Blame it on the unseasonably chilly temps in New York City but I’ve been thinking about vacations a lot these days. Which has me pondering about honeymoon registries… First and foremost, contrary to traditional belief, I don’t think they’re tacky (as long as it isn’t mentioned anywhere on the invitation). Whether or not I will actually use them for my own union is up for debate but I do think modern registries like those offered by Amazon and Hatch My House are super cool and practical. But back to honeymoon registries…There are several out there and since I will be checking them out with the beau pretty soon to see if they fit our desires and needs, I figured I should share my findings here on Triple B.
Honeyfund – I like that this resource was created by a husband and wife team back in 2005 and that they still (claim to) run the site. Thus far, nearly 200,000 couples have created honeymoon registries with Honeyfund.
HoneyLuna – This site, under parent company HoneyWishes, has been around since 1995.
Traveler’s Joy – Word around the world wide web is that TJ is very user-friendly.
The Big Day – Couples can copy or use suggested registry items, or work from scratch to create their lists.
Honeymoon Wishes – Guests select (or deselect) items from a predeveloped list of activities to place on their registry.
My biggest takeaway from writing this post is that while most of these sites claim to be *free*, they really aren’t. Typically your guests have a surcharge or you and your future spouse pay something on the backend. No bueno. My fiance and I just might opt out of one of these but it is still nice to know what our options are in this area especially since we both love to travel and hope to go someplace exotic and off the beaten path for our honeymoon. We shall see…
Have you ever used any of the above sites (as the gift giver or recipient)? Do you frown upon these types of sites and deem them tacky/classless?
I’ve never used one and I don’t think they’re necessarily tacky but honestly I’m more likely to just give a couple money instead of using a honeymoon registry like these. Then they can use the money for their plane tix, hotel, etc. at their convenience.
@BMore cutie – Thx for weighing in!
Personal I think these types of sites are tacky but, I agree with BMore Cutie 100% concerning the gift for the couple.
My fiancé and I are using Honeyfund. It’s most practical in our case because when we combined households we had two of everything; yet family and friends still want to give us gifts. Most folks are traditional and have sent us money via snail mail, so we set up a Honeyfund for those who’d prefer to use the web. We actually got the idea from several of our married friends who used Honeyfund & other honeymoon registries. I do agree re: the fees associated with using the site. For example a gift of $50 really = $48.30.
@Anon – I appreciate your honesty!
@Oakland Bride – Glad to see the West Coast showing Triple B some love. WOO HOO ;-) Thanks for leaving your honest feedback. I think most people have a group of invited wedding guests who will think a registry for anything other than towels and coffee makers is hideous. And those folks can always write a check. But for the others, honeymoon and other non-traditional registries could prove to be a welcoming option when gift giving.
What’s worse- discretely letting guests know that financial gifts are preferred or registering for things one doesn’t want/need and then returning them all for the cash?…
Our modern lives are overburdened with ‘stuff’. I am completely on board with filling our lives with experiences, instead. Simplicity may not be sufficient for happiness but, it is necessary for it. Less stuff = more freedom since you’re not always working to maintain a certain ‘lifestyle’.
@Ronda – Your comment is spot on! My future mother-in-law and I often discuss over-consumption of “things” and how to minimize it. I’m a recovering pack rat. A study (I admit stats are rarely objective…) was done not too long ago that revealed 80% of Americans only wear 20% of their wardrobes. I believe the same goes for most household items. As always, thanks for leaving a thoughtful comment.
In today’s time with couples moving around, not having weddings in their home town and already having
a “set-up” home, money is the ideal gift. You just can’t go wrong with $$$.
No worries, B. I am not even in recovery! I still have some work assigned by Miss Wills in my mom’s attic. I plan to better in the next home, with God’s help.
I don’t know why I do not like the above mentioned websites – I’m more traditional I guess and I cringe when I receive such. However, I typically give a card and write a check for wedding gifts these days leaving the couple to choose where to designate it. Once I give the gift it’s out of my hands!