Lyla Dejesus
Wedding wishing wells are a popular way for guests to give monetary gifts to newlyweds. They are often used when couples don't need any physical gifts or would prefer cash to fund their honeymoon or living expenses. Wishing wells can be a simple box or basket, or they can be creatively incorporated into the wedding's theme. While some people find it awkward to ask for money, there are polite ways to word your invitation to make guests feel comfortable contributing cash instead of gifts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Alternative way for guests to give gifts |
| Benefits for guests | Cost-effective, alleviates decision fatigue, discreet and convenient |
| Benefits for couples | Funding for honeymoon, wedding expenses, living expenses, etc. |
| Wording | Polite, friendly, and not pushy |
| Location | Quiet corner at the reception or on the gift table |
| Type | Physical (box, basket, etc.) or digital |
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Monetary gifts
If you are planning to request monetary gifts, it's important to be considerate in your wording. While it's perfectly acceptable to mention your preference for cash gifts, avoid asking for money outright or using the word "donation", as your wedding isn't a charity. Instead, use polite and friendly language that makes guests feel welcome and comfortable. For example, you could say, "We are thrilled to celebrate our special day with all of our loved ones. And of all the gifts you could bring, your presence is the most cherished. However, if you would like to contribute to our wedding costs, we will have a wishing well set up at our reception."
You can also provide more detail about what you plan to do with the monetary gifts. For example, if you're saving up for a honeymoon, you could mention your destination and the experiences you hope to have there. This can make guests feel more connected to your plans and excited to contribute.
There are a few different ways to collect monetary gifts. The traditional method is to have a box or decorative basket at the reception where guests can drop envelopes with cash or cheques. However, digital wishing wells are also becoming popular, where couples set up a website or use a platform like Hitchd or GoFundMe to accept contributions. These platforms often allow guests to contribute anonymously if they prefer.
Keep in mind that not all guests will be familiar or comfortable with the concept of a wishing well, so it's a good idea to provide an explanation on your wedding website or in an email before the wedding. You can also include the link or a QR code to your digital wishing well on your wedding invitations or at the reception venue.
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Cards
If you are the couple getting married, you may want to include a 'note on gifts' when sending out wedding invitations. This can be a separate piece of card included in the envelope, where you can indicate your gift preferences. For example, you might specify that you would prefer money, or that you would like guests to donate to a charity of your choice. It is important to be polite and not demanding when wording this card, as it is an option for guests rather than a requirement. You may also want to specify what you will be putting the money towards, such as your honeymoon or a new home.
If you are a guest attending a wedding with a wishing well, you might include a message with your card. This could be a simple well-wish for the couple, such as "wishing you a lifetime of wedded bliss" or "may your special union bring unbelievable joy to your life". You could also include a lighthearted joke, such as "now you'll both have someone to laugh at your corny jokes!".
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Honeymoon contributions
Many couples nowadays prefer to receive cash over gifts at their weddings. Asking for money, however, can be awkward. A wedding wishing well is a box where guests can leave monetary contributions, which can be used for honeymoon plans or wedding expenses.
Classic and Elegant
“Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. Should you wish to honour us with a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon fund would be greatly appreciated.”
Gracious and Respectful
"We kindly request no boxed gifts. If you would like to give a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon fund would be most appreciated."
Respectful and Honouring Tradition
"To Our Beloved Guests, we are honoured to have you join us on our wedding day. If you would like to give a gift, we respectfully request a contribution to our honeymoon fund. We have all the household items we need, and your support will allow us to create wonderful memories on our honeymoon to [Destination]. Thank you for your understanding and generosity. We look forward to celebrating with you.”
Witty and Playful
"We’ve got pots and pans galore, but we could really use some help with our honeymoon tour, a cruise dinner, or a couple's massage!"
Wellness Activities
You can ask for funds for yoga classes, meditation sessions, or wellness retreats during the honeymoon.
Fitness Experiences
Include options for fitness classes or gym memberships at your honeymoon destination.
Shows and Concerts
You can ask for funds for tickets to local theatre productions, concerts, or performances during the honeymoon.
Museums and Galleries
Ask for contributions towards entrance fees to museums, art galleries, or historical sites near your honeymoon destination.
Cultural Experiences
Funds for traditional experiences like dance performances, cultural festivals, or historical tours can also be requested.
Travel Insurance
Help cover the cost of travel insurance for peace of mind during the trip.
Emergency Fund
Create a fund for any unexpected expenses that may arise during your honeymoon.
Miscellaneous Fun
Contributions for spontaneous activities or surprises that come up during your travels.
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Online wishing well
An online wedding wishing well is a great way to allow guests to make a virtual donation before, during, or after the wedding. It is a convenient, reliable, and secure way for guests to contribute, and it ensures that all contributions are tracked.
Firstly, select a service to use for your wedding wishing well, such as Hitchd, Honeyfund, Wish U Well, Honeymoon Wishes, Traveler's Joy, or MyWishingWell. These services provide a simple and safe way for guests to make contributions, and some even offer additional features like honeymoon planning or charitable donations.
Once you have chosen a service, create an account and personalise your wedding registry. You can include any details you wish to share, such as a note about your gift preferences. For example, you may prefer honeymoon spending money or no gifts at all. This information can also be included on your wedding website, along with a link to your online registry.
When sending out invitations, include a separate card in the envelope to explain your gift preferences politely and honestly. You may also want to include the registry link in your digital invitations.
At the wedding venue, you can also set up a physical wishing well, such as a box or a decorative basket, and display the online cash registry URL or a QR code for guests to scan and contribute. This way, guests have the option to give their gift digitally or with cash.
After the event, the funds are deposited into the host's chosen account, usually within 48 hours, minus any processing fees. Overall, an online wedding wishing well is a convenient and efficient way to manage gift contributions and ensure a positive experience for both the happy couple and their guests.
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Gift alternatives
While wishing wells are a great way to collect cash gifts, they can also be used to collect other types of gifts or donations. Here are some ideas for gift alternatives that you can include in your wedding wishing well:
- Gift cards or vouchers: Guests can place gift cards or vouchers in the wishing well, which allows them to give a monetary gift without the awkwardness of giving cash. This also gives the couple the flexibility to choose how to spend the money.
- Cheques: Similar to gift cards, cheques provide a more formal way for guests to give monetary gifts. It also provides a record of the transaction for both the guest and the couple.
- Small gifts: If you prefer to receive physical gifts, you can use the wishing well to collect small gifts such as jewellery, gift baskets, or other tokens of appreciation. Just make sure the well is appropriately sized to accommodate these gifts.
- Donations to a charity: If you and your partner are passionate about a particular cause, you can use the wishing well to collect donations for a charity close to your hearts. This allows guests to contribute to a meaningful cause while also celebrating your special day.
- Online cash registries: Instead of a physical wishing well, you can set up a digital cash registry. This provides a convenient and secure way for guests to make monetary contributions online. Platforms like The Knot Registry offer this service, allowing guests to contribute without the need for a physical box at the wedding venue.
- Greeting cards and well wishes: Some couples choose to use the wishing well as a place for guests to drop off greeting cards and well wishes. This can be a thoughtful way to receive heartfelt messages and advice from your loved ones on your wedding day.
Remember, it's essential to communicate your gift preferences clearly and politely to your guests. Whether you choose to include a ''note on gifts'' with your invitations or use thoughtful wording at the wedding venue, ensuring your guests feel comfortable and welcomed is key.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding wishing well is a box, basket, or other container set up at a wedding reception where guests can place cards, cash, cheques, or vouchers as gifts for the newly married couple.
Wedding wishing wells are becoming increasingly popular as many couples already own many traditional wedding gifts or would prefer cash to put towards their honeymoon, living expenses, or wedding costs. A wishing well also provides guests with the option to give money if they are unsure of what gift to buy.
It is common to include a 'note on gifts' when sending out wedding invitations. This can be a separate piece of card included in the envelope that expresses your gift preferences as a couple. For example, you could state that you welcome gifts, would prefer money, or would like no gifts at all. You can also mention the wishing well on your wedding website if you have one.
