Wedding Gifts?

Question

I'm getting married in a few months. My fiance and I don't really need anything so instead of doing a gift registry would it be appropriate to have people donate towards a honeymoon? If so, how would I go about it? Should I leave it up to someone else to handle? Any thoughts? Thanks!

Answer 1

People might be offended if all you want is cash. Even if you need it. I woudl still do a gift registy, there has to be something you need or want for your house. Most people give cash at weddings anyways. But i wouldnt outright just tell everyone that you want cash. The best way for this is by word of mouth

Answer 2

Hi and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Some people think it's OK, but, personally, I do not.

The problem is that the wedding, reception, AND honeymoon are all really a part of the wedding. You don't ask your guests to contribute to the wedding, so, likewise, you should not ask your guests to contribute to the honeymoon.

The bridal and travel industry have dreamed up these honeymoon registries, which, of course, they make money from! But, in general, it is not viewed favorably.

If you don't need anything, simply do not register. Your guests are smart enough to figure it out. Most, then, will give you money. Lots of people DO like to buy gifts, so you may get some.

Whatever you decide, DO NOT mention anything about registries or no registries on th invitation. That is viewed very negatively.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Well, some responders stated that it's poor etiquette to ask for money, but in my lifetime I've found that some segments of our society consider bring money gifts to the bride and groom on the wedding day is totally expected and normal etiquette, so it really depends on your ethnic background and the standards your group uses for wedding etiquette.

Someone suggested having your parents pass the word, which would work.

I have an idea for you that might make it work better.
Are you planning your trip yourselves? Or are you using a travel agent? In this situation, I think using a travel agent might help.

You know how they have registries at major stores where you can list as bride and groom and have a list available at the store of what you've stated you need? Well, why not have a travel agent set up a fund to prepay for your planned honeymoon and you can make the first deposit to it. Then, you can either add a small note to invitations, or have family and friends, bridesmaids and groomsmen pass the word to all that you have a Honeymoon Fund at a travel agent as your gift registry. A creative travel agent should be able to set it up well... like... maybe set some special events for your intended honeymoon that people could choose to pay for which you wouldn't do but would love to do but don't have funds to pay for! I think this has not been done, but I thought of it as I read you question, and I do think a Honeymoon Registry would be a GREAT CREATIVE concept for the travel agent and for the bride and groom.

I wouldn't have a "friend" handle accepting money for you. It's too easy for a "friend" to walk off with your money, and people would worry that the money wasn't going to be used for what they wanted to give you.

You could also do something totally unique, and add a note that says "the most important thing to us is sharing our wedding with you. we do not need any gifts. the best gift is your presence at our wedding. and therefore, we have set up NO registry for gifts."

That might mean less gifts, or people might choose to give you an envelope with money at the wedding... So... the choice is yours! You have a lot of good responses; you just have to choose what will work best for you.

Answer 4

The best way to do this is to simply not register anywhere. Generally this is the most proper way to hint that you would like cash rather than gifts. Most people assume they will give somethign at a wedding, so when a couple does not register, money is the other option. My fiance and I registered at target for some things that we would like, but did not put too much on the registry. If you know how many guests you are having, you can register for about half that amount of gifts. Once the gifts are gone, people will assume cash is appropriate, but it gives the option tothose who reall want to give a gift rather than cash.

Answer 5

There are websites where you can actually set up a registry for you honeymoon (versus registering at Target for plates).

I keep seeing over and over again though that you're not supposed to mention anything about gifts or registries in the invitations. You have to leave it to word of mouth by family and friends.

Answer 6

Yes, I have seen int on a few wedding websites where they have honeymoon registries. I thought it was weird at first but it is a great idea for those who don't want gifts.

Answer 7

Acctually i was told it is not propper ediquet to ask for money with your wedding. I had to make two trips from MN to NC with my gifts. So either don't be propper and ask for just money but be perpaired for the backlash.

Answer 8

The idea of that is purely gross. If you can't afford a honeymoon, then that's YOUR problem, not your guests.
Sheesh!

Answer 9

In lieu of gifts, we ask that you please donate to our Honeymoon expenses if you would like to.

But a warning, a lot of people may find donating directly to your honeymoon costs very tacky.

Answer 10

My thought on this is let your family & friends know so if anyone asks them they can tactfully say you don't need anything specific and don't register anywhere.