Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding and a honeymoon can be expensive, and it's often tricky to know how to ask for money to fund these experiences without causing offence. Many couples are turning to honeymoon fund registry websites to help them pay for their dream trips. These sites allow couples to register for experiences, such as spa days, wine tastings, and travel excursions, instead of physical gifts. This way, guests can contribute to funding a special trip, like a honeymoon, without it feeling like the couple is simply asking for money.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon fund platforms | Honeyfund, Hitchd, GoGetFunding, The Knot, SPUR Experiences |
| Honeymoon fund ideas | Digital fund, physical cash box or jar, specific experiences (e.g. African safari), travel necessities, video on the wedding website, honeymoon cruise, all-inclusive Caribbean honeymoon |
| Honeymoon fund tips | Emphasize the emotional impact, reassure friends and family of the impact of their contributions, do not ask for money outright, do not put information on wedding invitations, send personalized thank-yous |
| Other considerations | Long engagement to save money, small wedding registry with a big-box store, physical gifts (e.g. luggage) |
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What You'll Learn
Asking for physical gifts vs cash
While it may be considered taboo by some, asking for cash as a wedding gift is becoming increasingly common. Many couples are well-equipped with traditional wedding gifts and would instead opt for cash funds to save up for a big purchase like a home, a vacation, or their honeymoon.
There are many ways to politely ask for monetary gifts. Firstly, it is important to communicate your wishes clearly and offer alternatives for those who prefer to give physical gifts. You could say, "Your presence is the greatest gift we could ask for, but if you wish to honour us with a gift, we kindly request a monetary contribution to our honeymoon fund." You could also include a small registry for those who prefer to give physical gifts, with options like kitchen appliances, home goods, or travel necessities. It is also a good idea to explain what the cash gifts will be used for, whether that is specific parts of your honeymoon, like a couple's massage, or the general cost of your trip.
When asking for cash gifts, it is important to be tactful and not come across as demanding or entitled. Avoid asking for a specific amount of money, as guests should feel comfortable contributing what they can afford. You can also ask for gift cards, such as an Airbnb or Hotels.com gift card, which can be used towards your honeymoon accommodation.
If you are uncomfortable asking for cash directly, you can set up a digital honeymoon fund and place a honeymoon cash box or jar at your reception. You can also have close friends and family members spread the word that you are accepting cash gifts. However, be sure not to include this information on your wedding invitation, as it is largely considered inappropriate.
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Using a honeymoon fund platform
There are several honeymoon fund platforms to choose from, each with its own unique features. Honeyfund, for example, is a popular option as it has no fees for couples or guests and allows you to customize your website with details about your love story, wedding day, and registry. You can also add your honeymoon fund to your wedding website for easy guest access.
Another option is Hitchd, which is designed specifically for engaged couples and helps to pay for a honeymoon without making guests feel like they are just giving you money. With Hitchd, you can create a cash fund, similar to a money pool, where guests can contribute any amount they want. You can also ask for physical gifts, such as luggage, or experience gifts, where guests send you money to purchase an experience yourself.
Other platforms to consider include The Knot, which offers SPUR Experiences, giving couples the option to register for various activities such as spa days and wine tastings, as well as tickets to concerts and sporting events. The Knot also allows couples to register for zero-fee gift cards to dining, shopping, and travel brands.
When choosing a honeymoon fund platform, be sure to consider the fees involved, the level of customization, and how easy it is for guests to access and contribute. By using a honeymoon fund platform, you can make your dream trip a reality without compromising your budget.
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Spreading the word
When it comes to spreading the word about your honeymoon fund, there are several ways to approach it. Firstly, it is essential to utilise your wedding website as the central hub for all information. This is where you can include all the details about your honeymoon fund and how guests can contribute. Make sure to include a link to your registry or provide clear instructions on how to donate. You can also share your honeymoon fund on social media to reach a wider audience.
It is crucial to choose a honeymoon fund platform that suits your needs and preferences. Popular options include Honeyfund, Hitchd, and The Knot, each offering unique features and benefits. Honeyfund, for example, allows you to customise your website with your love story, wedding details, and registry information. They also offer various travel destinations and starter registries to choose from. Hitchd, on the other hand, fills in the gaps that platforms like GoFundMe may have, as it is specifically designed for engaged couples looking to fund their honeymoon without making guests feel like they are just donating money without a clear purpose. The Knot also offers a honeymoon fund feature, where guests can contribute to specific experiences or donate to a general fund.
When creating your honeymoon fund, it is essential to add personal touches and emphasise the emotional impact that guests' contributions will have. Consider including a video of you and your partner expressing your excitement and gratitude for their support. You can also add descriptive details about your honeymoon plans, such as the activities you will enjoy and the memories you hope to create. This helps guests understand the impact of their contributions and feel more connected to your journey.
Don't be afraid to ask for help from your bridal party and close friends or family members. They can assist in spreading the word about your honeymoon fund to their network of friends and family. However, be mindful that this approach assumes guests will be inquiring about wedding gifts. It is also worth noting that including information about your honeymoon fund on your wedding invitation is generally considered inappropriate.
Lastly, consider offering a range of contribution options to cater to different preferences. For example, you can provide a general fund for guests to donate towards the total cost of your trip or allow them to contribute to specific experiences, such as a romantic dinner or a couple's massage. This way, guests can choose an option that aligns with their interests and budget.
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Setting up a digital honeymoon fund
Firstly, it's important to note that you shouldn't ask for money as a wedding gift outright, as this may offend friends and family. Instead, there are a few ways to go about setting up a digital honeymoon fund. You could use a specialised honeymoon fund platform, such as Honeyfund, Hitchd, or SPUR Experiences. These platforms allow you to create a registry for guests to contribute to, but instead of asking for physical gifts, you're asking for experiences like spa packages, dinners, or travel excursions. Honeyfund, for example, allows you to customise your website with details about your love story, wedding day, and registry, and collect RSVPs and manage your guest list. It also has no fees for you or your guests.
Another option is to use a more general wedding registry platform like The Knot, which also has a honeymoon fund feature. Here, you can include a link to your honeymoon fund on your wedding website or use a registry tool to combine your honeymoon fund with other wedding registry items.
When creating your honeymoon fund, it's a good idea to include descriptive details about what guest contributions will pay for. You can also add a video of you and your partner expressing your excitement about the trip, or use feeling words like "gratitude" and "happiness" to emphasise the emotional impact their contributions will have. You could also place a honeymoon cash box or jar at your reception, perhaps with a cheeky poem explaining what the money will be used for.
Remember, it's important to send personalised thank-yous within three months of receiving cash gifts, and to keep in mind that your wedding day is about celebrating the start of your life with your partner, not the gifts.
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Honeymoon registry websites
There are several honeymoon registry websites that you can use to raise funds for your dream honeymoon. Here are some of the top options:
Honeyfund
Honeyfund is a free honeymoon registry website with no fees. It allows couples to create a gift registry that reflects their unique interests and customize their website with details about their love story, wedding day, and registry. You can also collect RSVPs and manage your guest list, and guests can easily find and contribute to your registry. Honeyfund offers various honeymoon deals and itineraries to choose from, such as a honeymoon cruise in the Mediterranean or an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean.
The Knot
The Knot is another popular option for honeymoon funds, offering a straightforward process for both couples and guests. It has a free, all-in-one registry option where you can include the link on your wedding website or combine it with other registry items. You can also choose to hide the goal amount from guests if you prefer. The Knot also provides a traditional registry experience, with cash funds listed alongside other registry items and a custom description.
Traveler's Joy
Traveler's Joy is one of the oldest honeymoon fund websites, launched in 2004. It offers a free service where you can set up a custom page with images, videos, descriptions, and travel plans. Guests can easily find your registry by searching your wedding website on The Knot. Traveler's Joy allows you to register for various travel-related funds, such as airfare upgrades, romantic excursions, and even a new camera for your trip.
Hitchd
Hitchd is a newer honeymoon registry website that focuses on providing a personal and beautiful experience. It offers a seamless mobile experience and allows couples to create gifts, experiences, and anything else they can imagine. Hitchd has a world-class design and is easy to use, with over 1 million gift and cover images to choose from. It charges a one-time fee, making it a more affordable option than percentage-based pricing models.
Honeymoon Wishes
Honeymoon Wishes is a full-service honeymoon registry that is free and easy to set up. You can pick a design, add your photos and information, and share it with friends and family. It offers various options to register for, such as hotel rooms, outdoor excursions, local attractions, and romantic packages. It also provides additional tools like RSVP tools, event pages, and engagement websites.
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Frequently asked questions
Some honeymoon fund websites include Honeyfund, Hitchd, The Knot, and SPUR Experiences.
You can set up a digital honeymoon fund and place a honeymoon cash box or jar out during your reception. You can also ask your parents and the bridal party to spread the word to friends and family about your request for cash gifts.
You can fund specific parts of your honeymoon, such as dinner for two or a couple's massage, or collect money towards the total cost of your trip. You can also ask for physical gifts such as luggage or travel necessities.
Honeymoon fund platforms are designed for engaged couples, not those in serious need, and allow guests to contribute to a special gift without offending them.
You can include the link to your honeymoon fund on your wedding website for easy guest access. You can also include a video of you and your partner expressing joy about your dream vacation so guests can better understand how much it means to you.
