The traditional wedding gift registry is evolving. In 2025, more couples are moving away from toasters and towels—and instead asking for the gift of experiences. One of the most popular trends is the honeymoon fund, where guests contribute financially to a couple’s post-wedding getaway. But what exactly is a honeymoon fund, how does it work, and how can you ask for it politely?
A honeymoon fund is a digital or in-person gift option where wedding guests can contribute money towards the couple’s honeymoon expenses instead of buying physical gifts. It’s especially popular among couples who already live together or prefer to receive experiential gifts.
Honeymoon funds can cover:
Flights and accommodation
Dining and romantic dinners
Activities and excursions (e.g., scuba diving, hot-air balloon rides)
Travel insurance and transportation
Spa packages or wellness treatments
The total amount couples receive depends on the number of guests, their relationship to the couple, and cultural norms. However, on average:
Region | Average Honeymoon Fund Contribution (USD) |
---|---|
United States | $2,000 – $5,000 |
United Kingdom | $1,500 – $4,000 |
Southeast Asia | $500 – $2,000 |
Middle East | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Europe | $1,200 – $3,500 |
Australia | $2,000 – $4,000 |
Guests usually give $50 to $150 per person, with close family and friends often contributing more.
There are three main methods to set up a honeymoon fund:
Websites like Honeyfund, Zola, and The Knot allow couples to create custom pages with detailed items (e.g., “Dinner in Bali – $100”). These sites usually charge a processing fee of 2–3% on transactions.
Provide a direct bank account or e-wallet (e.g., PayPal, Wise) for guests to transfer money. This option is low-cost but less interactive.
Platforms like Portal Kahwin allow you to embed honeymoon fund details directly within your digital wedding invitation. This makes it seamless for guests to send money securely.
When requesting money instead of gifts, etiquette is crucial. Here are some respectful ways to phrase your request:
“Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift. However, if you wish to bless us further, a contribution to our honeymoon fund would be deeply appreciated.”
“We’ve got a home full of stuff, so if you’d like to give a gift, please help us make memories instead with our honeymoon fund!”
✅ Tip: Avoid mentioning money directly on printed invitations. Instead, use your wedding website or RSVP page.
Destination and itinerary
A list of activities guests can contribute toward
A short message explaining why you chose a honeymoon fund
Photos or videos to personalize the experience
Optional: Thank-you message for each contribution
Reputable honeymoon fund platforms offer:
Secure payment processing
Fraud protection
Privacy settings to keep transactions confidential
For added security, choose platforms with SSL encryption and read their data policies.
In some cultures, monetary gifts are common (e.g., ang pow in Chinese weddings or duit salam in Malay weddings), so a honeymoon fund may feel natural. However, in more traditional settings, it’s important to frame the request with extra care to avoid offending older generations.
The honeymoon fund is a modern, practical, and thoughtful way to celebrate a couple’s new life together. As wedding traditions evolve globally, gifting cash or contributions toward shared experiences has become increasingly acceptable—and even preferred.
With platforms like Portal Kahwin, couples can effortlessly integrate a honeymoon fund into their wedding invitation website, making the entire process elegant and easy.
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Portal Kahwin is a modern wedding planning platform offering digital wedding invitations, guest management, venue discovery, and budgeting tools. Designed for couples worldwide seeking a seamless and personalized wedding experience.