Registering for a Honeymoon

MRSreadcomicbooks

While playing around here on the knot, I saw an ad for Palladium Resorts. I clicked it and found out that they have wedding registries, so people can contribute to your honeymoon by paying for massages, for example, and things like that.

In December my fiance and I were actually staying at a Palladium resort in Mexico - in fact, that's where he proposed. We have been talking a little about going back for our honeymoon anyway, so the fact that they have registries of course really stood out for me.

Has anyone does this? Or does anyone plan on doing this? Do you think it would go over well?

Jells2dot0

I highly recomend doing a search for this. You can find the search function toward the bottom of the page. You are likely to get a lot of feedback on this and it's not going to be positive.

MrsGandthebeag

Do a little more searching and you'll find your answer.  Originally, the first time I saw a hm registry I thought what a great idea!  I had no clue as a guest at my friend's wedding that her and her husband weren't really going to get a couples massage.  In reality, the hm registry takes a cut of the price they charge your guests and you get a check at the end, no actual massage.  

Ctrossello

On the Registry page there is a link at the top that has some good points on the HoneyFunds. 

Personally, I did a HoneyFund and liked it.  We used the fund to get extras for the trip rather then contribute to the balance of the vacation itself and it went over well with my group of family and friends.  I would still recommend setting up a traditional registry in addition to the honeyfund.  I had both and got a nice mix of checks, honeyfund activities, and traditional registry gifts at my shower.

Pros

We got some awesome extras - golf (fiance is beyond etc for), massages, a special dinner on the beach I wanted, etc.  Mostly everyone who purchased off the honeyfund were friends and close family who knew my FI and I had most of our houseware items (lived together for 3 years) and knew what we really wanted was to be lounging poolside on a much needed vacation.  Others told me they thought it was very unique and great to be able to give us an experience rather then a set of pots.

Cons

The sites take a cut - either the gifter pays a fee at checkout or they subtract the fee when they transfer the funds.  Unless the site is associated with the honeymoon location you will get a money transfer.  It is up to you to arrange all the excursions, etc.  Alot of people do not like the honeyfund and find that is extremely rude.  You may get some harsh push back so be prepared.

At the end of day do what works for you and your FI!!

hoffse

These are usually scams.  You need to read the fine print.  Some resorts do actually give you vouchers for the activities that people buy.  I know Sandals does this, not sure about Palladium.  Most honeymoon registries, and in particular the honeyfund that PP referenced, just give the couple cash, takes a cut, and then lies to the guests when the guest thinks she has purchased a couples' massage.  These are not cool.

In general, if Palladium actually gives you vouchers then they are not rude.  Still, they aren't my favorite because I believe people should pay for their own vacation.  That said, I don't mind seeing Sandals registries when the couple has only registered for some activities or excursions, because they are not essential to the trip and I know the couple will actually get a voucher.  So for me, as long as they are not deceptive, and as long as the couple can still afford to take the trip whether people buy things or not, then I'm ok with them.  Just know that this arrangement is pretty rare.

AddieCake

It's always wrong to ask people for money. 

Amanda1443994

I did not have a HM registry, but I really wouldn't side-eye it if someone I knew had one. I know many on here disagree but I don't see any difference in suggesting a set of pans you want or a snorkeling trip. No one is obligated to buy anything if they don't want to.

Maggie0829

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_registering-for-a-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:b8059c46-30ef-4744-aa0c-880cebac032fPost:22802dec-4b5d-438d-be86-d4e8208b1cf4">Re: Registering for a Honeymoon</a>:
[QUOTE]I did not have a HM registry, but I really wouldn't side-eye it if someone I knew had one. I know many on here disagree but <strong>I don't see any difference in suggesting a set of pans you want or a snorkeling trip.</strong> No one is obligated to buy anything if they don't want to.
Posted by Amanda1443994[/QUOTE]

The difference is that with many of the HM registries you aren't actually getting what someone paid for.  For example, if someone bought me pots and pans, I would actually get the pots and pans but if someone bought a snorkeling excursion I would get a check for the amount (minus the fees the website takes).  I wouldn't actually get the snorkeling excursion so then I could either use the money given for a snorkeling trip or just pocket it and use it for something else.  This is deceiving your guests that you are actually getting what they purchased.  It is not right and very rude.

Also, just because things become more common does not mean that they are any less rude.

dazyabbey

I think it depends on what you and your fiance decide if this is the right move for you. I really think that Ctrossello's post explained it very well. There are a lot of positives and negatives and it is up to you to decide which is the right fit for you. Honeyfund however only charges a fee if you use the credit card or paypal option. You can choose to use it fee free. Just be honest and if you register for something like a couples massage, get that couples massage. It isn't that difficult really to be a decent person.

TKzilla

My own humble opinion is... if you want to do a honeymoon registry, do the legwork to find one that doesn't scam your guests. But also have a small, traditional registry at a brick and mortar store. Let your guest choose.