Franklin Dean
A honeymoon wishing well is a modern approach to wedding gifting, where couples give guests the option to make cash contributions to a physical or digital donation box, which is often used to fund their honeymoon. This is becoming an increasingly popular option for couples who live together before marriage or who have been married before and do not need traditional wedding gifts. Honeymoon wishing wells are especially popular in Australia, with one survey from 2004 alleging that up to 60% of weddings had them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Gaining popularity as a modern approach to wedding gifting |
| Purpose | Couples can use it to collect money for their honeymoon or other expenses |
| Target Audience | Suitable for couples who already have household items |
| Communication | Couples should inform guests about their gift preferences in the wedding invitation |
| Amount | There is no definitive right or wrong amount; it depends on factors like the guest's financial situation and relationship with the couple |
| Format | Can be a physical or digital box where guests can drop money or envelopes with cash |
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What You'll Learn
Wishing well wording
Wishing wells are a modern approach to wedding gifting, where couples give guests the option to make a cash contribution to a physical or digital fund, instead of setting up a gift registry. This money often goes towards a honeymoon, but it can also be used for other expenses like a new home.
Keep it Light and Friendly
It can feel uncomfortable asking for money, so it's best to keep the tone of your wishing well wording light and friendly. For example: "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift. Should you wish to contribute to our honeymoon, we have set up a fund to help us create unforgettable memories." This example acknowledges that the guests' presence is a gift, while also providing an option to contribute to the honeymoon fund.
Express Gratitude
Start by expressing gratitude and emphasizing that your guests' presence at your wedding is the most important thing. For instance: "Your presence on our wedding day is the most special gift we could possibly ask for. However, if you do wish to bless us and contribute to our future together, we are saving for our new home. A wishing well will be present at our reception."
Be Clear and Intimate
It's important to be clear about your gift preferences. You can include a 'note on gifts' along with your wedding invitations. For example: "We welcome gifts, but we'd prefer honeymoon spending money. We will have a wishing well set up at our reception." This lets guests know exactly what you prefer, while still allowing them to choose.
Get Creative with Poems
You can also add a creative poem to your wishing well wording. Something like: "A wishing well, we thought would be great, But only if, you wish to participate, A gift of money, is deposited into a well, Then make a wish… But shhh don't tell!" This approach adds a fun and whimsical tone to your request.
Remember, there are no strict rules for wishing well wording. You can be formal or informal, serious or lighthearted. The key is to keep it genuine and true to your personality and relationship with your guests.
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Honeymoon fund vs. gift registry
A honeymoon fund is a modern alternative to a traditional gift registry. It allows guests to contribute to the cost of a couple's honeymoon, rather than giving physical gifts. There are several websites that offer honeymoon fund services, such as Honeyfund, Traveler's Joy, Hitchd, and SPUR Experiences. These websites allow couples to create a registry where guests can contribute to specific experiences, such as spa treatments, romantic dinners, or travel upgrades.
Honeymoon funds have become increasingly popular, as they offer a more personalized and meaningful way to give a gift. Instead of receiving a simple cash gift, guests can choose to fund specific experiences that the couple will enjoy on their honeymoon. This adds an emotional value to the gift, knowing that it will help create lasting memories for the couple.
One advantage of using a honeymoon fund website is the convenience and flexibility it offers. Couples can easily set up a registry and customize it with their travel plans and wish lists. Guests can also contribute easily and securely, often using their preferred payment method. Some websites, such as Honeyfund, offer additional features like the Honeyfund Wallet, which allows couples to redeem their funds in various ways, including digital gift cards or transfers to PayPal or Venmo.
However, there are differing opinions on the appropriateness of honeymoon funds. Some people may view asking for money as rude or tacky, especially if they belong to an older generation. In such cases, a traditional gift registry may be more appropriate. It is important to consider your guests' preferences and comfort levels when deciding between a honeymoon fund and a gift registry.
Ultimately, the decision between a honeymoon fund and a gift registry depends on the couple's preferences and what they value most. A honeymoon fund allows for a more personalized and memorable experience, while a gift registry may be more suitable for those who prefer physical gifts or are uncomfortable with the idea of asking for money. It is also possible to have a hybrid approach, as suggested by some sources, where both options are offered to cater to different guest preferences.
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How much to give
A honeymoon wishing well is a modern approach to wedding gifting, where couples give guests the option to make a cash contribution to a physical or digital fund for their honeymoon, instead of setting up a gift registry.
There is no definitive right or wrong amount to contribute to a honeymoon wishing well. The amount you give depends on a range of factors, including your personal financial situation and how well you know the couple.
If you're looking for tangible guidance, one survey of 27 Australian women aged 21 to 40 found that anywhere from $50 to $200 per guest tends to be the norm. Guests also tend to give more generously if the couple are close friends or immediate family. In contrast, if you're less acquainted with the couple, contributing a smaller amount is more common.
Another way of figuring out how much to give is to consider how much the couple has spent on having you at their wedding. This 'cost per head' calculation will only be an estimate, but it can give you a ballpark figure to work with based on the dress code, style of the wedding venue, catering and drink options provided.
If the couple is using a digital wishing well, this tool might prompt you to contribute a specific amount, which can also guide you on how much to give.
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Digital vs. physical wishing well
A honeymoon wishing well is a way for couples to collect cash gifts from their wedding guests to fund their honeymoon. Traditionally, this is a decorated box or basket where guests can place envelopes of money and cards. However, in the digital age, there is now the option of setting up an online honeymoon wishing well.
Digital Wishing Well
A digital wishing well is a personalised website that allows couples to create a list of desired gifts for their wedding. This list is then shared with their guests, who can select and purchase gifts that the couple truly wants or needs. Couples can also upload images and descriptions of what they will use the funds for, such as their honeymoon, making the process more meaningful for guests. This option is more convenient for guests, who don't need to worry about bringing cash or cheques to the wedding. It also feels more secure than putting money into a physical box. Digital registries can also include interactive elements such as imagery and kind messages, enhancing the overall wedding experience for guests.
Physical Wishing Well
A physical wishing well is usually a decorated box or basket placed at the wedding venue, where guests can discreetly drop off their monetary gifts. This option may be preferred by guests who are uncomfortable with online transactions or who forget to bring cash to the wedding. It can also be a cute and creative addition to the wedding decor.
Both digital and physical wishing wells have their advantages. A digital wishing well offers convenience, security, and a more personalised experience, while a physical wishing well provides a tangible and traditional way for guests to contribute. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the couple's preference and what they think their guests would be most comfortable with.
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When to ask for contributions
Asking for cash gifts can be a tricky situation, but there are ways to do so politely. It is best to inform your guests about your honeymoon wishing well at two main points of contact: when sending out your invitations and on the day at the wedding venue.
With your invitations
When sending out your wedding invitations, it is good practice to include a separate card in the same envelope with a 'note on gifts'. Here, you can politely inform your guests about your gift preferences. For example, you could say that your presence at the wedding is gift enough, but if they would like to give something, you would appreciate spending money for your honeymoon. This is also an opportunity to direct guests to your wedding website, where they can find more details about your honeymoon plans and how they can contribute.
At the wedding venue
On the day of your wedding, allocate a space for your wishing well and make it easily identifiable with a clear and nicely designed sign. This could be a simple box or something more creative, like a suitcase if you're asking for honeymoon contributions. This is a good visual reminder for guests who may have forgotten to bring cash and gives them an opportunity to do so.
After the wedding
Once you return from your honeymoon, be sure to update your wedding website or send out a note with your thank-you cards to show guests what their contributions helped you achieve. For example, you could share photos of your honeymoon or your new home, or a fancy dinner you were able to enjoy thanks to their generosity. This will help your guests feel appreciated and part of your special day and future together.
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Frequently asked questions
A honeymoon wishing well is a way for guests to contribute financially to a couple's honeymoon as a wedding gift. This can be done through a physical or digital box where guests can drop money.
Honeymoon wishing wells are often chosen by couples who already have most household items and would prefer to have financial contributions towards experiences or a new home.
Here is an example from Peppermint Press: "Your presence at our wedding is present enough, so don't worry about gifts, we have plenty of stuff. However, if you were thinking of helping us on our way, some money towards our honeymoon would truly make our day."
There is no definitive right or wrong amount to contribute. It depends on your financial situation and how well you know the couple. You can also consider how much the couple has spent on hosting you at their wedding.
Honeymoon wishing wells are becoming increasingly popular in certain countries like Australia. In the US, however, they are not as well-known or accepted.
