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)