Create A Wedding Wishing Well: Easy Steps To Make One

A wedding wishing well is a fun and creative way to collect monetary gifts from your wedding guests. It is a tactful way to ask for cash instead of physical gifts and can be especially useful for couples who already have everything they need for their home or would prefer to save up for a large expense, such as a honeymoon or a down payment on a house. A wishing well can be set up as a physical box or basket at the wedding venue or as an online registry, where guests can contribute any amount they are comfortable with. In this article, we will explore the different types of wishing wells, provide tips on how to introduce the concept to your guests, and offer suggestions for tasteful and thoughtful wording to use in your invitations and signage. We will also discuss the benefits of a wishing well and how it can be customised to match your wedding theme.

Wishing well wording: how to ask for cash gifts politely and gratefully

Asking for cash gifts instead of physical items can be tricky, but it is becoming more and more common. Many couples already live together before marriage and don't need homeware items, or they may prefer to put money towards larger expenses, such as a honeymoon, a house deposit, or home improvements.

Be Transparent and Explain Your Reasons

It can be helpful to explain to your guests why you are asking for cash gifts. This can make your request more personal and make your guests feel more comfortable. For example, you could mention that you are saving for a honeymoon, a house deposit, or renovations. This shows that you have specific goals and plans for the money.

Include a Note on Gifts with Your Invitations

When sending out your wedding invitations, include a separate card with a 'note on gifts'. This is a polite way to inform your guests about your gift preferences. You can mention whether you welcome gifts, prefer money for a specific purpose, or don't want any gifts at all.

• "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."
• "We are blessed to not only have each other, but the guests who will make our wedding day so special. We'd rather not receive gifts, but if you'd like to contribute to our wedding and our future together, we will have a wishing well at our reception to which you can contribute."
• "Your presence on our wedding day is the most special gift we could possibly ask for. However, if you do wish to bless us and contribute to our future together, we are saving for our new home. A wishing well will be present at our reception."

Use a Playful Poem

If you want to add a touch of humour and creativity to your request, consider including a playful poem in your invitations or on your wedding website. Here is an example:

"Your love and laughter at our wedding is all we truly need.

But a wishing well contribution will be warmly received.

Your presence at our wedding is present enough, so don't worry about gifts, we have plenty of stuff.

However, if you were thinking of helping us on our way, some money towards our honeymoon would truly make our day."

Provide Details on Your Wedding Website

If you have a wedding website, this is a great place to provide more information about your gift preferences. You can include an FAQ page or a section on gifting, where you can mention that you are requesting monetary gifts and what you plan to use the funds for. This is a good way to provide more context and address any questions your guests may have.

Set Up a Gift Registry Website

Using a gift registry website can be a more subtle way to suggest cash gifts. These websites allow you to combine your monetary wishes with other gift options, such as homeware or experiences. This gives your guests the flexibility to choose how they want to contribute.

Be Grateful and Appreciative

Regardless of the wording you choose, always remember to express your gratitude and appreciation. Thank your guests for their presence, their well wishes, and their contributions. Let them know that their support means a lot to you, and you will surely create a positive and joyful atmosphere around your gift preferences.

Remember, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for money as a wedding gift, and there are polite and gracious ways to do so. Choose the wording that feels most comfortable and authentic to you, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Explaining the wishing well concept to guests

The wishing well is a relatively new concept that has gained popularity among couples who are marrying later in life and already have everything they need for their homes. It is a fun and tactful way to collect monetary gifts or contributions for specific goals, such as a honeymoon or a new home, instead of traditional physical gifts.

Include a Note with the Invitation:

Explain what a wishing well is and that you are requesting monetary gifts or donations instead of physical gifts. You can include this information on a separate note card within the invitation envelope. Here are some examples of what you could say:

"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."

"We are blessed to not only have each other but also the guests who will make our wedding day so special. We'd rather not receive gifts, but if you'd like to contribute to our wedding and our future together, we will have a wishing well at our reception to which you can contribute."

Wedding Website Explanation:

Use your wedding website to provide more detailed information about the wishing well. Explain that guests are free to contribute whatever they wish without pressure. You can also specify what the monetary gifts will be used for, such as your honeymoon or a down payment on a house. This can help guests feel more comfortable with the idea of giving money instead of a physical gift.

Wishing Well Signage:

At the wedding venue, set up a designated space for the wishing well and use clear and nicely designed signage to inform guests about it. The signage can be simple and doesn't need to include a lot of details since your guests will have received more information along with their invitations and on your website.

Be Grateful and Follow Up:

Always thank your guests for their contributions, regardless of the amount. After the wedding, follow up with an explanation of where the money was spent. For example, you can add photos from your honeymoon or a picture of your new home to your wedding website or thank-you cards. This will help your guests understand how their contributions made a difference and will show your appreciation for their support.

Where to place the wishing well at the wedding venue

The placement of the wishing well at the wedding venue is an important consideration. Here are some factors to keep in mind when deciding on the perfect spot:

• Discretion: While you want the wishing well to be easily accessible to guests, it's also a good idea to place it in a discreet corner of the reception venue. This way, guests who prefer to give their gifts privately can do so without feeling too exposed.
• Convenience: Choose a location that is easily accessible and visible to guests. Placing the wishing well near the entrance or in an area where guests will be gathering is a good idea. This way, guests won't have to search for it, and it will be convenient for them to drop off their gifts.
• Space considerations: Ensure that there is enough space around the wishing well to accommodate guests who may want to write their cards and well wishes at the venue. A small table or designated area near the wishing well can be a nice touch, providing a comfortable space for guests to write their messages.
• Aesthetics: Consider the overall aesthetics of the venue and the wedding decor when choosing a location for the wishing well. You may want it to blend seamlessly with the existing decor or stand out as a focal point, depending on your preference.
• Proximity to other activities: Placing the wishing well near other activities or areas of interest, such as the dance floor or photo booth, can encourage guests to interact with it throughout the event. This can be a fun way to keep the well as a central part of the celebration without making it the main focus.

Remember, the wishing well is a fun and creative way to collect monetary gifts and well wishes from your guests. Choose a location that feels right for your wedding and don't be afraid to get creative!

Wishing well decoration ideas

A wedding wishing well is a fun and creative way to collect gifts, cards, and money from your guests. It is also a great alternative to a traditional gift registry. Here are some ideas to decorate your wedding wishing well and make it a beautiful part of your special day:

• Customise with Colours: Choose a colour scheme that matches your wedding theme or venue decor. You can opt for solid colours or a combination of two colours. For example, you could have a white and patriot blue wishing well, or a coastal grey and aruba blue one.
• Add a Personal Touch: Consider decorating your wishing well with items that hold a special meaning for you and your partner. For instance, you could use a small box or basket from your home as the vessel for cards and envelopes. This adds a unique and intimate touch to your wishing well.
• Go Rustic with Wood: For an outdoor wedding, a wooden wishing well planter can be a beautiful and rustic option. These wells often come with a hanging bucket and a roof, adding to the charm. You can find them in various colours, such as brown, natural wood, or even painted in a colour of your choice.
• Interactive and Fun: If you want to encourage your guests to gather and interact, consider a structured, decorative wall as your wishing well. Guests can pin their notes and cards to the wall, creating a fun display.
• Keep it Simple: Sometimes, a simple and elegant approach is best. A small box or basket decorated with ribbons, bows, or flowers that match your wedding colours can be a lovely and understated addition to your venue.
• Thematic Decor: If you have a specific theme for your wedding, incorporate it into your wishing well! For example, if you're having a fairy-tale themed wedding, you could have a miniature fairy-garden wishing well.
• Signage: Include a clear and nicely designed sign to indicate where your wishing well is located. This sign can be as creative and decorative as you like, perhaps incorporating your wedding colours or theme.

Remember, your wishing well doesn't have to be elaborate or the central focus of your wedding design. With a bit of creativity and personal touch, you can make it a beautiful and functional part of your special day.

How to thank guests for their contributions

A wedding wishing well is a great way to collect cash, gift cards, or other small gifts from your guests. But how do you thank them for their contributions? Here are some ideas to show your gratitude and make your guests feel appreciated:

Personalised Thank You Notes

Take the time to craft handwritten thank-you notes expressing your sincere thanks. Personalise each message by mentioning the contribution and how it will be used towards your future plans. This personal touch will go a long way in showing your gratitude.

Share Your Love Story on Social Media

Consider posting a heartfelt message on social media, highlighting your gratitude for the love and support of your family and friends. Explain how their contributions will positively impact your journey as a married couple.

Thoughtful Gestures

For guests who were particularly generous, consider personalised tokens of appreciation such as small keepsakes, photo albums, or personalised videos. These thoughtful gestures will help them feel valued for their contribution.

Include a Photo

If you spent the contributions on your honeymoon, include a photo from your trip in your thank-you notes or social media posts. Your guests will love seeing the memories they helped create.

Provide a Detailed Update

Let your guests know how their contributions were used by providing a detailed update. For example, if you used the money for a down payment on a house, share this information, along with any other large purchases or experiences made possible by their generosity.

Keep Track of Contributions

It's a good idea to keep track of who gave what, especially if you plan on sending personalised thank-you notes. This will ensure that you remember every generous gift and the people behind them.

Frequently asked questions