Create A Wedding Wishing Well: Tips And Tricks

Wedding planning can be a tricky business, especially when it comes to the gift portion. Many couples nowadays live together before marriage and tie the knot later in life, so they often already have everything they need for their homes. This is where the option of a wedding wishing well comes in. A wishing well is a fun and tactful way to collect monetary gifts from guests without it feeling like you are asking for money. It is a convenient and tidy way to accept cash and cards from guests, which can be customised with creative decor. In this article, we will explore how to make your own wedding wishing well, from explaining your wishes to your guests to setting up the well at your wedding.

Wishing well wording

The following are some examples of wording you can use to introduce your wishing well to your wedding guests.

Simple Wishing Well Wording

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.

Playful Poems Wishing Well Wording

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.

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

But a wishing well contribution will be warmly received.

Purposeful Wishing Well Wording

We’re thrilled that you’re able to make it to our wedding — that’s more than enough for us. However, if you would like to bring us something, spending money for our honeymoon would be most appreciated.

Formal Wishing Well Wording

While your presence on our wedding day is a cherished gift, we understand some guests like to offer more. In lieu of a traditional gift, we would be grateful for a monetary contribution towards our life together. If you would like to participate, you can leave your donation and well wishes in our wishing well, which will be available at our reception.

Casual Wishing Well Wording

No gifts are necessary — we just want to see you! If you do wish to give us a little something, a little cash to spend on our honeymoon (or our new home) would be very much appreciated.

Explaining the concept to guests

The idea of a wedding wishing well may be unfamiliar to some of your guests, so it's important to provide clear and concise explanations to ensure everyone understands the concept. Here are some detailed suggestions on how to effectively communicate the idea:

• Wedding Website: Your wedding website is an excellent platform to explain the wishing well concept to your guests. Create a dedicated section or page that provides a detailed description of the wishing well, including the reason behind it and how it works. This way, guests can easily refer to it if they have any questions.
• Invitation Suite: While it's not recommended to include wishing well details on the main invitation card, you can include a separate note or card within the invitation suite. This note can briefly explain that you prefer monetary gifts over physical items and direct guests to your wedding website for more details.
• Personal Conversations: If you're comfortable, consider having personal conversations with your guests, especially those who may be less familiar with the concept. Explain your reasons for choosing a wishing well and how their contributions will be used. These conversations can be done during pre-wedding gatherings or even over the phone.
• Word of Mouth: Enlist the help of your wedding party and close friends to spread the word about the wishing well. They can casually mention it to guests they interact with, providing a brief explanation and assuring them that more details are available on the wedding website.
• Signage at the Wedding: At the wedding venue, place clear and nicely designed signs near the wishing well to identify it. These signs don't need to be complex but should include a brief explanation, such as "Wishing Well—Please leave your well wishes and monetary gifts here."
• Emphasize Well Wishes: When explaining the wishing well concept, focus on the idea of "well wishes." Encourage guests to include kind notes and cards along with their monetary contributions. This approach adds a sentimental value to their gifts and makes it feel less like a simple transaction.
• Provide Specific Details: It can be helpful to share with your guests your plans for the monetary gifts. For example, you might mention that the funds will go towards a down payment on a house, a memorable honeymoon, or a donation to a charitable cause. This transparency can make guests feel more comfortable and excited about contributing.
• Offer Alternative Options: Understand that not all guests may be comfortable with the wishing well concept. Provide alternative options for those who prefer to give traditional gifts. You can suggest contributions to a specific cause or organization that aligns with your values or even offer a small gift registry for those who insist.
• Timely Communication: Ensure that you communicate the wishing well concept well in advance of the wedding. This gives guests enough time to understand the idea, ask questions if needed, and plan their contributions accordingly.
• Gratitude and Flexibility: Always express your gratitude to your guests for their participation and support. Understand that some guests may have different preferences or limitations when it comes to gifting. Be flexible and respectful of their choices, and thank them for their presence at your wedding regardless of their contribution.

Choosing a physical wishing well

The wishing well at your wedding can be anything from a small box to a large vase or a decorative basket. It can be something that matches the theme of your wedding or something meaningful from your home.

If you want something that makes an impact, you could consider an interactive structure, such as a decorative wall, where guests can write their notes and leave cards with their monetary gifts. This can be a fun place for guests to gather and socialise while also giving their gifts.

If you are concerned about the safety of the gifts, you could explain to your guests that you would prefer an online wishing well, which can be set up through an online service. This option also saves your guests the hassle of having to remember to bring cash to the wedding.

However, if you would like to go ahead with a physical wishing well, you could consider a small, secure box or vessel that can be placed on a welcome table. You could also use something decorative like a mailbox.

Remember, a wishing well doesn't have to be the central focus of your wedding design, but it can be a fun and creative way to collect gifts and money from your guests.

Setting up an online wishing well

If you're looking for an alternative to a traditional wedding registry, you might consider setting up an online wishing well. This option is especially useful if you'd prefer cash gifts or donations to a charitable cause over physical items. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating an online wishing well for your wedding:

• Choose a platform: Select an online service like Hitchd, which offers a secure way for guests to make contributions. These platforms often provide a menu of items or experiences, like a honeymoon or new home, that guests can choose to donate towards.
• Explain the concept to your guests: When sending out your wedding invitations, include a separate card explaining your preference for monetary gifts over physical presents. You can also express this on your wedding website, providing details about your plans for the funds, such as saving for a house or an unforgettable honeymoon.
• Set up your online registry: Create your registry on the chosen platform, providing a personalised message about your wishes and any specific goals for the funds.
• Provide the link: Include the link to your online wishing well on your wedding website, making it easily accessible for guests. You can also include this link in your RSVP cards or send it via email to your guests.
• Express your gratitude: Always thank your guests for their contributions, regardless of the amount. After your wedding, update your wedding website or send out thank-you notes with photos or details of how their donations were used, such as a glimpse of your new home or honeymoon destination.

By following these steps, you can tactfully set up an online wishing well that suits your needs and provides a convenient way for your guests to contribute to your future together.

Thanking your guests

Thanking your wedding guests is an important way to show your appreciation and express gratitude for their presence and gifts. Here are some tips and suggestions for crafting heartfelt thank-you messages:

Plan Ahead

It is best to send out thank-you cards within two to three months after the wedding. Create a list of all the guests who attended and the gifts they gave to keep track of your thank-you cards.

Start with a Greeting

Begin your thank-you card with a simple greeting, such as "Dear [Guest's Name]". If addressing a family, address the entire family. For closer guests, you may use their first name.

Express Gratitude for Attendance and Gifts

Thank your guests for coming to your wedding and sharing in the joyous occasion. Mention their presence and how much it meant to you and your partner. If they gave you a gift, be sure to mention it specifically and express your appreciation for their thoughtfulness.

Personalize Your Message

Include something specific about the guest, such as a shared memory or a special moment during the wedding. This shows that you reflected on their presence and that it was meaningful to you.

Look to the Future

Share your excitement for the future and how you and your partner plan to use their gift. Express your anticipation for future events and gatherings.

Closing

End your thank-you card with a warm closing, such as "Warm regards," "With love," or "Sincerely." Sign your names at the bottom of the card.

Examples of Thank-You Messages

• "Thank you for sharing our special day with us. Your presence and support meant the world to us."
• "We appreciate your thoughtful gift, and it will always be cherished. Thank you for being part of our celebration."
• "Your presence made our wedding day even more special. Thank you for being part of our memories."
• "Thank you for your generous gift. We plan to use it to create new memories together in the future."
• "We are incredibly grateful for your love and support! Thank you for sharing in our joy and making our wedding day even more special."
• "Your presence at our wedding meant the world to us! Thank you for being there to celebrate our love and new beginning."
• "Thank you for celebrating with us on our wedding day! Your company, love, and wishes made our day complete, and we appreciate all your support."

Frequently asked questions