Registering for gifts

Destination or not, where there is a wedding, gifts will follow. Still, it is always considerate to register for gifts at a range of price points to help accommodate your guests who have spent additional money traveling to see you marry. While most guests prefer to travel light and not lug a heavy/large gift through the airport, you might enlist the help of a family member or close friend to help you collect any gifts that show up at your resort.

Honeymoon funds

Increasingly, many couples prefer experience-based gifts to more traditional weddingpresents, particularly as some couples live together prior to marriage and don’thave a need for housewarming items. While you obviously can’t direct yourguests to forgo a traditional wedding present if that’s their preference,many couples set up a honeymoon fund, where guests can buy couples massages, excursions,and romantic dinners in lieu of conventional gifts or checks.

Welcome gifts for guests

Though not required, it’s a thoughtful gesture for traveling guests to include a welcome basket upon check-in for a couple of reasons. You might be staying at a large resort and unable to personally greet your guest before the festivities. It’s also helpful to include wedding information and schedules. For example, contact information for the wedding party or parents might be included (e.g. their room numbers and cell phone numbers), along with a few goodies to help welcome your guest. Gift bags can be as elaborate or as simple as you choose. It’s fun to include things that are helpful to your guests while they’re in your chosen destination. For instance, flip flops and sunscreen are great to give in a tropical, beach setting, while maps to local attractions and a phrasebook could be great for sightseeing in a city or countryside location abroad. No matter the inclusions, a thoughtful welcome bag shows guests that you appreciate the time and commitment they made to attend your wedding.

Gifts for a second marriage

While every couple is different, some choose to skip gift registry all together the second time around. Most friends and family may want to bring a gift to show their happiness for the couple anyway, but it often considered a graceful way to relieve pressure and expectations, particularly for guests who attended the previous marriage ceremony.