Wedding Registry vs. Honeymoon Fund: What's Right for You?

The Barn at Belle Hills • August 7, 2025

There are a lot of questions asked during the wedding planning process. All couples quickly become familiar with questions involving cake flavors, venue options, and color schemes. However, a new question arises: should you ask for a honeymoon fund or create a wedding registry? If you’ve debated your answer for a while now, our experts are here to help you decide.

Couple holding hands and running into the ocean at sunset, water splashing around their feet.

A case for a wedding registry

From that espresso machine you’ve been eyeing to new cutlery, wedding registry pieces help couples start their new life together. The key phrase here is “new life.” If you and your fiancé are moving in together for the first time, a wedding registry is the perfect opportunity to build your dream home. Another plus is that guests appreciate a registry because it gives them clear direction as to what you want. When they click “purchase,” they know their gift will be used and appreciated. 

 

Bottom Line: A wedding registry makes sense for couples building their first home together who need new or essential pieces.

What to put on a wedding registry

Curious what to put on your registry? We suggest couples get together to make a list of what they have, what they need, and what they’d like to upgrade. Our rule of thumb is to go room by room. For example, couples may ask for a new blender for their kitchen, a high-tech alarm clock for their bedroom, high-quality bath towels for their bathroom, and a beautiful light fixture for their office. Be sure to span the cost spectrum so guests can contribute within their budget.

A case for a honeymoon fund

Do you already have all the household items you need? Then it’s not a bad idea to think about experiences over items. A honeymoon fund lets you shift the focus from household goods as gifts to memory-making experiences. Whether you want to escape to the beach or enjoy a food tour through Italy, a wedding fund gives you something grand to look forward to after you say, “I do.” Wondering how to ask for a honeymoon fund instead of gifts? Asking guests politely to add to your wedding fund instead of a wedding registry on your wedding website or invitations is a simple, effective way of showcasing what you and your fiancé prefer. 

 

Bottom Line: Honeymoon funds are great for couples who already have what they need and would rather invest in memories.

how much to give for a honeymoon fund

When it comes to how much to give for a honeymoon fund, the rule of thumb is to request a similar amount to a physical gift, such as $25, $50, or $100. You can create a link to a fundraising sight that prompts people to select a certain amount or provide a custom amount. This keeps the process smooth, simple, and easy for your guests.

Barn wedding venue near crittenden, Kentucky

Whether you decide on a registry or a honeymoon fund, you should rest easy (and maybe excitedly) about the wonderful memories you and your fiancé will make with either option. Want to ensure other elements of your big day go smoothly? At The Barn at Belle Hills, your Kentucky wedding venue we pride ourselves on creating your perfect barn wedding. Contact us today to schedule a tour!

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