Money For
Our Honeymoon In Lieu Of Gifts
I need advice as to how
to ask for money instead of gifts. Having been with my other
half for five years now, we have accumulated everything we
need. What we would like is for our guests to help contribute
to a honeymoon as this is something we are struggling to fund
from our wedding budget.
However, there seems to
be no such thing as Honeymoon Registries in England. Thomas
Cook and Jarvis & Hayes have stopped doing their honeymoon
scheme and I cannot find anybody else who does.
I would very much appreicate your help
on this one, could you also please help me draft an insert
as to how to ask my guests for money for our honeymoon be
it through a company or just for the money!
A1.
Below is a poem you could insert in your invites asking for
money.
"WE HAVEN'T GOT A WEDDING LIST
THE REASONS WE'LL EXPLAIN
IT'S TO SAVE YOU ALL THE AGGRO
AS SHOPPING IS A PAIN
WE THOUGHT WE'D ASK YOU ALL
FOR SOMETHING ELSE INSTEAD
A SMALL CONTRIBUTION
FOR US TO TAKE A HOLIDAY IN THE MED
SO IF YOU'D LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE
TOWARDS OUR HONEYMOON
WE OFFER YOU OUR HEART FELT THANKS
- WITH LOVE THE BRIDE AND GROOM!
(Answered
by Bernadette Chapman)
A2. The wording
of wedding invitations and informing guests about gift lifts
is often a tricky subject. What you need to remember is that
most guests would like to buy you a gift or help you in someway
in order to share in the celebration of you getting married.
Trailfinders still operate a Honeymoon list service where by
simply registering your details and the date of your wedding
with them they will send you gift cards to pass on to your guests
explaining how they can make their wedding gift to you, thus
avoiding the issue of how to word an insert to go with your
invitations . Guests may purchase Trailfinder Gift Vouchers
in denominations of £10, £25 and £100. They
will record the value of their gift and any accompanying messages.
The vouchers are valid indefinitely and may be used for flights,
hotels, tours, car hire, travel insurance, immunisations, travel
goods, maps and travel books available through Trailfinders
travel centres throughout the U.K. You decide whether you wish
to use the Gift Vouchers towards your honeymoon or whether you
would prefer to save them for future travel. You can contact
them on 020 7938 3836 or find out more information at www.trailfinders.co.uk
I wish you every success with your wedding and a happy and fun
honeymoon
(Answered
by Toni Henningsohn)
A3. I know
just the company, they are called Travel Counsellors, and have
nationwide representatives. Have a look at their website:
http://www.travelcounsellors.com/ptcs/tcIndex.aspx
As for asking for contributions towards your honeymoon, how
about something like this:
"As we have been together for five years, we have many
of the items that would make 'traditional' wedding gifts. However,
we would really welcome donations towards our honeymoon, to
make it extra special. Please contact Xxxxx Xxxxx if you would
like to contribute."
Use the words that you are comfortable with, as it will sound
like you, and your family and guests will recognise it as having
come from you. I wish you lots of luck! Very best wishes.
(Answered by Emma Pirie)
A4.
It is a good idea to have travel vouchers or money towards your
honeymoon instead of presents. British Airways Holiday shops
sell holiday vouchers and are happy to advice how to handle
this with your guests.
There will always be some more traditional guests who will buy
you a gift whatever you say and that is their prerogative. Most
guests however will be
happy to be guided by the bride and groom. If you put a short
note in e.g. 'We have decided that we are not going to have
a gift list. If you wish to
give us a present, we would be delighted if instead of a gift
you would give us travel Vouchers(and give details of who to
contact) or money towards our honeymoon.'
(Answered by Suzie Gillespie)
A5. Open a special account at
the bank and pen a note that states in lieu of gifts we would
appreciate donations made to our honeymoon account, actually
a very popular thing to do, then they can make the draft straight
into the account if they choose, and the bank should provide
you with a gift card! Be sure to send them a post card thankyou
note from your honeymoon spot! Have Fun!
(Answered
by Brenda Hibbs)
