Writing wedding thank you notes is a meaningful way to express your gratitude to those who shared in your special day, or celebrated you from afar. It’s not only a courteous gesture but also a chance to pause and take time to reflect on not only the wonderful gifts your loved ones generously gave you, but to think about the love and support of your friends and family as you start your married life. . To help you craft the perfect thank you notes, we’ve put together some tips, a simple formula, and five examples to guide you.

When to Send Thank You Notes

Traditional wedding etiquette says that wedding thank you notes should be sent within three months of your wedding day. However, it’s often recommended to do so sooner, ideally within a month, for a more timely expression of gratitude. Starting the writing process early can also make it more manageable. Consider tackling a few thank you notes each evening to ease the task, and don’t forget to share this responsibility with your partner!

Types of Thank You Notes to Send

For Gifts: If you put any housewares or physical items on your registry, these thank you notes are specifically crafted to express your appreciation for the tangible gifts you received on your wedding day. Mention the gift specifically and how and when you plan to use or enjoy it.

For Honeyfund Contributions: These notes are designed to convey your appreciation for the generous monetary gifts that will (or already did!) make your dream honeymoon experiences a reality. Express your excitement about the adventures and special moments that their contributions will enable you to enjoy during your getaway.

For Attendance: It’s essential to acknowledge the presence of those who graced your wedding with their company, even if they didn’t give you a physical gift or make a contribution to your Honeyfund. These notes express gratitude for the emotional support, well wishes, and the shared joy that your guests brought to your special day.

For Special Contributions and Services: Some individuals may go above and beyond in supporting your big day, whether they are friends and family or wedding vendors. Consider writing a note to those in your wedding party, who performed a reading during your ceremony, or to the stylists who did your hair and makeup. These notes are reserved for those extraordinary individuals who played a special role in your big day.

Formula for Structuring Your Thank You Notes 

You know you have to write thank you notes, but how do you start thinking of what to say? Just like the greeting message on your wedding website, a great thank you note is personal, specific and comes from the heart. Use the simple formula below to guide you. and you’ll knock them out in no time.

Start with a Greeting: Begin your thank you note with a warm and personalized greeting. Address the recipient by their name or their relationship to you, such as “Dear Aunt Susan” or “Hello John and Sarah.” This sets the tone for a heartfelt expression of gratitude. It may be tempting to skip writing the recipient’s name to move more quickly through your stack of notes, but this very small bit of personalization makes a big difference in setting the tone for your note.

Acknowledge Their Presence: Open your message by expressing your sincere gratitude for their attendance at your wedding or their special role in your life. Let them know that their presence has made a significant impact on your happiness.

Express Gratitude: Start your thank you note by expressing heartfelt thanks for their generous Honeyfund contribution or physical gift. Highlight the significance of their gift in helping you create memorable honeymoon experiences.

Get Specific: To make your thank you note even more personal and meaningful, share a specific detail about the gift or honeymoon experience their gift will help fund. Whether it’s a romantic dinner on the beach, a thrilling adventure, or a relaxing spa day, this adds a personal touch that shows your genuine appreciation. Pro tip: include a photo from your trip of you enjoying the experience they gifted you! 

Share Future Plans: If applicable, mention how excited you are to embark on the honeymoon experiences they’ve contributed to. This not only expresses your anticipation but also lets them know that they are a part of your future happiness.

Closing & Sign-off: Close the note with warmth and sincerity, and then sign your names. Use phrases like “once again, thank you for your generosity,” or “we feel truly blessed to have you in our lives.” These closing words add a final touch of gratitude and appreciation.

Thank You Note Examples 

Using the formula above, take some of our examples below and make them your own! 

For Someone Who Contributed To Your Honeyfund

Dear Aunt Susan,

We’re so glad you could be there to support us on our big day. We are overjoyed to thank you for your generous Honeyfund contribution that will make our romantic beach dinner during our honeymoon a reality. Your presence at our wedding meant the world to us, and now your thoughtful gift will allow us to enjoy a delicious meal by the shore. [Your and your partner’s names]can’t wait to create this beautiful memory together. Once again, thank you for your generosity.

Warmly, [Your Names]

Dear Lisa and Mark,

Your presence at our wedding was a delight, and we want to express our heartfelt thanks for your generous Honeyfund contribution. Your thoughtful gift will help us take an exciting excursion during our honeymoon. We are thrilled about taking our honeymoon next month and for all of the fun and excitement ahead. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Sincerely, [Your Names]

For Someone Who Bought You a Physical Gift

Hello Sarah and Michael,

Your presence at our wedding was a wonderful gift, and your thoughtful gift of the elegant dinnerware set is a great addition to our home. We truly appreciate your generosity and the time you took to select such a beautiful and meaningful gift. We can’t wait to use it for special meals and gatherings with loved ones. 

With heartfelt gratitude, [Your Names]

For a Friend Who Helped with a Special Contribution

Dear Michelle,

We can’t express our gratitude enough for all of your hard work on our wedding day. Your talent and dedication played a significant role in making all of us look and feel our best. You made our morning so fun, and I couldn’t have asked for better makeup—your work was better than the pictures I showed you for inspo! Your expertise added a special touch to our day, and we are deeply thankful.

With warm appreciation, [Your Names]

For Someone Who Didn’t Get You a Gift

Dear Mr. Brown,

We want to express our heartfelt thanks for being with us on our wedding day. Your presence meant the world to us, and we truly appreciate your support. We’re grateful you were able to celebrate such a special moment in our lives with us. We look forward to more shared moments in the future.

Warm regards, [Your Names]

Incorporating these tips and using the formula and examples above, you can create heartfelt and personalized thank you notes that will leave a lasting impression on your wedding guests and those who contributed to your special day.

The post How to Write Heartfelt Wedding Thank You Notes appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Planning a honeymoon can be one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. Many couples dream of a honeymoon filled with adventure, relaxation, and romance, but the costs associated with planning a dreamy getaway might make the trip feel unattainable. That’s where a honeymoon fund like Honeyfund comes in. In recent years, honeymoon funds have become an increasingly popular option for couples looking to get the most out of their honeymoon without breaking the bank. In fact, nearly 25% of couples who got married in 2021 registered for a honeymoon or other cash-based gift like a home down payment. 

If you’re feeling unsure about how to explain the concept of a honeymoon fund or what to say to ask for contributions, don’t worry. We’re here to help! We’ll go over the basics of what a honeymoon fund is and why it’s a great option for many couples. We’ll also give you some tips on how to share your registry and communicate with your guests in a way that feels authentic and comfortable for you.

And gift givers love honeymoon funds. We always hear from couples’ friends and family “I wish I had a honeymoon fund when I got married!” Still not sure? We have found that couples who honeymoon and travel regularly are more likely to be happily married 10+ years later. Your friends and family are coming to your wedding to support you as a couple, so they will want to help make your honeymoon happen!

Image credits: Plume and Stone

What is a honeymoon fund? 

A honeymoon fund, like Honeyfund, is a modern take on traditional gift registries. Instead of asking for physical gifts, you create a registry for your honeymoon expenses, and your guests can contribute to it. The beauty of a honeymoon fund is that all the contributions turn into cash, giving you the freedom to spend the money as you see fit. Whether you want to use it for your honeymoon expenses or save it for a future goal, you decide! You read that right: you create a registry for your honeymoon, but you receive funds that can be used for your honeymoon expenses or any other savings goals.

Your honeymoon fund registry  can include everything from airfare to accommodations to activities. Instead of registering for physical gifts, you’re asking your guests to contribute to a shared experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime. A Honeyfund registry allows couples to have the honeymoon of their dreams without worrying about the financial burden. Plus, honeymoon funds can be a great option for couples who already have all the physical items they need for their home.

Ways to share your registry

Sharing your honeymoon fund with your guests is just as important as making the registry! In fact, our research has shown that couples who share their Honeyfund page with their friends and family are more than twice as likely to receive contributions. Here are some tips on how to share it effectively:

In your wedding invitations:

– Include a small card with your shower and wedding invitations that mentions your honeymoon fund and provides a link or a QR code to it. Print customized registry cards from your Honeyfund account.

– Add your registry details, including your Honeyfund URL or a QR code, printed on the back of your invitations. 

– If you’re going the paperless route, include a hyperlink to your Honeyfund registry at the bottom of your digital invites.

– Consider including the link to your Honeyfund when you follow up with guests via email for RSVP reminders.

On your wedding website:

– If you’re using a wedding website, make sure you include the link to your Honeyfund page in addition to any other registries you choose to create. 

– Make sure to include a personal message that explains why you’ve chosen a honeymoon fund and how the contributions will be used.

– Add photos or videos of your destination to help your guests visualize your trip.

– Don’t have a wedding website? You can also use your Honeyfund page as your full wedding website. Simply add all your relevant wedding details to your Honeyfund page, including ceremony, reception, guest accommodations and more. 

On social media:

– Share a post on your social media accounts that mentions your Honeyfund and provides a link to it.

– Make sure to keep the message light and fun.

– Share photos of your engagement or your destination to create excitement among your friends and family.

Word of mouth:

– Bring up your honeymoon fund when talking to friends and family about your wedding.

– Explain why you’ve chosen a Honeyfund and how the contributions will be used.

– Encourage them to share the information with other wedding guests who may be interested in contributing towards your registry.

At your wedding:

– Set up a sign at your wedding reception with a QR code that guests can scan to view your honeymoon registry. This can be placed near the gift table or near the guest book.

– During your wedding speech, take a moment to thank your guests for their attendance and thank them for their contributions to  your honeymoon registry. Explain why you chose this option and how much it means to you.

And don’t forget thank you cards! After you return from your honeymoon, be sure to send thank you notes to all who contributed to yourHoneyfund. You can even share details or pictures of what honeymoon experiences the guest contributed towards. Your friends and family will love to see how their contributions led to your lifelong memories!

When to share your registry

When it comes to timing, it’s best to share your registry when you send out your wedding invitations, typically around 3 to 4 months before your big day. This will give you plenty of time to accumulate contributions to get as many honeymoon expenses covered as you can. However, if you have a short engagement or are planning a last-minute honeymoon, you can always share it closer to the wedding. This is a great option, because guests don’t have to worry about ordering anything that has to get shipped. And it’s always great to remind guests of your honeymoon fund as it gets closer to your wedding day – typically 4-7 days before your wedding, included in any last-minute reminder communications you’re texting or e-mailing. 

How to communicate your honeymoon fund to guests

Now that you’ve created your Honeyfund registry and know when and where you’re going to share it, it’s time to think about how to communicate your honeymoon fund to your guests. To start, make it personal. Explain why a honeymoon is important to you and how much their contribution means to you and your partner. Instead of asking guests to give you cash for your honeymoon, a Honeyfund is a great way to let guests know exactly what their contribution will go towards, whether it’s a specific experience or activity on your honeymoon or the overall trip cost. 

Secondly, use polite language and provide clear instructions on how to contribute. Thank your guests in advance for their support and let them know that their contribution will make a difference and make sure you’re sharing a link to your honeymoon fund or let guests know how they can contribute directly.

Lastly, remember to be open to questions and to let guests know that any contribution is appreciated. Some guests—especially older friends and family—may not be familiar with the concept of a honeymoon fund, so be prepared to explain it to them and address any concerns they may have.

Examples of How To Word Your Honeymoon Fund Request

If you’re struggling with how to word your request for contributions towards your honeymoon fund, we’ve drafted up some examples to help you get started. Simply copy, paste and tweak the following messages for your invites and wedding website.

On your invites:

“Your presence is gift enough. But if you choose to give a gift, scan the QR code below to view our registry.”

“In lieu of traditional gifts, we kindly ask for contributions to our honeymoon fund.”

“Join us in creating unforgettable memories on our honeymoon. Check out our Honeyfund registry here.”

“As we start our new life together, we dream of a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. Help us make it a reality by contributing to our Honeyfund registry.”

“Celebrate our love with a contribution to our honeymoon fund. Visit our Honeyfund registry and help us make unforgettable memories.”

“Your support means the world to us. Help us create a dream honeymoon by contributing to our Honeyfund registry today.”

“Make our honeymoon unforgettable by contributing to our Honeyfund registry. Click here to view and help us create lifelong memories.”

“We would be honored if you would consider contributing towards our memorable honeymoon. View our Honeyfund registry here.” 

“We are registered at: Honeyfund [+ any other store registry names]

On your wedding website:

“As we start our journey together, we dream of a romantic honeymoon that we’ll cherish forever. We would be so grateful for your help in making it a reality.” 

“Our love story has brought us to this moment, and we can’t wait to start our next chapter with a dream honeymoon. We appreciate any contribution that will make it possible.”

“We’ve been blessed with all that we need, so we’re asking for your help to create unforgettable memories on our honeymoon. We’re excited to share our adventures with you!”

“We’re looking forward to starting our married life with an amazing honeymoon experience. We’re grateful for your love and support as we make this dream come true.”

While we appreciate traditional registry gifts, we have decided to ask for contributions to our honeymoon instead. This trip will be an unforgettable experience for us as newlyweds, and we would love for you to be a part of it!

“First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes…the honeymoon! Any amount, big or small. To our Honeyfund will help us make our honeymoon a trip of a lifetime, filled with unforgettable memories.

We know that everyone has different circumstances, and we don’t want anyone to feel obligated to contribute. However, if you are looking for a way to show your love and support, we would be grateful for any contribution you can make towards our honeymoon.

With the right etiquette and clear communication, you can easily share your honeymoon fund with guests and make your dream honeymoon a reality. Honeyfund simplifies the process of creating, sharing, and managing your honeymoon fund, so you can focus on enjoying your dream honeymoon and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Create your Honeymoon registry now.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Honeymoon Registry Etiquette appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

While summer weddings are undeniably popular, a winter wedding can be just as enchanting. The snowy landscapes and cozy ambience create a unique and unforgettable setting. However, winter’s unpredictability can pose challenges, making it crucial to have a solid contingency plan in place. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key components to consider when preparing for a winter wedding contingency.

Location

Choosing the right location for your winter wedding is a crucial first step. Given the unpredictable nature of winter weather, having a backup plan is essential. If you’re planning an on outdoor ceremony, check with your venue to make sure they can to shift to an indoor venue if the weather takes an unexpected turn. Ensure the alternative venue is practical and easily accessible for you and your guests.Winter weather can also impact transportation, so make sure to have a contingency plan for wedding transportation. Consider providing shuttle services for your guests, especially if the ceremony and reception venues are in different locations, and don’t forget to add in some buffer time in case the roads are bad.

Staying Warm

One of the biggest draws to an outdoor winter wedding is the amazing scenery that can only be found during the winter months. Unfortunately, having an outdoor ceremony in the middle of winter can present its own unique challenges. One of the big challenges is how to keep everyone from freezing to death during the wedding ceremony .Provide warm blankets for your guests and have gloves and hats on hand for those who may not have brought their own. If possible, minimize the time spent outdoors to reduce exposure to the cold.

Photography Considerations

Having the perfect wedding photos to remember your special day is something you’re probably looking forward to. While winter landscapes can create gorgeous wedding photos, be mindful of limited daylight during the winter months. If you plan an evening ceremony, have an alternative plan for indoor photography to ensure you capture the magic of your special day under various lighting conditions.

Budget Realistically

While winter weddings are often seen as more budget-friendly than those held in the summer or fall, this isn’t always true. In fact, getting married in sought-after snowy destinations, particularly during ski season in places like Aspen and Park City, can be more expensive. When planning your wedding, be mindful of this and craft a realistic budget. Don’t forget to factor in considerations like indoor heating, winter attire, and potential weather-related contingencies to ensure your winter wedding stays within your financial plan.

Don’t Forget The Wedding Insurance

Last, but certainly not least, you should always remember to cover yourself and your financial future by getting wedding insurance. This is especially important if you live in an area that is prone to heavy winter storms.Many vendor contracts include “Act of Nature” clauses, providing coverage in the event of a disaster declaration that forces last-minute cancellations. This safeguard will protect you from the financial burden of a canceled wedding.

Anticipate Honeymoon Travel Delays

When planning a winter honeymoon, be aware of potential weather-related travel delays. Winter storms can disrupt your plans, so consider travel insurance and flexible itineraries to accommodate any unforeseen changes. Booking well in advance can help secure smoother travel during the season’s unpredictable weather conditions.

A winter wedding can be a truly magical and unique experience, but it’s essential to prepare for potential challenges. A well-considered contingency plan will help you navigate unforeseen obstacles and ensure your winter wedding remains a stress-free day of celebration. With thorough preparations, you can confidently turn your winter wedding dreams into a beautiful reality.

Make your wedding dreams a reality with a Honeyfund wedding registry.

The post Planning for a Winter Wedding: Your Essential Contingency Guide appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

We can already tell that 2021 and 2022 are looking to be record celebration years, with all the postponed weddings and events sliding onto our calendars.  We’ve also seen a huge variety of festivities crop up on social media and wedding blogs — it’s been nothing short of amazing! Whether you’ve delayed your whole wedding or re-envisioned it as a “Wedding-After” Party or an “Anniversary Reception,” the etiquette surrounding gift-giving and registry can seem like completely uncharted territory. Don’t worry—we can help you navigate with our registry advice. Keep reading, and we’ll address some of the common questions couples are asking.

Will guests still want to give gifts?

The short answer is yes! Plenty of guests will likely want to give gifts to celebrate your marriage and support you.

The longer answer has a lot of factors. The traditional custom of gift-giving allows your loved ones to show their love and support in a tangible way. Many people are aching for ways to show love right now, and a wedding—or anniversary—gift is an easy way to do it. Other guests may not be at a place financially where they can give right now, or they may be confused about the etiquette. It’s okay; this is a new situation for everyone.

Our best advice is to make the option to give available with a registry. Let your guests feel empowered to decide what and how to give. Registries provide them with the security of knowing what you would find useful without having to guess or ask awkwardly.

What’s the right way to give guests the option to give?

Instead of assuming guests won’t want to give any gifts—and to save yourself the headache of being asked tons of times—we recommend adding a honeyfund link to your wedding website. Don’t have a wedding website? Luckily, your honeyfund can do the trick!

Some guests, especially older family members, may consider it rude to directly mention the registry in your invite. But you can get around that by printing the web address of your honeyfund or wedding website on an insert and including it with the invitation.  That way they have the info if they want to give a gift.

You can also always use the age-old tactic of “word of mouth.” Let your immediate family and close friends know that it’s okay to spread the word. If you still have a wedding shower coming up, that’s a great avenue for your inner circle to help let your other guests know important details, like how to find your registry.

What about guests who already gave gifts?

Some guests may have already given gifts around your original wedding date, and they may choose to give again or not. Your guests’ decisions will likely depend on their social cultures surrounding weddings. Some communities expect to give a wedding shower gift, plus money for the wedding. Others only plan to give one gift. It’s 100% up to your guests whether they decide to gift a second time. Some people may surprise you!

What should I include on my honeyfund?

Honeymoons are still happening! The travel industry is gearing up for more adventures and excitement than ever, which means you’ll likely be able to get some fantastic deals on great experiences. Even if you aren’t able to take your honeymoon for a while, guests love knowing they’re giving you the gift of unforgettable memories. Plus, traveling together is one of the most fun ways to build up and strengthen your relationship.

If you’ve already planned for your honeymoon because of the non-traditional timeline, you can always choose something else. Consider including gift cards or funds that let friends and family members invest in your future together. Here are some gift card ideas that guests have loved on other couples’ honeyfunds:

• Helping you build your best home together, courtesy of a home improvement store near you
• Investing in your love together with romantic date nights at your favorite restaurants
• Upgrading household items with major brands that make daily life easier and more enjoyable

How do I create a Honeyfund registry for my postponed event?

Honeyfund has all the tools you need to make your registry easy to use—for both you and your guests. We’ll walk you through every step of the process. And you can always find registry advice, support and tips on our blog!

Need more advice?

If you’re seeking more advice about how to deal with your postponed or modified event, we’ve got you covered. Check out these helpful Honeyfund articles: Gifts for Canceled and Postponed Weddings: What’s the etiquette?, Wedding Guest Etiquette for a Covid-Safe Wedding, Should I cancel my wedding or honeymoon because of Coronavirus? 

The post Can I Have a Registry For My Postponed Wedding or Celebration? appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

It’s a question on all of our minds: When will this all be over? Is my wedding date safe or will I have to postpone my 2021 wedding?

Well, we finally have some decent advice. Journalist John Detrixhe reports that Economists at Goldman Sachs have come out with a solid prediction of what 2021 will look like based on research into the progress of available vaccines, distribution channels, and demand.  “In the US, high-risk groups will probably start receiving doses of a vaccine by the middle of [December].” That means 50% of the US population will be vaccinated by April.  So what does this all mean for your wedding date? Read on.

Spring 2021 Weddings: Keep them Small

If you’re looking for a full-blown pre-Covid style wedding, Spring may not be your best bet. Vaccination may be a two-step process taking place over a month or two, so don’t expect the effects of a vaccine to be protective just yet. You can still move forward with your medium or small event using CDC and your local guidelines for gatherings. Be sure to learn how to handle the etiquette of wedding guest Covid testing and vaccinations.

Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 Weddings

If all goes according to projections and the US population has reached 50% vaccination rate by April 2021, this is great news for your summer or fall 2021 wedding! By June, the vaccine will be protecting the most vulnerable populations, which means you don’t have to worry about infecting your older relatives at your wedding. Those that aren’t yet vaccinated will need to decide for themselves if they are comfortable participating in your large gathering, so don’t be surprised if you have a bigger than usual “no” group in your RSVPs. A typical decline rate is about 15%, during this time frame expect about 25-30% “nos.” Again you’ll want to be sure you understand the etiquette of wedding guest Covid testing and vaccinations.

Here’s the prediction timeline from Goldman Sachs:

Despite the best predictions from the best economists, everyone planning a wedding right now will want to make sure they have some flexibility built into their contracts and some extra cash on hand to handle the unexpected (we’ve got you covered with the Flexibility Fund, add it to your honeyfund now.) It’s also a good idea to err on the smaller side, and save that extra money for your honeymoon.

Cheers!

The post Should You Postpone Your 2021 Wedding To Be Safe from Covid-19? appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

This is hard.

Holding a wedding during a pandemic is just plain hard. But if you’ve decided to go through with it, there are some important rules to follow to keep people safe. And since not everyone agrees on the rules issued by the CDC, state and local governments, it might feel like stepping over some line to dictate how your guests should behave on your big day. Here we walk you through all the big considerations so you can feel confident you’re doing the right thing.

Asking guests to get vaccinated.

As of November 1, 2021, about 80% of US adults have had at least one Covid shot. Therefore, if you’re planning a 2021 or 2022 wedding, it’s reasonable to ask guests if they have been vaccinated. You might even consider arranging vaccination for your most vulnerable loved ones, about a month before the big day. As of November 8, 2021, everyone age 5+ will be eligible for a vaccine, so it could be as simple as making an appointment at your local drug store or free clinic.

Ask unvaccinated guests to get tested.

It might feel like a sticky subject, but there’s no shame in asking your unvaccinated guests to get tested before attending your wedding. Many drugstores are now offering in store or at-home testing, free of charge with or without any health insurance. Or they can call their local pharmacy, doctor or insurance company for information on getting tested.

Before you put out the word, you’ll just need to decide how you want to handle guests that don’t get tested. Your wedding venue may have requirements and protocols to share, so start by asking. If they are leaving it up to you, you essentially have two choices: require the test results to enter the venue, or label folks that have a negative test so others know who’s safe to approach. More about that in the next section.

Tell guests what to expect.

Regardless of whether or not you ask guests to get tested beforehand, there are some vital protocols to follow to keep everyone attending your event safe. Make sure you’ve consulted your venue about their rules, and then add any that you’d like in addition. Print the rules for your guests and send them with your invitations. Here’s some example Covid wording for an invitation.

We are so excited to see you on our big day! In order to keep everyone safe, we’re required by the venue and local laws to follow these health and safety rules:

• If you have been vaccinated, please bring your records and provide them to the host. They will give you a sticker so others know you’re safe.
• If you haven’t been vaccinated, please have a Covid test done within 48 hours before the wedding. Bring your results with you. We’ll give you a sticker so others know you’re safe.
• Everyone will be temperature checked on arrival.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be provided, please use them liberally!
• Maintain 6-foot social distancing with attendees that aren’t members of your household or who aren’t wearing a Covid-safe sticker.
• Stay home if you aren’t feeling well in any way (especially fever, chills, sore throat, cough, stomach ache). We’ll celebrate with you another time!

Thank you for making our day so special for us, in spite of these unusual circumstances.

What if you don’t feel well?

We know it’s unthinkable to cancel your wedding. However, if you haven’t been vaccinated and are having any symptoms at all, you’ll need to stay home to keep your loved ones safe.  Postpone your big day by at least two months.

The post Wedding Guest Etiquette for a Covid-Safe Wedding appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

You’re getting married, congrats! After you tell all your important people about your engagement, you will likely want to dive into wedding planning. But where do you start? Pinterest wedding boards? Deciding on a wedding date? Picking a ceremony site? Making a list of guests? Hiring a wedding planner? You might be surprised it’s none of those. The most important and first step to your perfect wedding is calculating your wedding budget. 

We know, it’s not sexy. Budgets and finances as a whole can feel like a topic to be avoided. It can be boring, scary, or even feel impossible to sit down and add up all the wedding expenses. But there’s another way to look at it: as a facet of your unique couple personality. When you really sit down and work it out (we show you how using Honeyfund’s 1-Page Wedding Plan), the number you arrive at is a reflection of who you are, right now, together. It also conveys what’s important to you two. Just like the love you share together, the joy you’ll experience on your wedding day, the funny, quirky aspects of your love story and your individual characters — your wedding budget is part of the foundation for your celebration. Without knowing how much you can spend and how much you’re comfortable spending (two very different things!), you can’t even begin to plan what will become your wedding day.

Don’t most weddings cost $35,000? How can I afford that?

Think you can just use average wedding costs and be safe? Think again. The “average” wedding costs published each year by The Knot (currently at about $35,000)  is actually a phantom number, meaning a very few are spending that amount. In reality, half of all weddings cost less than $20,000. Read more about the misleading nature of this statistic, how it drives overspending, feelings of inadequacy and a lot more problems.

So, you know spending $35,000 is ludicrous for most, and you want to determine how much YOU two will spend. How do you build a wedding budget? Download Honeyfund’s 1-Page Wedding Plan for a complete step-by-step guide to creating your authentic wedding budget. 

A unique approach to wedding budget planning

1. Start with your next big goal

The first step in planning your wedding is actually planning your life after the wedding. Aka, the first year of marriage! 

What are your goals for that year? Will you finish a college degree? Buy a house? Start a family? 

Think of it this way: When you wake up the morning after your wedding, how much money do you want to have in the bank for that college degree, home down payment, or family budget?

Hint: It won’t be a lot if you’re committed to spending $35,000, the cost of an average wedding! This is a good exercise to make us realize how crazy that is. In fact, if you invest the average wedding cost at age 28, you’ll have $1.2 million dollars by age 60! That’s one expensive wedding.

2. Don’t pick a date until you’ve answered this question

The next step toward planning your perfect wedding is determining how much money you will have saved by the time your wedding rolls around. To figure that out, start with today’s savings. Then decide how much you can save per month from each of your paychecks, side gigs, etc. Then have a conversation with each person who will be contributing financially toward your wedding day. Total those contributions.

Now sit down together and put all those numbers together. How much will you have saved if you get married in 12 months? 18 months?

Lastly, don’t forget to subtract that “next big goal” number from your savings. Remember, that’s how much you want left in your bank account on Day 1 of your marriage. 

3. Once your budget is decided, stick to it. 

Make an agreement that nothing changes without sitting down and consulting together. If a parent or family member who pledged to contribute funds drops out, if someone loses a job, if an unexpected emergency happens, just sit down and re-work the numbers. Use that new budget, and stick to it. 

Remember: There is an average cost for a wedding, but then there is what you and your partner want to spend. You don’t want an average wedding, so why have an average wedding budget? Decide on the wedding budget that’s true to YOU. No matter the number, your budget is not only possible, but it’s also special to you. Have fun discovering the wedding that you create together on the wedding budget that works for you. 

How to make YOUR wedding happen on YOUR budget

We’ve got all the inspiration you need in our series of posts on non-traditional weddings that will keep your guests talking long after you have recited your vows. From backyards to destinations, virtual weddings to parking lots (and more!), we break down what you can do with budgets of $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000+, including how much to spend per person on the reception, how to slash your budget for the wedding dress, where to get a wedding cake, how to nail the rehearsal dinner, and more. There are traditional wedding and non-traditional wedding options for everyone, even during Covid-19.

The post How Much Do Real Weddings Cost? appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

You’ve been invited to a 2020 wedding that’s been canceled or postponed: What’s the wedding gift etiquette? We’ve heard this question frequently, and the answer depends on the couple’s reschedule plans. But in most cases, it’s helpful to send a gift as soon as you can, both to you (get it off your to-do list) and the couple (they’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness during this stressful time).

If You Haven’t Already Gifted, Now Is The Time 

With so many couples going through the chaos of planning their rescheduled events, now is the time to send your gift. You can best show your love and support by sending your gift while it’s at the top of your mind. Of course, if you already sent one gift, there’s no expectation you’ll send a second. But if you plan to, we recommend checking their honeyfund or registry to see whether their plans or needs have changed. A lot can happen in a year!

Ceremony Now, Reception Later

Many couples (about 25% of Honeyfunders) are opting to have a wedding ceremony on their originally scheduled date and a second celebration next year. In this case, consider the time, expense, and hardship they’re going through. Your gift to their honeyfund or even a simple gift card will be welcome. Send it as close to their original wedding date or actual ceremony date as you can swing.

Since the wedding’s already happened, should you bring a gift to the reception? A reception gift is not expected, especially if you’ve already given a wedding gift. It’s 100% up to you! Our best advice is to give a small token gift in honor of the event. The newlyweds will definitely appreciate your kindness.  

Ceremony Now, No Reception Later

A smaller group of couples (about 8% of Honeyfunders) are opting to skip the traditional wedding day altogether in favor of a small at-home or virtual ceremony. Send a gift as soon as you learn they were officially married.

Postponed the Big Day

If your couple has said they are postponing the entire event until a later date, it’s ok to wait to give your gift until closer to the new wedding date. However, sending your gift now has two benefits; 1) It’s something you won’t have to worry about later, and 2) the couple will be very appreciative of your thoughtfulness.

Canceled Altogether

If your couple has decided to split and not get married at all, you obviously won’t need to send a gift. If you already did, the couple will likely return it to you unless you insist otherwise. If you want to send a token of support to either or both, a Honeyfund Gift Card is nearly as flexible as cash.

The post Gifts for Canceled and Postponed Weddings: What’s the Etiquette? appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

While it may be completely unlike any wedding you ever imagined, it is possible to go ahead with your scheduled wedding during Coronavirus.

If you and your sweetie have decided to get legally married on your original wedding date and/or during the shutdown, here are some options.

First and Foremost: The Marriage License

If you already have your license, great! Skip to the next section. If you don’t already have your marriage license in hand, you’ll need to contact your local county marriage clerk and find out if the office is open and issuing marriage certificates.

1. Call the county clerk where your ceremony will take place and ask how to apply for a marriage license. You’ll typically need identification, an application form and a small fee.
2. Pickup your marriage license or ask for it to be mailed if you appeared in person to apply.
3. There is sometimes a waiting period, depending on your state.

It’s Easy to Get Married During the Coronavirus Pandemic

With a marriage license, you can easily go ahead with a wedding ceremony and make your nuptials official! Here are the basic steps:

1. Find an officiant authorized to perform weddings in your state. If you can’t find an officiant, a close friend or family member can be ordained online to perform the ceremony.
2. With a laptop, cell phone or digital video camera and an internet connection, stream your ceremony to family and friends watching from home. (Try these breathtaking libraries or classic cathedrals as Zoom backgrounds!) Or, call a local wedding videographer for a more professional streaming experience. Make sure they’re equipped to do the job according to CDC guidelines for social distancing and sanitation.
3. After the ceremony, have your officiant and two witnesses sign the marriage license. Your witnesses can be members of your household or neighbors who watch from outside. You two may also be required to sign, depending on your county’s rules.
4. The officiant will then return the signed license to the county clerk’s office. Congratulations, you’re legally married!
5. About a week later, purchase copies of the certified marriage certificate from the clerk’s office. Call to find out about current wait times.
6. If you’re changing your name, take your marriage certificate to the Social Security Administration office to record the change. You’ll also need an original copy to go to the DMV, the bank, and other places where you plan to officially change your name. Call each office before you go to get up to date guidance on office hours and remote services.

Wow, is it really that easy to get married? Yes! Think of this rare moment in time as an unexpected advantage. The expensive and time-consuming parts of your wedding, venues, flowers, catering and other event logistics, really aren’t necessary to marry the one you love.

The big party can wait — your wedding guests will happily watch your nuptials online and celebrate your union with joy, without the stress of travel or the threat of illness. See our 2020 Wedding Rescue post for more ideas.

Finally, make sure your online wedding registry is ready, so those who want to give can do so easily.

Are you a wedding vendor serving virtual weddings? Submit your info to our free Online Weddings Vendor Directory.

Follow Honeyfund’s Instagram for inspiration, vendor recommendations and more.
[/]

honeyfund

Where do you even start when it comes to planning

: @borde_mx">

What's the secret to stress-free wedding planning?

: @murphythelady">

When you get engaged, have you decided how you’l

Follow Us on Instagram

The post Can I still get married during the Coronavirus pandemic? appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Should I postpone my September 2020 wedding?

Should I postpone my October 2020 wedding?

When the Coronavirus outbreak began restricting gatherings, we saw many Spring 2020 wedding couples moving their dates into the summer and fall. With current orders to shelter in place affecting 95% of Americans, and no clear end in sight, many questions remain in the hearts and minds of couples planning summer and fall 2020 weddings.  If you’re up in the air about keeping a summer or fall 2020 wedding, we can sympathize. Nothing is certain. We’ve collected the hard questions for you to consider, so you can sit down with your beloved and try to make some decisions.

When will gatherings finally be allowed?

At present, shelter-in-place restrictions are likely to extend through the month of June. If the number of cases hasn’t been declining steadily at that time, it may continue into the summer. Once shelter-in-place is lifted, certain other restrictions may continue, like the limits on the number of people that can gather. So the educated guess on lifting of social distancing, and weddings as we know them, is the end of the 2020 calendar year.

After shelter-in-place orders are lifted, will there be a resurgence of the Coronavirus leading to another shut-down? When could that come?

Short answer: Probably. There is tremendous economic and political pressure to get people back to work, back to restaurants, stores and travel. In the scenario where the country re-opens this summer, most experts are predicting a second wave of infections in the fall.

Can my wedding guests travel to my wedding this year?

If your wedding happens to fall in a month when shelter-in-place orders are lifted AND a second wave of infections hasn’t materialized, your wedding guests may still be leery of travel and/or gathering. Also, consider the financial hardship of your guests, and how many of them work in essential industries like health care, food, law enforcement, utilities, manufacturing etc. They may be unable to attend due to the strain.

Will it be safe for guests to attend my wedding?

As long as cases of Coronavirus are still being reported around the world, and without vaccines or treatments, travel and gathering in groups will pose a risk of infection.

Will my wedding even be fun with all this uncertainty?

This answer is highly personal. On the one hand, many people will be ready to get back to joy and celebration – so what better way to jump back in than a wedding! On the other hand, risk of illness and lingering stress from the economic impacts of the pandemic will be real for many. Can you live with this hanging over your event? One couple on Reddit decided they just couldn’t. Read their story.

Once you’ve decided whether to keep or postpone your 2020 wedding, be sure to inform your wedding guests right away. Some couples are repurposing save the dates by simply crossing out the old date and writing in the new one. Invitations can be similarly altered, becoming a cherished souvenir of unprecedented event in history.

Have your heart set on being legally married this year? Read Can I still get married during the Coronavirus Pandemic?

The post Should I postpone my 2020 wedding due to Coronavirus? appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.