Not a fan of the traditional gift registry? No problem! There are plenty of great alternatives to physical wedding gifts, from honeymoon funds and charity donations, to memorable experiences to share with your partner, or even no gift at all! Read on for the full list (for more gift ideas, be sure to check out our top gift list ideas).
Honeymoon fund
Ask guests to contribute money towards your honeymoon expenses for a luxe getaway like no other. There are various options to choose from. Consider a flight to a room upgrade, as well as add-ons for the holiday itself, like a romantic beach dinner or boat and snorkeling trip. This is a great way for your loved ones to contribute towards a special shared experience, and make your honeymoon one to remember and cherish for years to come.
Charity donation
Choose a charitable cause that’s meaningful to you and ask guests to make a donation in your honour. Choosing a charity fund as a gift registry alternative is a great way to make a positive impact on the world, adding a purposeful touch to your wedding celebrations. Plus, if you choose a cause you’re passionate about, you can educate your guests about it and raise awareness, so it’s a win-win! The Wedding Shop has a great selection of well-known charities to choose from, from Cancer Research UK and Mind, to Oxfam and Save The Children. Any donations made to your chosen charity will be automatically sent on your behalf. Alternatively, you can create your own personal crowdfunding page, using a fundraising platform like JustGiving or GoFundMe.
Experience gifts
Create a wish list of experiences you would like to share together. Think romantic spa day, weekend getaway, cooking class, or luxury cinema experience. Choosing a gift experience as a gift registry alternative gives you the opportunity to bond with your partner and share lifelong memories. It also gives your guests the chance to give you something that truly reflects your interests and hobbies. Plus, experience gifts are often more versatile and flexible than traditional physical ones. You can redeem them at a time that works best for you, and look forward to them after your wedding.
Home down payment/home renovation fund
If you’ve not already bought a house together, why not create a fund to help you save for a down payment on a new home? Your friends and family will love having the chance to contribute to your future in a very practical and meaningful way. It’s a great alternative to a gift registry, because you can put the money towards a long-term investment and asset. This is particularly helpful if you’re first-time buyers and dreaming of homeownership. If you and your partner are already living together, you can use the cash contribution in other ways, for example, on a home renovation. Or you can be more specific, and ask for a kitchen or garden fund – the possibilities are endless!
Group gift
Some of your guests can come together to contribute towards a larger, more expensive, higher-value gift, such as a special piece of furniture or a new home appliance. Unlike traditional gift registries, which may only offer specific items, this gives your guests more choice, and the chance to help you buy something you need but can’t afford on your own. And rather than choosing from a pre-selected list, this way, your friends and family can personalise the gift to your tastes and needs. If you like surprises, this kind of wedding gift can also be a lot of fun to give and receive!
No gifts
You may prefer to have no wedding gifts at all, and choose to keep the focus on the celebration itself. After all, the presence of your loved ones at your wedding is arguably the greatest gift of all! If you like simplicity, this is a great alternative to a traditional registry. There’s no need to select, purchase and wrap individual gifts – so less stress for both you and your guests. It’s also a more sustainable option – no gifts means no waste or environmental impact, whether that’s the production and disposal of a physical gift, or the transportation involved in something like a gift experience. Requesting no gifts can also help your guests save money, especially if they’re already spending a significant amount on travel, accommodation or other expenses.
With all these alternatives, there are so many ways your guests can contribute to your wedding besides a gift registry. Whether it’s a cash contribution for your honeymoon or home, donations to a charity you love, memorable experiences, or just their presence, there’s something for everyone!
