Honeymoon Registries
How to do it tastefully
by Cindy Papish Gerber You already have two blenders, a food processor, a vacuum, three crystal vases, barware, dinner service for 12 and enough bed linens to accommodate an army of weekend visitors. Since your household needs are pretty well met, a traditional bridal registry isn’t essential. But what about registering for a dream honeymoon? “A honeymoon registry is a great idea for couples who have already set up their homes and want to give family and friends wedding gift ideas that are not from a ‘typical’ registry,” said Susan Lange of Travel Solutions in Westborough. “There are reliable honeymoon registries available through travel agents, resorts and online sources where guests can contribute to spa treatments, tours, excursions and romantic dinners on the beach.”
50 Winter 2013
BRIDE&GROOM
Lange guides couples through the registry process, including how to best explain this unique concept to wedding guests who may initially view it with skepticism. “I advise couples to know their families, and ask how they would feel about this type of registry as some may view it as ‘looking for money,’” Lange said. Her recommendations? “Engage your wedding party. Let them know this is what you’d like, so they can spread the word. You can even have a bridal shower with a honeymoon theme, where travel accessories and honeymoon registry items are the gifts of choice.” Most importantly, Lange cautions couples to set aside enough funds to pay for their entire trip, just in case the registry isn’t successful. But in most cases, guests enjoy contributing to a couple’s vacation in paradise.
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“When we first introduced honeymoon registries a few years back, clients weren’t so sure about them. But now, they are well received and becoming very popular,” said travel agent Lori Franco of Global Excellence Inc. in Warwick, R.I. According to Franco, many brides and grooms select all-inclusive sites in the Caribbean or Mexico, or opt for combined air/hotel European or cruise packages. “If we book something like a Sandals honeymoon, the couple can register for upgrades and extras, so guests can specifically give them those,” she said. “A honeymoon registry allows couples to go all out and think big.” Until they consulted with Franco, Cassandra Rose and Justin England had never heard of a honeymoon registry. “My husband had bought