For couples who already have most of their household necessities, a honeymoon registry is a fun and practical idea. Guests provide you with contributions towards your honeymoon, sharing experiences with you and giving you memories that will last a lifetime. For couples who are more interested in experiences than more kitchen goods, here are some tips to creating a honeymoon registry.
Wanderable offers a stylish and free honeymoon registry. Sign up with invite code “WEDDINGISTAS” to get an early invite!!
1. Budget realistically
Starting early gives you the benefit of improving your budget planning by getting more offers! As you establish your budget, make you are prepared to pay for your full honeymoon – as you cannot rely completely on the fact that guests will pay for all of it. Be realistic with your budgeting as you plan your dream honeymoon
2. Spread the word (by word of mouth or a tasteful link on your wedding page)
Word of mouth is by far the best way to let others know about your honeymoon registry. You can inform close friends or family directly, and they will help you out. This is particularly useful when you live far from your family or friends.
Some honeymoon registry sites offer email invites to your guests to inform them. However, it is important that you don’t mention your gift registry on your save-the-date or wedding invitations as you don’t want your guests to feel obliged to buy you a gift or make a monetary contribution.
3. Be welcoming (a guest’s presence is always more important than their gifts)
That is what makes the welcome message so important. Some people use poems from different websites and others come up with their own message. If you are coming up with your own message, make your guests feel welcome upon accessing your website and make sure you have taken the time to explain why you are using a honeymoon registry. It is also essential that you emphasize your appreciation of their presence at your wedding more than a gift, but understand that not everyone is going to be able to make it.
5. Describe the experiences you want (immerse the guests in what could be)
For each gift or experience, you need to ensure that your guests feel that they are sharing the experience with you. Be creative, entertaining and more importantly, specific. People should know exactly where there money is going, especially if you are asking for an expensive dinner – don’t be vague and provide them with the name of a restaurant. Involve your guests in the experience as they contribute to your honeymoon memoirs.
6. Keep your guests’ budgets in mind (break up large items into smaller gifts)
Please keep in mind that all your guests will have different incomes and will therefore vary in their contribution. Keep the values low – so if you’re asking for something that costs $200.00, break it down so guests can contribute 4 x $50.00. Remember that they are also spending money to make it to your wedding in the first place!
7. Thank you (make the guests part of the experience)
A personal hand-written thank you note is the best way to show your guests your appreciation. It’s a nice gesture to atttach pictures of the experience (if you send them after the honeymoon). That way they know exactly how you used their gifts and feel part of the experience. If you’re going to send them after the wedding, try to send them within 3 months after your honeymoon.
You can see some of Wanderable’s sample registries to Paris, Maui, or take a tour of the experience.
Marcela Miyazawa is Co-Founder over at Wanderable, a free honeymoon website inspiring people to wander.
