When people get married they usually register at Macy's, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrel, Target, Pottery Barn, etc. However, couples should not forget to also create a "Honeymoon Registry". Honeymoon registries allow a couple to create and customize a registry web page with photos and details of their upcoming honeymoon. Wedding guests are invited to visit the registry site so they may contribute a monetary gift to cover a portion of the honeymoon or a specific activity as detailed by the couple.
For example, a couple may list dinner at an elegant restaurant, scuba diving lessons, or upgrades for hotel and airfare. These activities are displayed in an organized and user-friendly inventory format on their customized registry page. As wedding guests browse the registry page, they can make a gift, typically using a credit card, of any of the listed activities or give a general monetary gift of any amount towards the honeymoon. This is a perfect option for those who have already been living together and don't need towels, china or a waffle iron.
The Honeymoon Registry is a concept that is still catching on, even though on average, a couple who uses one will usually receive up to $2500.00 in gifts! I have had few clients who have been interested in taking advantage of this resource but were afraid that their guests would find them to be tacky. Actually, in a May 2008 Wall Street Journal review of popular honeymoon registry services, Peter Post, president of the Emily Post Institute states, "A honeymoon is a perfectly appropriate gift to request...there's no objection to it from an etiquette point of view." In reality, guests LOVE honeymoon registries as it's the easiest way to purchase a gift for the couple. In fact, most registries see the majority of activity in the last 48 hours prior to the wedding!
"Childfree Travel" offers a the option of a honeymoon registry for our clients and strongly believes that if done correctly, it can be a great tool for newlyweds and their guests. We partner with Honeyfund as our registry provider (our owner used them for her own honeymoon and hence recommends them from personal experience). Below we offer tips on how to do a Honeymoon Registry the right way...
1. Pay For Your Trip in Full:
Guests don't want to think they are being swindled to pay for your vacation. We suggest you pay for your basic trip, flights and hotel, in full. Then you can let guests know that they are not contributing to the "nuts and bolts" of your honeymoon but true experiences and activities that will give you memories to last a lifetime (such as a "couples massage", "private dinner on the beach", "exclusive wine tasting", etc.).
2. Stick with a Low Price Point:
I suggest couples have each activity priced in increments of $10, $15, $25, $40 and $50. This way a guest knows that a simple $10.00 contribution towards a gift will be appreciated, but another guest may still combine items and spend much more. Most guests want to make that choice for themselves and are put off by high ticket registry items (also true with a traditional registry). This is compounded if they already have to travel or otherwise spend for your wedding. Again, guests don't want to feel like they are being taken advantage of and you want them to know that you care more about them as a family member or friend, than as a pocketbook.
3. Do Not Promote Your Registry with Your Invitation:
Proper etiquette dictates that you should never invite someone and mention how they can get you a gift at the same time. "Childfree Travel" believes that the right place to alert guests of any registry is on a wedding website (sites such as www.weddingwire.com provide one free for couples). If you have guests who are not computer savvy, rely on the Matron Of Honor and/or Best Man to spread the word. We find that people who want to get you a gift, will figure out how to do so.
4. Create a Secondary Traditional Gift Registry:
There are still traditionalists who would rather buy tangible gifts from well known department stores. Don't leave them out in the cold by not giving them that option. It never hurts to create another traditional registry with a few gift options. This way you make everyone happy and put yourself in a position to receive a variety of presents.
5. Include a Wide Selection of Gift Options:
Don't have an entire registry that lists one thing, instead, mix it up with a many options! Your guests should be able to choose what they want to get you instead of being pigeon-holed by too few options. Remember even all-inclusive resorts have items that still cost extra, such as spa treatments or tours. Plus there are still things you can ask for related to the trip, such as private transfers, passes to the airport lounge, air or accommodation upgrades (this is an acceptable request since your basic room is already paid for), and even new luggage.
"Childfree Travel" works with couples who have honeymoon registries seamlessly. We book a honeymoon with the couple based on their current or projected budget and then add upgrades, tours, amenities, etc. as the money from the registry comes in. This way our newlywed clients are able to experience the a vacation of a lifetime!
**If you book your honeymoon with our agency, we'll create a registry for you for FREE!**
When you're ready to book your next vacation, we're ready to get you there!
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