Guide To Creating A Wedding Venmo Account

The latest trend in wedding registries is the rise of the Venmo wedding registry. Couples are adding their Venmo usernames to their invitations and websites, and asking guests to send money instead of buying gifts from a traditional registry. This trend is especially popular with younger couples who may already have the home basics and don't want to receive physical gifts. Using Venmo can also make it easier for guests to give money, and for couples to access and spend their gifts. However, some people may consider it tacky to ask for money or send it via Venmo, especially older relatives who may not be comfortable with the app.

How to set up a Venmo wedding registry

If you're looking to set up a Venmo wedding registry, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, while it's becoming an increasingly popular option for couples, it's important to remember that some guests may find it tacky or impersonal. To avoid causing any offence, it's a good idea to also include a small traditional registry for those who prefer to give physical gifts.

Now, let's get into the steps for setting up your Venmo wedding registry:

Step 1: Consider your guest list

Before adding your Venmo username to your wedding invitations or website, consider your guest list. Are there older relatives who may not be comfortable with digital payment platforms? Are there guests who would prefer to give a physical gift or write a cheque? It's important to ensure you're providing options for all your guests.

Step 2: Choose a platform

While you can simply add your Venmo username to your wedding website or invitation, some couples prefer to use a dedicated platform like Hitchd, which allows you to create a wedding registry that accepts contributions through Venmo. This can add a more personal touch and make guests feel more comfortable with the idea of giving money.

Step 3: Provide your Venmo details

If you're using a platform like Hitchd, you'll need to connect your Venmo account and enter your username. If you're not using a separate platform, you can simply add your Venmo username to your wedding website or include it on your invitations.

Step 4: Communicate with your guests

Let your guests know that you're accepting contributions through Venmo. You can do this by including a note on your wedding website or invitation, or by spreading the word through close friends and family.

Step 5: Expect gifts during or after the wedding

It's considered good etiquette for guests to send their gifts during the wedding reception or shortly after the wedding. So, don't be surprised if you don't receive many contributions before the big day!

Step 6: Write thank-you notes

Don't forget to send thank-you notes to your guests after the wedding. It's a thoughtful way to show your appreciation, and it's standard practice for newlyweds.

Step 7: Transfer funds to your bank account

Once you've received contributions through Venmo, you can easily transfer the funds to your bank account to start saving for your honeymoon or any other expenses.

Remember, while a Venmo wedding registry can be a convenient option for modern couples, it's important to consider your guest list and provide alternatives for those who may not be comfortable with digital payments.

Pros and cons of a Venmo wedding registry

Pros of a Venmo Wedding Registry

Venmo is a convenient way to send and receive money, and many people are already using the platform. This means that most wedding guests will already have accounts or find it easy to set one up. Even if they don't have an account, they've likely heard of Venmo.

Venmo is a payment platform, so it takes physical gifts out of the equation. Couples won't have to worry about keeping track of who sent which gift and will be less likely to end up with duplicate or unwanted items.

It's extremely easy to send and receive cash on Venmo, and the funds can be easily transferred to a bank account and used for booking travel or accommodation. Venmo also keeps a record of who sent what and how much, making it easier to write thank-you cards.

A Venmo wedding registry is more environmentally friendly than a traditional registry, as it eliminates the waste associated with gift wrapping and packaging.

Cons of a Venmo Wedding Registry

Venmo is not a very personal platform and doesn't offer many custom message options. For an occasion as intimate and emotional as a wedding, some may find Venmo too impersonal and casual.

Some guests may be offended by a Venmo wedding registry, feeling that they are being forced or expected to give money.

There are privacy and security concerns with Venmo, as users have to share personal information such as their name, email address, and bank account number. Additionally, because Venmo requires a quick message about what the money is for, it can be easy for hackers to track a person's spending.

When to send a Venmo wedding gift

If you're close friends with the couple, you can consider sending a Venmo gift. If you don't know them well, it's best to stick to something more traditional, like cash in a card or a gift from their registry. If you know the couple well and know they prefer cash gifts, then Venmo is a great option. It's also a good choice if you won't be attending the wedding in person. Just be sure to include a thoughtful message with your transaction.

So, when is the best time to send a Venmo wedding gift? It's recommended to send it during the wedding reception or right after the wedding. This way, the couple can enjoy opening gifts after their wedding and won't be disappointed by receiving only a few gifts before the event.

It's important to consider the couple's preferences and your relationship with them when deciding whether to send a Venmo wedding gift. If you're unsure, it's always better to opt for a more traditional gift.

Additionally, it's worth noting that some people may consider Venmo gifts impersonal or tacky, especially in certain cultures. In these cases, it's better to give cash or a check with a heartfelt note.

How much to spend on a wedding gift

There are many factors to consider when deciding how much to spend on a wedding gift. While there is no set amount, it is important to take into account your relationship with the couple, your financial situation, and the cost of attending the wedding. Here are some guidelines to help you determine an appropriate gift amount.

• Close family and friends: For those closest to the couple, such as best friends or family members, a gift amount of $100 to $200 is generally considered appropriate. If you are part of the wedding party, you may want to consider spending a little more, around $150 to $170.
• Colleagues and coworkers: When it comes to coworkers, it is common to give a gift between $50 and $100. If you have a good relationship with your colleague or have worked together for a long time, you may want to consider a gift on the higher end of this range.
• Acquaintances: For those who are not as close to the couple, such as distant relatives or acquaintances, a gift in the range of $75 to $150 is generally considered appropriate.
• Couples attending together: If you are attending the wedding with a partner or spouse, you may want to consider a joint gift. The amount can vary from $100 to over $200, depending on your relationship with the couple and your budget.
• Destination weddings: If you are travelling for a destination wedding, it is still customary to bring a gift. However, you may want to consider spending a little less on the gift to offset the cost of travel.
• Group gifts: If you are attending the wedding with a group of friends, you may want to consider pooling your resources and giving a group gift. This can be a thoughtful way to give the couple a more expensive item that they will truly appreciate.

While these are general guidelines, it is important to remember that the most important thing is to give a gift that is within your budget and that comes from the heart. A thoughtful gift, no matter the cost, will always be appreciated by the happy couple.

How to phrase a request for a Venmo wedding gift

Asking for money as a wedding gift can be a tricky business, and it's important to consider your guests' comfort as well as your own. While some people are happy to give cash, others may find it offensive. Here are some things to keep in mind when phrasing your request for Venmo wedding gifts:

Know your guests

Consider how well your guests know you. If you have a close relationship, they are more likely to be comfortable with a Venmo gift request. If you are not sure, it might be better to stick to more traditional gift options.

Provide a reason

Explain why you are requesting Venmo gifts instead of physical gifts or another form of monetary gift. For example, you could mention that you already have household essentials and would prefer to save for a honeymoon or a new home.

Be mindful of different cultural perspectives

It's important to acknowledge that different cultures have different perspectives on giving cash as a wedding gift. For example, in Asian culture, it is common to give cash, whereas in some traditional Catholic families, it may be considered tacky. Be sensitive to these differences and consider providing an explanation for your request.

Use a polite and thoughtful phrasing

When adding your Venmo request to your wedding website or invitation, choose your words carefully. Avoid simply listing your Venmo username, as this may come across as transactional and impersonal. Instead, consider including a short message explaining why you are requesting Venmo gifts. For example, you could say something like: "If you'd like to contribute to our honeymoon, we'd be grateful for Venmo gifts. It's the easiest way for us to receive cash, and it will help us create memories to last a lifetime."

Combine Venmo with a traditional registry

To cater to guests who prefer giving physical gifts, you can create a small traditional registry alongside your Venmo request. This gives guests options and ensures that you don't come across as only wanting cash gifts.

Use a third-party platform

Consider using a third-party platform like Hitchd, which allows you to create a wedding registry that accepts Venmo payments. This adds a layer of personalisation and allows you to share more details about your plans for the gift money, such as your dream honeymoon.

Remember, the key to successfully requesting Venmo wedding gifts is to be thoughtful, considerate of your guests' perspectives, and clear about your preferences. By providing a polite and well-explained request, you can increase the likelihood that your guests will feel comfortable contributing in the way that works best for them.

Frequently asked questions