6 ways to make guests fall in love with your honeymoon registry

Hi, Ollie from Hitchd here. We recently sat down to reflect on why we think honeymoon registries have fast become one of the most important parts of your big day.

Old-school wedding registries simply aren't built for today's couple. It's no wonder that in the last few years, there's been a massive shift in couples asking for experiences over traditional, and physical, gifts.

Along with RSVP cards (we love these), your registry is often the first interaction a guest will have in your wedding experience, setting the tone for things to come.

It's important to remember that while getting your gifts funded may seem like the primary focus of your registry, we think there's more to it. Your registry can be a great way to share more of your personal story with guests (more on that below).

To help on your journey, we've put together six easy ways to ensure guests will fall in love with your honeymoon registry.

1. Tell your story

When a guest views your registry for the first time, they should instantly see a reflection of you, and your style, on the page. To engage a personal connection, it's important for guests to quickly grasp why these specific gifts are important to you.

In our opinion, it all starts with the welcome (or introduction) message. By keeping the message personal, and real, guests will likely feel like they've been invited into your exclusive circle, leaving them feeling honored to share in your special experience. Small touches, such as giving gifts, a well thought out title and description, can also go a long way.

Pro Tip

• Take some time to put your personality into words and inject it on to the page.

2. Get visual

Let's face it; people love pretty pictures. Even in modern times, we still buy the book with the most appealing cover and the magazine that yells the loudest. Fortunately, this theory also applies to your registry.

At first glance, guests often look for gifts they would love for themselves. Accommodation in a lofty New York apartment, romantic dinner in an overwater bungalow, or maybe hiking through a rainforest we can't pronounce. We'll take them all, thanks.

We've found the most successful registries on Hitchd tend to strike a balance between great imagery and catchy titles. The key is to aim for something that makes your gift memorable while also answering the questions; What, why, and where.

Thank god for amazing (and free!) websites like Unsplash, that help you find the perfect image just about any occasion.

Pro Tip

• Like pairing a Chardonnay with Gruyère, pair your gifts with creative images and catchy titles.

3. Give guests control

One golden rule we've discovered is that guests should feel assured they can contribute entirely within their means. This means if a guest can only afford to contribute $100, which was the 2017 industry average per guest, they shouldn't feel forced to contribute $200.

It's all about flexibility. It's crucial that guests remain in full control of the entire gifting process; otherwise, you run the risk of your registry feeling tacky and impersonal.

Whichever registry you choose for your honeymoon, it should be crystal clear to guests that the more expensive gifts, such as; flights, transport, and accommodation, can receive smaller contributions, rather than having to buy the entire gift.

Pro Tip

• Take the financial pressure away from guests. The focus will then be shifted to highlighting your big adventure.

4. Keep it simple

We live busy lives. We have jobs, social lives, and other commitments. Your guests are no exception. There's a high chance that contributing towards your registry may be another task on a long to-do list, stuck to their fridge, ready to be completed at the last minute.

We've found that almost 75% of registries at Hitchd have been funded the day before, or even the day of, the wedding.

For this reason, you'll want to ensure guests can contribute to your registry easily, quickly, and securely, regardless if they're browsing from their home computer, or on their phone rushing to your wedding.

Pro Tip

• Choose a registry that is mobile friendly (for both couples, and guests) that works across all types of devices.

5. Diversify (for Sue's sake)

We all have that one aunt, let's call her Sue, who will insist on buying you that second toaster you've always dreamed of - even after all your hints to persuade otherwise.

We've found that couples who create one or two “traditional” gifts (think, bedding and Whitegoods) in their registry, tend to feel reassured they've covered all the bases.

Even though we don't think it's necessary for all couples, you'll know your guests the best and can gauge if this will be the right option for you.

Pro Tip

• Select a couple of “traditional” gifts to please those guests that can't take the hint.

6. Ditch (or reduce) fees

Everyone hates fees. From taxes to online purchases, to banks especially when they are imposed from an act of generosity. One of the biggest complaints about online registries is the lack of visibility around hidden, and misleading, fees.

Some registries only provide one, fixed, non-negotiable fee, which is paid by guests. Others don't make you aware of any fee at all, only to find it pop up on your credit card statement. Here at Hitchd, we put you in full control. Our service fee can be paid by guests, split equally, or absorbed entirely by you.

No hidden fees or jumping through hoops.

Pro Tip

• To avoid any awkward conversations, it's generally proper etiquette to absorb, or split, the service fee with guests.