Deborah Chan
Asking for honeymoon donations instead of gifts is becoming more and more common, especially as people are getting married later in life and often already have homes or apartments of their own, complete with all the household items they need. Many couples would prefer to make incredible memories on their honeymoons, and asking for donations towards this is a thoughtful way for guests to support the happy couple. However, it's important to do this in a tasteful way, so it doesn't feel transactional. It's recommended to include a nice lead-in message on your wedding website, and a similar message on your honeymoon fund registry. You could also ask your bridal party, family, and close friends to spread the word to other guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon fund instead of gifts | Guests can contribute to the couple's honeymoon fund instead of giving gifts |
| Communication | Couples should communicate their preference for honeymoon donations clearly and tastefully, using their wedding website or word-of-mouth |
| Poems or creative wording | Couples can use poems or creative wording to express their preference for honeymoon donations |
| Registry options | Couples can list specific activities or experiences on their registry that guests can contribute towards |
| Anonymity | Couples should ensure that guests can donate anonymously, without their names and donation amounts being public |
| Fees | Couples should choose a reputable registry to avoid hidden fees or forced upgrades |
| Big-ticket items | Couples can create big-ticket items to attract contributions from late gifters |
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What You'll Learn
Honeymoon fund wording and etiquette
It is not weird to ask for donations towards your honeymoon, and it is becoming more common. Many couples already live together before getting married and have all the household items they need. They don't need more physical gifts, but they could use some help making incredible memories on their honeymoons.
Wording
When asking for honeymoon donations, it is important to be polite and express gratitude. Here are some examples of what you could say:
- "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. However, if you would like to give us a special gift, we would be incredibly grateful for any contributions to our honeymoon fund."
- "As we prepare to embark on our new journey together, your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. However, if you would like to contribute to our special day, we have set up a honeymoon fund instead of registering for traditional gifts."
- "We are thrilled about our wedding, and we hope you can attend! Because we are combining households, we have more than enough stuff. So, if you are thinking of giving us a gift, we would be grateful for any contributions to our honeymoon fund."
- "We’ve been together forever, so we don’t need anything new. What we’d love is a dream getaway to where the skies are blue. Your presence is enough, no gifts are essential. But if you wish to give, a contribution to our honeymoon fund is preferential."
Etiquette
- Avoid mentioning gifts or donations on your wedding invitations. Instead, include a link to your wedding website, where guests can find information about your honeymoon fund.
- Use a reputable honeymoon fund registry service that is safe and reliable. Avoid websites with hidden fees or forced upgrades.
- Absorb any payment provider or service fees yourself, rather than passing them on to your guests.
- Create a range of gift options at different price points to accommodate different budgets.
- Make sure guests can donate anonymously if they prefer.
- Ask your bridal party, family, and close friends to spread the word that what you truly want is donations towards your honeymoon.
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Honeymoon registry vs. cash registry
It is not weird to ask for donations towards your honeymoon. Many couples already have the household items that are traditionally gifted at weddings, and so asking for money towards experiences instead can be a great alternative. This is known as a honeymoon registry or honeymoon fund.
Honeymoon registries allow couples to register for their honeymoon travel and more. Guests can contribute money towards hotels, cruises, excursions, romantic packages, and much more. Some sites allow couples to register for contributions to charity or even down payments for homes. Couples can also set up a general honeymoon fund, where guests can donate money without specifying what it is for.
There are several honeymoon registry websites to choose from, including Honeyfund, Hitchd, and Traveler's Joy. Honeyfund is a simple and user-friendly option that allows couples to register for contributions to travel, charity donations, and down payments for homes. It is also the only gift registry that allows couples to register for both their honeymoon and their home. Hitchd is a design-focused honeymoon fund site that offers modern mobile and desktop experiences for couples and guests. Couples can select a layout and font and choose from gift idea design templates and customizable honeymoon fund options. Traveler's Joy has been helping couples create their dream honeymoons since 2004. The site is easy to navigate and simple to set up, and all gift redemptions in the US are free.
When asking for donations towards your honeymoon, it is important to be mindful of your guests' comfort and financial situation. It is generally considered best practice to let guests know that their presence at your wedding is gift enough, and that they should only give a gift if they want to. You can also make it clear that you do not expect a gift on top of their attendance, especially as weddings can be expensive to attend.
In conclusion, asking for donations towards your honeymoon is not weird, and there are several great honeymoon registry websites to choose from. However, it is important to be mindful of your guests' comfort and financial situation when doing so.
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Honeymoon fund poems
Asking for honeymoon funds as gifts can be a tricky situation. However, it is becoming more common for couples to value experiences over material items. Poetry is a creative way to politely ask for honeymoon funds. Here are some honeymoon fund poems:
Poem 1:
We’ve been together for a while now,
And in our home, we have all we need,
So, we’d like to ask, in our own special way,
For a honeymoon, we can look back and relive,
We want to make memories that will last,
And have stories to tell,
So, if you wish to give,
We’d appreciate your help,
To send us on our way,
To a honeymoon, we’ll always treasure,
Your presence is enough,
But if you wish to contribute,
We’d be forever grateful for your kindness and generosity.
Poem 2:
We’re getting married,
And we can’t wait to celebrate with you,
Your presence at our wedding,
Is the greatest gift we could ask for,
But if you’re thinking of giving us something,
We’d like to ask for something a little different,
We’d love your contribution,
To our honeymoon fund,
We want to make memories,
And have stories to tell,
So, if you wish,
Please help us on our way,
To a honeymoon full of adventures,
We’ll cherish forever,
Thank you for being a part of our special day.
Poem 3:
We’re so excited to celebrate with you,
As we embark on this new journey,
Your presence at our wedding,
Is a gift in itself,
But if you’re thinking of giving us something,
We’d like to ask for a unique gift,
We’d appreciate your contribution,
To our honeymoon fund,
We want to explore new places,
And create memories that will last,
So, if you wish to give,
We’d be grateful for your help,
To send us on our honeymoon,
We’ll always remember your kindness,
Thank you for being a part of our special day.
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How to ask for honeymoon money
Asking for honeymoon money as gifts can be a tricky situation. Many people consider it crass or tacky, and it is certainly not customary in all cultures. For example, in the United States, it is considered impolite to ask for cash. However, in Australia, it is the norm, and people in their 30s have never brought a physical gift to a wedding.
If you are set on asking for honeymoon money, there are a few ways to do so in a polite and considerate manner. Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that your guests' presence at your wedding is a gift in itself. You could say something like, "Your presence at our wedding is the best gift we could ask for". This approach is a gentle way to express that gifts are not necessary while also providing an option for those who wish to give something.
You can then express your preference for honeymoon money over physical gifts. Here are some examples of how you could word this:
- "We'd love it if you could contribute to our honeymoon fund instead!"
- "In lieu of gifts, we would be honoured if you would consider contributing to our honeymoon fund. Your generosity will help us create unforgettable memories and start our lives together on an incredible adventure."
- "No gifts are expected but donations to our honeymoon fund are always welcome."
- "We have all the pots and pans we need, but we'd love your help planning an incredible adventure."
You could also provide a registry of activities that guests can choose to sponsor or contribute to, such as your first dinner together, a guided tour, a spa day, or a hotel upgrade. This approach adds a fun and interactive element for your guests, and it can be a great way to include a range of price points to match different budgets and interests.
Finally, be sure to communicate your wishes clearly and transparently across all gift-giving opportunities, such as on your wedding website, invitations, or even through word-of-mouth via family and friends.
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Honeymoon fund dos and don'ts
Do:
- Make it clear that your guests are not expected to give a gift.
- Create a wedding website where guests can find your registry information.
- Include a nice lead-in message on your wedding website and a similar message on your honeymoon fund registry.
- Use a reputable honeymoon fund registry with transparent fees.
- Provide a range of gift amount options, and always leave one blank for guests to fill in their own amount.
- Allow guests to donate anonymously.
- Provide options for experiences at different price points, such as a sunset champagne toast or a private wine tasting.
- Ask your bridal party, family, and close friends to spread the word that what you truly want is donations towards your honeymoon.
- Consider including items on your registry that people can contribute to, such as excursions, spa days, or dinner for two.
- Use informal wording to let your personality shine through.
Don't:
- Mention wedding gifts or monetary gifts on your invitations.
- Put the actual donation link on your wedding invitation.
- Ask for a specific amount of money.
- Make guests feel forced or pressured to contribute.
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Frequently asked questions
Many couples nowadays opt for honeymoon funds instead of traditional gifts. It is becoming more common for couples to live together before marriage, so they may already have household items, or they may prefer to use the money to create memories on their honeymoon.
It is important to emphasise that your guests' presence at your wedding is a gift in itself. You can also ask your bridal party, family, and close friends to spread the word that what you truly want is donations towards your honeymoon.
You can include your wedding website on your invitations, where guests can then find your registry information. You can also include a nice lead-in message on your website and a similar message on your honeymoon fund registry.
Here is an example of informal wording: "We are thrilled about our wedding, and we hope you can attend! Because we are combining households, we have more than enough stuff. We’d love it if you could contribute to our honeymoon fund instead!" You can also use a poem to ask for contributions, or be more direct and mention specific items that guests can contribute towards, such as a sunset champagne toast or a snorkelling lesson.
Yes, there may be payment provider fees and service fees from the registry itself. Some registries also have hidden fees or forced upgrades. It is recommended to use a reputable registry and absorb the full fee yourself to avoid adding more costs for your guests.
