Deborah Chan
Honeymoon funds are a modern alternative to traditional wedding registries, where guests can contribute to the cost of a couple's honeymoon instead of giving physical gifts. While some people view honeymoon funds as rude or tacky, particularly older guests, others see them as a convenient way to give gifts and support couples in achieving their goals. Couples who already live together or have most of the items on a typical registry may be more inclined to opt for a honeymoon fund. When setting up a honeymoon fund, it is important to consider the language used, provide clear details about the trip, and ensure that guests feel that contributing is entirely optional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To allow guests to contribute monetarily to the couple's honeymoon trip |
| Popularity | Increasingly common |
| Suitability | Suitable for couples who already live together or have most household items |
| Communication | Should be communicated via a wedding website or invitation insert, not on the invitation itself |
| Wording | Should be transparent and avoid asking directly for cash |
| Options | Guests should be given a range of specific experiences to choose from, with varying price ranges |
| Fees | Guests may need to cover processing fees, which couples should consider absorbing to avoid poor etiquette |
| Photos | Couples can include a photo from their honeymoon in their thank-you cards |
| Opinions | Some people find honeymoon funds rude, while others see them as a modern alternative to traditional registries |
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What You'll Learn
- Honeymoon funds are a modern alternative to traditional wedding registries
- Couples should be mindful of fees when creating a honeymoon fund
- It is important to clearly communicate your plans to guests
- Guests should not feel forced to contribute to a honeymoon fund
- Some people may still prefer to give physical gifts
Honeymoon funds are a modern alternative to traditional wedding registries
Honeymoon funds offer guests the opportunity to choose specific experiences to gift to the couple, such as spa treatments, romantic dinners, or unique excursions, adding emotional value to their contribution. It also allows guests to give within their budget without the risk of doubling up on gifts the couple may not need or want.
When setting up a honeymoon fund, it is important to be mindful of etiquette. Couples should avoid asking directly for cash and instead focus on sharing their plans and how the gifts will impact their trip. It is also essential to provide a range of gift options at different price points to accommodate varying budgets and ensure guests don't feel pressured to contribute more than they are comfortable with.
While some may view honeymoon funds as rude or tacky, particularly older individuals, times have changed, and many modern couples value experiences over physical gifts. Ultimately, the decision to have a honeymoon fund or a traditional registry should be respected, and guests can always choose to give a physical gift if they prefer.
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Couples should be mindful of fees when creating a honeymoon fund
Asking for monetary contributions towards a honeymoon fund is becoming increasingly common, especially as many couples already cohabit before marriage and have already acquired most home essentials. A honeymoon fund allows guests to contribute to specific experiences, such as spa treatments or romantic dinners, which can be more meaningful than a simple cash gift.
However, couples should be mindful of fees when creating a honeymoon fund. While some websites, such as Honeyfund, Joy, and Blueprint, offer free accounts, others charge a percentage-based fee or a processing fee. For example, Joy's honeymoon registry connects to PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App, giving you 100% of cash gifts, but guests will need to have one of these accounts to avoid a processing fee. Similarly, Blueprint's website is free, but guests will need to cover a 2.5% processing fee.
Some credit card payments may also incur a small payment provider fee, plus a service fee from the registry. Couples should carefully review the terms and conditions of different honeymoon fund websites to clarify any associated fees. While it may be tempting to opt for a website with the lowest fees, be cautious of hidden costs or forced upgrades.
To avoid adding extra costs for your guests, some sources recommend absorbing the full fee yourself. It is also important to consider that guests may have different budgets, so providing a range of gift options, from small to large, is considerate and ensures everyone can contribute comfortably.
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It is important to clearly communicate your plans to guests
It is important to clearly communicate your honeymoon fund plans to your guests. This means being transparent about your wishes and making sure your guests know that contributing to your honeymoon is entirely optional. You can do this by including a nice lead-in message on your wedding website and a similar message on your honeymoon fund registry. The message should be tasteful, straight to the point, and should convey your gratitude. For example, you could say:
> "We can’t wait to begin our married life together and celebrate our bond on our honeymoon. In lieu of gifts, we would appreciate contributions toward our honeymoon fund. We are fortunate enough to already have all the physical items we need for our home. Instead, please consider contributing to our honeymoon fund to help us experience the trip of a lifetime. We’re planning an exciting adventure!"
You should also provide details about your honeymoon plans to help your guests visualise the trip and understand how their contributions will enhance your experience. For example, you could say:
> "Our honeymoon plans are to spend two weeks exploring several beautiful countries in Western Europe. We have always wanted to see the sights of Paris, Amsterdam, and Munich, and our dreams are finally coming true! We will start our honeymoon in Paris, where we will visit the Eiffel Tower and Musée Du Louvre and take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles."
By providing these details, your guests will be able to personally connect with your plans and will be more inclined to contribute to your honeymoon fund. It is also a good idea to include a range of specific activities or experiences that guests can choose to fund, such as a romantic dinner, a unique excursion, or a spa treatment. This gives your guests the opportunity to contribute to something that resonates with them and feels meaningful.
Finally, remember to consider any fees associated with contributing to your honeymoon fund. From an etiquette perspective, it is best to absorb any fees yourself rather than passing them on to your guests. By clearly communicating your plans and wishes, you can ensure that your guests feel appreciated and excited about contributing to your honeymoon fund.
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Guests should not feel forced to contribute to a honeymoon fund
While honeymoon funds are becoming increasingly common, it is important to ensure that guests do not feel pressured to contribute. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Firstly, it is recommended to include details about your honeymoon fund on your wedding website, rather than noting it on your invitation. You can include a separate insert card with your wedding website and a brief message about your registry wishes. This way, you avoid making guests feel like they are being asked for money.
When creating your honeymoon fund registry, it is good etiquette to provide a range of options with varying price ranges. This ensures that guests do not feel forced to contribute more than they are comfortable with. You can include specific events or experiences, such as "dinner for two" or "passes to an aquarium," which gives guests a sense of buying an experience rather than just giving money. It also allows them to choose something that resonates with them and feels meaningful.
It is also essential to craft your language carefully. Avoid outright asking for cash, and instead, tell your guests about your plans and how their contributions will impact your trip. Always pitch from a place of gratitude, and make it clear that contributing to the honeymoon fund is entirely optional. You can also consider including a message on your honeymoon fund registry, emphasising that guests should feel no obligation to contribute.
Additionally, be mindful of any fees associated with the honeymoon fund platforms. Guests may incur credit card processing fees, and it is considered poor etiquette to add more cost to their contribution. Some platforms, like Blueprint, charge a processing fee, while others, like Joy, do not charge any fees to run a honeymoon fund registry.
Remember, the key is to make guests feel that their contributions are appreciated but not expected or forced. By providing a range of options, using thoughtful language, and being mindful of fees, you can achieve this and ensure your guests feel comfortable and excited about contributing to your honeymoon fund.
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Some people may still prefer to give physical gifts
While honeymoon funds are becoming increasingly common, some people may still prefer to give physical gifts. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as:
- Older guests may be unfamiliar with the concept of a honeymoon fund and may be more comfortable with traditional gifts.
- Some guests may feel that contributing to a honeymoon fund is like giving cash, which may be seen as less thoughtful or personal.
- Guests may want to give a gift that aligns with their budget, and physical gifts can offer a wider range of price options.
- Physical gifts can be a way for guests to contribute to the couple's home, especially if the couple already has most of the items they need for their honeymoon.
- Some guests may enjoy the experience of choosing and purchasing a physical gift, and may see it as a more exciting or meaningful way to celebrate the couple's wedding.
To accommodate those who prefer to give physical gifts, couples can consider having a small registry with a limited number of physical items. This can be in addition to a general honeymoon fund, allowing guests to choose the option that resonates with them the most. It is important to remember that the decision to have a honeymoon fund or physical gifts is a personal one, and couples should feel free to choose what works best for them. Ultimately, the thought behind the gift is what matters, whether it is a contribution to a honeymoon fund or a carefully selected physical present.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not rude to have a honeymoon fund. In today's world, couples value experiences over things. However, if you are inviting a lot of older guests to your wedding, they may not have heard of a honeymoon fund and may find it rude. It is important to craft language that feels transparent and appealing, and to avoid outright asking for cash.
There are various honeymoon fund registry sites available online, but not all are created equal. Before deciding on a registry, it is essential to read reviews, terms and conditions, and clarify any fees associated with their service. For example, some honeymoon fund registries will charge you a fee based on the percentage of honeymoon funds you raise using their website. You can also set up a free account on Honeyfund or Blueprint's website.
When creating gifts for your honeymoon fund registry, it is recommended to have a range of 20-50 gifts, with a variety of price ranges so no one feels forced into giving a lot. It is also important to make guests feel that contributing towards a gift is entirely optional. You can do this by carefully presenting your honeymoon fund with a nice lead-in message on your wedding website and a similar message on your honeymoon fund registry.
