Wedding Gift Etiquette FAQs

Stressing over wedding registry etiquette? Worried about how to ask for cash instead of gifts? No need! We've got all the answers to your top questions on wedding gift etiquette right here. Simply click on any question below to get started. And if you've got more questions after that, feel free to reach out to us!

faqs

You Have Questions; We Have Answers

  1. Are guests expected to give us a gift?

    Get ready for a big surprise: According to traditional American etiquette, gifts of any kind should never be expected. That's why it's uncouth to include any mention of gifts with your invitation—it comes across like you're expecting a gift.

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  2. Are we expected to have a wedding registry? What if we don't want gifts?

    You might be thinking, "If gifts are not required, why should we go to the trouble of creating a registry?" Simply put, it's a courtesy to your guests. Your registry makes it easier for them to pick out something they know you'll love. Read our tips for creating a great wedding registry.

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  3. Is asking for cash gifts or money gifts acceptable etiquette?

    By and large, the answer is "Yes!" Even though asking for cash has, in the past, been against American etiquette, honeymoon registries and cash registries are much more common these days.

    And, since Honeyfund allows guests to purchase a piece of your honeymoon, home down payment, or anything else you are saving for, guests have the feeling they are contributing toward something exciting, something you really want and need, as opposed to the impersonal gift of strict cash.

    Learn more about how to ask for cash instead of gifts.

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  4. Who should pay the transaction fee on a cash gift?

    Guests should never pay a transaction fee to give you the gift of funds. Some cash registry sites justify their high fees by saying it is "less than tax and gift wrapping on a traditional gift." This may be true, but we still find it uncomfortable to charge someone to give you money. For this reason, Honeyfund offers free, offline payment methods. And, if you choose to accept online credit card payments, we offer you the lowest transaction fees available. Guests never pay a fee.

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  5. Is it proper etiquette to announce our registry in our wedding invitation?

    In all our research, we've only found one answer to this question: No! Never mention gifts or gift registries on anything associated with your invitation. You can however provide the website address of your wedding website, which you can link to Honeyfund.com and your other registries. If you don't have a wedding website, see the next question.

    Read more about wedding registry wording.

    Note: It is perfectly acceptable to include an insert about your registries in a bridal shower invitation. Download inserts here.

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  6. What if we don't have a wedding website?

    If you don't have a wedding website, Honeyfund can stand in! Since you can use Honeyfund to provide guests with wedding details like the date, location, accommodation info and other gift registries, it is acceptable to notify guests of your Honeyfund page when you mail the invitations (download inserts here).

    First, be sure to setup your Wedding Details here.

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  7. How should we spread the word about our honeymoon registry or cash gift registry?

    See the previous questions for how to handle registry information in your wedding and shower invitations. Read more about wedding registry wording.

    Also, make sure your bridal party and close family members are helping to spread the word and answer questions about your Honeyfund honeymoon registry. Word of mouth can be very effective.

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  8. Do we still need a traditional wedding gift registry?

    We recommend you create at least one conventional gift registry for the traditionalists on your guest list. It's also nice to have for the bridal shower. And this way, your guests can choose from a wide range of things they know you'll like.

    Read our full article on wedding registry etiquette tips.

    Note: There's one more benefit of a traditional registry: Many department stores entice you to "complete" your registry after your wedding by offering you up to 20% off remaining items. So if there is anything you've been eyeing for your home, put it on your wedding registry. If no one purchases it, you can get it later at a discount.

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  9. Where can I get more info about wedding gift etiquette?