Foto (above): Stationery: Dasi
Financial support
Have you been living together for a while and don't really need physical gifts to shape your home? Then communicate an 'envelope' or bank account number on your invitation, preferably with a friendly note explaining the purpose for which the funds will be used. For example: “The best gift is your presence, but for those who still want to surprise us: a contribution to our honeymoon would make us very happy.”
Your guests will be happy to contribute an amount they feel is appropriate for the occasion. Show equal gratitude for both small and large amounts. In Belgium, people often still bring a physical envelope. Therefore, provide an original envelope box and a secure storage place for such valuables.
Wedding registry
To avoid receiving ‘wrong’ gifts or duplicates, you should establish a wedding registry. Carefully list what you'd like by going through your home room by room. Note down the ‘must haves’ you need and the ‘nice to haves’ that would be enjoyable.
Provide guests with plenty of gift options in both lower and higher price ranges. Keep an eye on your guest count as you finalize the list, ensuring everyone can find a suitable gift. You can also start with the ‘must haves’ and later expand the list as items are purchased.
Alternative "lists"
Nowadays, there are plenty of great alternatives for couples who prefer not to receive traditional gifts. Ask guests to contribute together for your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. Through a travel specialist like Amazing Destinations, guests can contribute to an unforgettable experience, from exotic destinations to romantic city trips. This way, you receive memories, not things.
Other alternatives? Have guests contribute wine bottles for your future wine cellar, or mention a charity that’s close to your heart. This way, your start as a married couple also has a positive impact on others.
How to ask tactfully?
Many couples find it nerve-racking to ask for wedding gifts, fearing it might sound too direct or impolite. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. The right wording makes all the difference. Use warm and lighthearted language, and emphasize that the presence of your guests is what matters most.
Examples:
“Your presence is our greatest gift. If you still wish to surprise us, you’re welcome to support us with a contribution to our honeymoon.”
“No list or big gift, a small envelope—filled with love—makes us happy.”
Digital solutions
More and more couples are choosing a wedding website. It's not only convenient for sharing practical information about your wedding day but also for providing a clear section about gifts. You can easily integrate your wedding registry, include a link to a travel fund, or offer guests the ability to contribute safely online.
The advantage of such a digital solution is that all information is in one place. Guests don’t have to search, and they can decide from the comfort of their homes how they’d like to surprise you. With a touch of humor or poetry, it feels less like an obligation and more like a lovely suggestion.
Thank You afterwards
Whether you receive an envelope, a gift from the list, or a contribution to the honeymoon, show your gratitude. Send a personal thank-you card referencing their gift or contribution. An extra tip is to include a nice photo from your day or honeymoon, so guests can see how their gift contributed to your happiness.
As a guest? How much should you give as a wedding gift?
Not only couples but also guests often wonder what an appropriate wedding gift might be. According to our National Wedding Survey, most people give between 75 and 150 euros per person when attending a wedding. That amount can, of course, vary depending on your relationship with the couple and the nature of the celebration, but it provides a good idea of what is generally customary.
Are you getting excited? Take a look at our partners Flamant and PIET Moodshop.
They are happy to help you put together the perfect wedding registry.
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