In 2026, most couples prefer to receive cash over gifts at their weddings. Although a new toaster might be well received, cash can be more helpful during this costly time, contributing towards honeymoon plans or wedding expenses. As a result, it’s very common for couples to set up a wedding wishing well; a box within which guests can drop money as a gift. The only problem is, asking friends and family for money can feel a little uncomfortable. Struggling to find the words? In this article, find some thoughtful wedding wishing well wording that comes across breezy yet polite, and grateful yet honest.
Wedding wishing well wording
It’s a query that comes up when selecting invitations; what should my wedding wishing well wording be? What words can I use to make it feel that little less awkward? And if you’ve been thinking about this, you’re not alone. It is totally understandable that wording your gift preferences can be difficult and many coupes struggle with the concept.
It normally goes something like this; although you are happy to host your guests on your wedding day, the truth is that costs do add up. Ultimately, how can you get your wishing well wording just right, so to make guests feel welcome and comfortable whilst also nudging them in the direction of gifting cash rather than a salad bowl (that you don’t necessarily need)?
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to word your gift preferences that are polite, friendly and not at all pushy. In this article, we show you just how to achieve this.
However first, a little information on wishing wells and the protocols behind implementing one at your event.
What is a wedding wishing well?
A wedding wishing well is a box at a wedding within which guests can deposit cash gifts for a newly married couple. It's as simple as that.
With cash often preferred over physical gifts at a modern day celebration, a wishing well is a super convenient way to accept money and cards from your guests. By setting not up at your reception, you'll get a tidy alternative to sprawling gift tables, and you'll make it almost impossible for cards to go missing.
And wishing wells come in all shapes and sizes; they can be customised with creative decor and a touch of your style, especially when paired with wishing well signage to help guests navigate the gifting situation.
So, where do I start with our wedding wishing well?
There are two key components to your wedding wishing well that you will have to put in place in order to ensure that guests are fully in the know about your gifting preferences and set up.
Here's what you need to cover.
Note on gifts
Firstly, upon sending wedding invitations, it is important to send out a ‘note on gifts’. Typically, you'll send this out as a separate piece of card within the same envelope as your invites.
On this piece of card, write a note about your gift preferences as a couple. For example you could state whether you welcome gifts, whether you’d prefer honeymoon spending money, or whether you want no gifts at all.
Naturally, this is often the part the couples find most difficult to word, as naturally it can feel little uncomfortable asking for gifts. But by using personalised and well-considered wording, you can make your request more intimate and in line with your personality (more to come on this later!).
See an example of a ‘note on gifts’ here.
Wishing well signage
The second piece of the puzzle happens at your wedding. You'll want to allocate a space for your wishing well at the venue and make it identifiable using a clear and nicely designed sign.
Remember, your wishing well signage doesn’t have to be complex or explain anything in detail, since your guests will have received the more in-depth information along with their invitations. See an example of wedding wishing well signage here.
However, feel free to dress up your little gifting station as you wish. We've seen mini postboxes, baskets, glass boxes... the list goes on!
Wedding wishing well examples
With the organisation done, you'll now want to start thinking about how to word your signage.
So, in the remainder of this article we provide original and thoughtful examples of wishing well wording, each portraying a friendly tone but also helping you to speak clearly about your preferences. That's important!
Already got an idea in mind? Send us a message and we’ll work with you to design your perfect wedding invitations and signage.
Simple wishing well wording
Those looking to share their gifting preferences with guests in a straightforward yet gentle manner could use wording like this.
Example #1
Your presence at our wedding is a gift in itself. However, if you would like to contribute to our future together as a couple, a wishing well will be available at our reception.
Example #2
Your gift of love and support is all we need on our special day. However, if you would like to give a gift, we will have a wishing well at our reception.
Example #3
We are blessed to not only have each other, but the guests who will make our wedding day so special. We’d rather not receive gifts, but if you’d like to contribute to our wedding and our future together, we will have a wishing well at our reception to which you can contribute.
Example #4
We are so grateful to celebrate with you. While your company is present enough, if you desire to give a gift, a wishing well will be available at the venue to help us build our future home.
Example #5
Your love and presence are the greatest gifts we could ask for. However, for those who wish to honor us with a gift, we have set up a wishing well at the reception to help us start our new life together.
Playful poems wishing well wording
Using a poem can be a great way to share a bit of flair with your guests; whether that's humour or romance.
Example #1: Short and sweet
Your love and laughter at our wedding is all we truly need.
But a wishing well contribution will be warmly received.
Example #2: For honeymooners
Your presence at our wedding is present enough, so don't worry about gifts, we have plenty of stuff.
However, if you were thinking of helping us on our way, some money towards our honeymoon would truly make our day.
We'll remember your kindness wherever we roam, before we settle down and build a home.
Thank you for sharing our special day, and helping us on our journey in every way.
Example #3: Love and friendship
We’re simply so grateful for your presence here, to celebrate our love and cheer.
As we begin our journey anew, we’ll cherish your friendship into our future, too.
If you’d like to contribute to our wishing well, however, you’ll help us create memories tonight and forever.
Whether big or small, it's the thought that counts, and we'll be thankful for every penny that amounts.
Thank you for your love, support, and care. Mostly it means the world that on our day you were there.
Example #4: Cheerful and casual
Your presence is the gift we really need today.
But if you wish to give, our wishing well is the way.
No pressure at all, just your love is enough.
But if you are stubborn, we'd cherish pennies over stuff.
Purposeful wishing well wording
Some couples prefer to explain to their guests exactly where their wishing well money will go. In these cases, why not try these?
Example #1: A new home
Your presence on our wedding day is the most special gift we could possibly ask for. However, if you do wish to bless us and contribute to our future together, we are saving for our new home. A wishing well will be present at our reception.
Example #2: The honeymoon
We’re thrilled that you’re able to make it to our wedding - that’s more than enough for us. However, if you would like to bring us something, spending money for our honeymoon would be most appreciated.
Example #3: More honeymoon
Your presence on our wedding day is the best gift of all, but if you would like to help us create special memories on our honeymoon, we've set up a wishing well where you can contribute to our honeymoon fund.
Example #4: Wedding costs
We are thrilled to celebrate our special day with all of our loved ones. And of all gifts you could bring, your presence is the most cherished. However, if you would like to contribute to our wedding costs, we will have a wishing well set up at our reception. We appreciate your love and support and can't wait to create unforgettable memories together on our wedding day.
Formal wishing well wording
In 2026, it's not common to host a very formal wedding. But that doesn't mean yours isn't. For those hoping to put on a traditional affair, these examples could serve you just right.
Example #1
While your presence on our wedding day is a cherished gift, we understand some guests like to offer more. In lieu of a traditional gift, we would be grateful for a monetary contribution towards our life together. If you would like to participate, you can leave your donation and well wishes in our wishing well, which will be available at our reception.
Example #2
As we embark on this new chapter of our lives, we are grateful for the love and support of our family and friends. If you feel inclined to contribute to our wedding costs and the beginning of this next step in our lives together, we have set up a wishing well where you can leave your well wishes and support. No matter how big or small, your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Example #3
We are so honoured to share this special day with you. As we start our life as a married couple, we look forward to building a foundation together. Therefore, if you are moved to give a gift, a wishing well will be available at the reception for monetary contributions. Your generosity, in any amount, will be a wonderful help as we begin this new chapter.
Casual wishing well wording
Maybe you're hosting a festival style wedding, or perhaps a casual dinner with friends. If so, you'll want to focus on something friendly and true to yourselves as a couple.
Example #1
No gifts are necessary today. We just want to see you! If you do wish to give us a little something, a little cash to spend on our honeymoon [or our new home] would be very much appreciated.
Example #2
We can't imagine our wedding day without having all our loved ones here to celebrate with us. We know some of you have come from far and wide, and we're so grateful for the effort you've taken. If you'd like to give a little something extra to help start our journey on the right foot, we've got a wishing well set up where you can drop your cash and loving messages. Thank you all for being a part of our day.
Example #3
We don't need big presents, just the presence of you all! However, if you would like to contribute to our honeymoon [or future home], we have a wishing well set up at our reception. Cheers!
Example #4
Having you all with us on our special day is a dream come true. We're so grateful for the effort you've taken to be here. If you'd like to give a little something extra to help start our journey on the right foot, we will have a wishing well set up where you can drop any cash you’d like to contribute.
Humorous wishing well wording
Using some humour can be a great way to share your sincerity, whilst also keeping things light and fun.
Example #1
We've truly got everything we need at home. In fact, we have two of everything and nowhere to keep it. So if you'd like to contribute to our special day, we would much prefer a small contribution. Many thanks!
Example #2
We don't have space for another Nutribullet. However, if you would like to contribute to our wedding costs, we do have a wishing well set up at our reception. Thank you!
Example #3
There are only so many kitchen gadgets one couple can accommodate. And so, if you feel inclined to contribute to our next chapter, we have set up a wishing well where you can leave your well wishes and support.
Example #4
Don't worry about heading to [enter shop name]. We have a wishing well set up for those who'd like to contribute to our next chapter. But by no means do we expect anything!
Create the perfect invitations and wishing well signage with Peppermint Press
At Peppermint Press, we work directly with customers and offer a personal touch. Our professional designers will provide you with personalised presentations from which you’ll be able to provide your feedback. Our job isn’t done until you’ve settled on the perfect wedding invites and wedding stationery.
Click here to browse our beautiful collections. Otherwise ask us a question.
Our wedding wishing well FAQs
Is it considered rude to request cash instead of physical gifts at your wedding?
No, it is not rude! Modern Australian wedding etiquette is totally different now, and everyone is aware of just how expensive the typical wedding is in 2026. In fact, the majority of couples prefer monetary contributions (82% of guests actually prefer giving cash). All you have to do, is ensure your request feels polite and frame it as optional. That way, you've got all bases covered.
What if a guest asks to bring a physical gift instead of cash?
Accept physical gifts with grace and remember that some guests (particularly older generations) might simply prefer traditional gifting. As long as your wording clarifies that cash is preferred, that's as much as you can do! Thank guests sincerely for their thoughtfulness, just as you would for kind of gift.
How should I write my thank you notes for cash gifts?
Treat cash gifts with the same personalisation and formality as physical presents. Simple send a handwritten, personalised note, specifically mentioning the contribution and, if possible, briefly mention how you plan to use it. This way, everyone is treated the same.
What size should my wedding wishing well signage be?
A4 is an excellent option for your wishing well signage. This particular size is large enough to be easily read from a few feet away while remaining compact enough to sit elegantly on a reception table without overwhelming your decor.
Can I use a QR code for wedding cash contributions?
Yes, you can use a QR code at your wishing well, though it's not yet a common practice at traditional weddings. While it offers a convenient, contactless way for guests to donate instantly via their phones, some older guests may find it confusing or prefer handing over a physical envelope. Make sure you provide clear instructions and perhaps have a traditional cash box available as an alternative just in case, for those less comfortable with technology!
