmo is a popular money-transferring app that is increasingly being used as an alternative to a traditional wedding registry. Couples are adding their Venmo usernames to their invitations and asking guests to send them money to fund their honeymoon or other experiences, instead of buying physical gifts.

Step 1: Create a Hitchd account and registry

Hitchd is a platform that allows couples to receive guest contributions towards their honeymoon or wedding. It is a convenient way to ask your wedding guests for money and combines the convenience of Venmo with a tastefully designed gifting experience.

Step 2: Add Venmo as your payment provider

Provide your Venmo username to start receiving contributions directly to your account. This is a simple process that only requires you to connect your Venmo account and enter your username.

Step 3: Receive secure payments

Once a guest contributes to your Venmo-powered wedding registry, the funds will be available in your Venmo account. From there, you can transfer the money to your bank account or use it directly via Venmo to book your honeymoon.

Step 4: Communicate your Venmo details to guests

While it is considered acceptable to include your Venmo details on your wedding website or registry, some guests may find this approach too transactional. An alternative approach is to spread the word through a dedicated point of contact, such as a chatty relative, who can discreetly share your Venmo details with guests who are interested in giving cash gifts.

Step 5: Consider privacy and access concerns

Venmo may not be the preferred method of payment for all guests, especially older relatives who may not have a Venmo account or feel comfortable connecting their bank account to the app. It is important to respect the privacy and preferences of your guests and offer alternative ways to contribute, such as through cash or cheque.

By following these steps, you can effectively set up a Venmo wedding registry that provides a convenient and flexible way for your guests to contribute to your special day.

Pros and cons of a Venmo wedding registry

Pros of a Venmo Wedding Registry

• Easy for guests to contribute to your honeymoon fund.
• Many people already have a Venmo account or have heard of the platform, making it accessible.
• Fewer physical gifts to keep track of and less chance of ending up with duplicate or unwanted gifts.
• Easy access to funds, which can be easily transferred to a bank account and used for booking travel.
• More eco-friendly than traditional registries, as there is less waste from packaging.
• Venmo keeps track of who sent what and how much, making it easier to write thank-you cards.

Cons of a Venmo Wedding Registry

• Venmo is not a personal platform and does not allow for custom messages or landing pages. This can make it feel impersonal and may offend some guests.
• Some guests may feel pressured or expected to give money, which can make them feel unappreciated.
• Privacy and access concerns, especially for older relatives who may not have a Venmo account or be comfortable connecting their bank account.
• Security risks, as hackers can track a person's spending and target them if they receive multiple wedding-themed transactions.
• It may seem desperate or rude to only include a Venmo account on the invitation without a traditional registry.

How to ask for money via Venmo without offending guests

It is generally considered acceptable for couples to ask for money as a wedding gift. However, to avoid offending your guests, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to making this request. Firstly, it is important to maintain a level of sensitivity and ensure that your guests do not feel pressured or forced to give money. Guests should feel welcome and appreciated, regardless of the type of gift they choose to bring. It is also crucial to provide a traditional registry as an alternative option for guests who prefer giving physical gifts.

When asking for money via Venmo, consider including a thoughtful explanation for your request. For example, you could mention that you already have the home basics and would appreciate financial contributions towards your honeymoon or other specific goals, such as a family dog or a new car. This approach adds a personal touch and helps guests understand your preferences.

Another way to politely ask for money via Venmo is by utilising a honeymoon fund platform that integrates with Venmo. These platforms allow couples to create personalised websites, share their stories, and provide details about their dream honeymoons. Guests can contribute monetarily while feeling more involved in the planning process. Additionally, these platforms often offer various price points, allowing guests to choose gifts that align with their budgets.

It is also essential to consider your guests' comfort levels with technology and privacy concerns. While Venmo is widely used, some older relatives might not have an account or feel comfortable connecting their bank accounts. Offering alternative methods for monetary gifts, such as cheques or cash, can ensure that all your guests feel included and able to contribute in a way that makes them comfortable.

Lastly, timing is crucial. It is recommended to send your Venmo gift during the wedding reception or right after the wedding. This way, you avoid the possibility of the couple receiving most of their gifts before the event, which can take away from the excitement of opening presents together after the wedding.

How to phrase a request for Venmo donations nicely

Asking for money as a wedding gift can be tricky, but there are ways to do it politely and thoughtfully. Here are some tips on how to phrase your request for Venmo donations nicely:

• Emphasize Your Relationship: It is important to consider how well you know your guests. If you are not close, they might be surprised or even offended by a request for money. In this case, it is better to stick to a traditional registry or allow them to decide what to give. However, if you have a close relationship, they are more likely to understand your preference for a monetary gift.
• Express Your Intentions: Explain to your guests why you are requesting Venmo donations instead of physical gifts. For example, you could mention that you already have the home basics and would appreciate contributions towards your dream honeymoon or a specific goal, like a family dog or a new car. This shows that you have a meaningful purpose for the money.
• Provide Alternative Options: While you may prefer Venmo donations, it is important to give your guests choices. Some people may prefer to give a physical gift or a gift card. You can create a small traditional registry with a few upgrade items or experiences that you truly want. This way, guests who enjoy giving tangible presents have the option to do so, and those who prefer to give money can still contribute through Venmo.
• Be Mindful of Different Preferences: Recognize that not all your guests are comfortable with digital payment platforms. Some older relatives might not have a Venmo account or feel secure linking their bank account. Respect their preferences and provide alternative ways to give, such as cash or cheques, so they can choose the option they feel most comfortable with.
• Use Warm and Gracious Wording: When phrasing your request, choose your words thoughtfully. Instead of simply stating "Send us money via Venmo," try something like, "If you wish to contribute to our future adventures, we graciously accept Venmo donations." This conveys your appreciation and makes guests feel that their contribution is going towards something special.
• Include a Personal Note: Whether on your invitation or wedding website, add a heartfelt message about why their presence at your wedding means more than any gift. You can write something like, "Your love and support are the greatest gifts we could ask for. If you wish to honour us with a gift, we kindly request Venmo donations towards our honeymoon fund." This approach emphasizes that their attendance and well-wishes are the most important, but also provides an option for those who want to give more.

Remember, the key is to be considerate of your guests' diverse preferences and comfort levels. By providing options and expressing your intentions sincerely, you can nicely request Venmo donations while still making your guests feel valued and appreciated.

Alternatives to using a Venmo wedding registry

While there is nothing wrong with preferring cash as a wedding gift, there are more polite and thoughtful ways to ask for money instead of physical gifts. Here are some alternatives to using a Venmo wedding registry:

Small Traditional Wedding Registry

Even if the couple has been living together for a while or plans to merge their households after the wedding, there are always nice upgrades that can be made, such as nicer sheets or better vacuums. A small registry is a subtle hint to guests that the couple has the basics covered or may want to wait to buy new household items.

Honeymoon Fund

A honeymoon fund, like Hitchd, functions like a traditional wedding registry, except the gifts you “register” for are honeymoon experiences and expenses. Some couples register for airfare, hotels, meals, drinks, and fun excursions like ziplining and snorkelling. Honeymoon funds let couples build their own websites, sharing their stories and more about themselves as a couple. It also lets them describe their dream honeymoons, complete with photos and links of the places they plan to visit. With honeymoon funds, guests can feel more involved in the honeymoon planning process, and when they see the cool restaurants and spas the couple picked out, they'll feel more comfortable giving monetary gifts.

Hybrid Honeymoon Fund and Traditional Wedding Registry

For many couples, a hybrid model tends to work best. They create one or two small traditional wedding registries and a honeymoon fund to give guests several options. This method works on several levels. Firstly, it caters to every type of wedding guest. For those who like to bring brightly-wrapped boxes to a wedding, they have plenty of options to choose from. For those who would probably bring a card with a cheque inside, they can leave the cheque and bring the card, including a honeymoon fund gift.

Frequently asked questions