Wishing Well Weddings: What's Behind The Trend?

A wishing well wedding is a relatively new wedding trend that has become increasingly popular in the last decade. It is a way for guests to give monetary gifts to the couple, usually in the form of cash or gift cards. This is often done through a wishing well, which is a box or decorative item designed to look like a well, placed at the wedding venue. Couples may choose to have a wishing well wedding because they already live together and have everything they need, or they may prefer experiences over items, such as a honeymoon. While some guests may find it socially awkward to give money, wishing wells can be a convenient and hassle-free option for both the couple and the guests.

A wishing well is a box or item designed to look like a well, where guests can put cash gifts

A wishing well at a wedding is a relatively new trend that has become increasingly popular in the last decade. It is a box or item designed to look like a well, where guests can put cash gifts, usually in envelopes. The idea is that guests are wishing the couple well with funds. This trend has emerged as more couples are living together before getting married and therefore already have everything they need for their home. A wishing well allows guests to contribute to something the couple really needs, such as an expensive purchase, their honeymoon, or a house deposit. It is also a lot more convenient for guests, who no longer have to spend time and effort choosing a gift from a registry.

There is no shame in setting up a wishing well at your wedding. However, some guests may find it socially awkward and feel that the couple is being greedy or rude. To reduce the risk of your wishing well being met with hostility, it is important to communicate why you have chosen this path. Include a separate card with your invitations that explains what the money will be used for. You can also explain that guests are free to contribute whatever amount they wish or can afford, and that there is no "right" amount.

When setting up a wishing well, it is best to avoid mentioning it on your invitation. Instead, talk about it online and explain that the cash will go towards something larger, such as a new home or a baby. You can also set up a wishing well registry online through a secure service, which allows guests to contribute without having to remember to bring cash to the wedding.

After the wedding, be sure to thank your guests and keep them updated on how you spent the money. Send them photos or tag them on social media to show them the amazing places you visited on your honeymoon or the new home you were able to buy.

It's a relatively new wedding trend that has become popular as couples already live together before marriage

Wishing well weddings are a relatively new trend that has become popular as couples tend to live together before marriage and, therefore, already have all the homeware they need. A wishing well is a great way to collect cash, gift cards, or other small gifts from guests. It is usually a box or item designed to look like a well, often decorated to match the wedding's theme.

Couples who opt for a wishing well often do so because they want to use the money for something specific, such as a honeymoon, a house deposit, or a charitable cause. This can be a convenient option for guests, who may prefer to give money rather than spend time choosing a physical gift. It is also a practical solution for couples who are marrying later in life and already have everything they need for their home.

However, some guests may feel uncomfortable giving money or worry about giving the "right" amount. To avoid this, couples can communicate the purpose of the wishing well and make it clear that there is no expected amount to give. It is also recommended to place the wishing well in a quiet corner of the reception and provide blank envelopes for guests to use.

After the wedding, it is important to show guests where the money was spent by sending updates or including photos in thank-you cards. This helps guests feel that their contribution was appreciated and went towards something meaningful.

It's a convenient option for guests who don't want to spend time picking out a gift

A wishing well wedding is a relatively new trend that has become increasingly popular in the last decade. It is a convenient option for guests who don't want to spend time picking out a gift. Instead of asking for physical gifts, the couple requests cash or contributions for things like a honeymoon. This can be a great option for couples who already live together and have everything they need for their home.

A wishing well is usually a box or item designed to look like a well, and it is set up at the wedding for guests to drop off their monetary gifts. It can also be done digitally through an online service, which may be more comfortable for some guests. This option saves them the hassle of having to remember to bring cash to the wedding.

When it comes to the amount, there is no "right" amount to give. It is simply about what the guest wants to give and what they can afford. The couple may choose to include a separate card with their invitations explaining their decision and what the money will be used for. This can help guests understand that their contribution is going towards something meaningful, such as a honeymoon or a house deposit.

A wishing well wedding can be a convenient and practical option for both the couple and the guests. It eliminates the stress of picking out a gift and ensures that the couple receives something they truly need or want.

Couples can use the money for a honeymoon, house deposit or charitable donation

A wishing well wedding is a relatively new concept where couples request monetary gifts from their guests instead of traditional wedding presents. This approach is particularly useful for couples who already have most of the homeware they need or who would simply prefer cash gifts.

Couples can use the money for a variety of purposes, including a honeymoon, a house deposit, or a charitable donation. For example, one couple mentioned in the sources used the money gifted to them to donate to a cancer hospital in São Paulo and a dog rescue charity in Greece.

• Include a separate card in the invitation that explains the wishing well concept and how the money will be used.
• Reassure guests that their presence is the greatest gift and that no gift is expected.
• Note that traditional gifts are always welcome and that you will gratefully accept all gifts.
• If guests are still unsure about giving money, the couple's family and wedding party can be informed about the wishing well so that they can answer any delicate questions that guests may be too shy to ask.

It's considered rude to mention gifts or a wishing well on the wedding invitation

A wishing well wedding is a relatively new concept where couples ask for cash gifts or donations instead of the traditional boxed gifts. This is usually done by setting up a "wishing well" at the wedding or bridal shower, which guests can drop cash, cheques, or gift cards into. While this can be a practical option for couples who already have most of the homeware they need, it is considered rude to mention gifts or a wishing well on the wedding invitation.

The purpose of a wedding invitation is to invite guests to celebrate the special day with the couple and should not be an opportunity to ask for gifts. Gifts are just that—gifts. They are given by the giver's choice, not by the recipient's demands. By mentioning gifts or a wishing well on the invitation, the couple comes off as entitled and greedy. It is also seen as making guests pay for their wedding, which is not what guests are supposed to do.

If a couple prefers cash gifts or donations, there are more tactful ways to communicate this without putting it on the invitation. One way is to spread the word through family members and close friends, who can then inform other guests when asked about gift suggestions. Another option is to create a wedding website where guests can find information about the couple's preferences. This way, the couple is providing information to those who seek it, rather than demanding gifts from all guests.

Additionally, some wishing wells are used for well-wishes or advice for the couple, rather than monetary gifts. This can be a fun and creative way to involve guests in the celebration without the expectation of cash gifts. Overall, while a wishing well wedding may be a practical option for some couples, it is important to approach it with sensitivity and avoid mentioning gifts or a wishing well on the wedding invitation.

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