Wish Well Wording That Won’t Offend
Weddings are a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touches, where every detail contributes to the story of love and commitment. Among these cherished customs, the wishing well has emerged as a popular feature, adding both charm and practicality to the celebration. Rooted in folklore and adapted to suit modern needs, wedding wishing wells invite guests to offer their best wishes and contributions in a meaningful way.
Whether you’re asking for a loan, a pay raise or for guests to contribute to a wishing well at your wedding, requests for money can be difficult, if not downright embarrassing. With many couples living together before marriage and so many who, individually, have their homes already set up with the items they need, it’s a request that’s becoming more and more common.
Traditions
The term “wishing well poem” originates from the tradition where couples provide a wishing well—though it can take the form of suitcases, birdcages, or elegant boxes—where guests place their money-filled envelopes and make a wish, typically for the couple’s future. These are also sometimes called Money Trees, Treasure Chests, or other creative names. In many cultures, there are similar wedding traditions, such as pinning money to the bride’s dress or filling the bride’s purse with money during the reception.
These customs, which date back to a time when couples didn’t typically live together before marriage, were designed to ensure that the bride and groom had a small financial cushion to start their married life. Guests contributed what they could afford, if they were able to give anything at all.
Asking for Cash
Of course, requesting cash gifts isn’t solely about preference for many couples. Some may genuinely need the funds, while others might wish to allocate the money toward a specific goal, such as a honeymoon, a house deposit, or even a large purchase like a painting—something memorable that will be cherished for years. And for some couples, cash is simply the preferred gift. Regardless of the motivation, asking guests for monetary gifts can feel awkward. To address this, many couples have found a more tactful approach: incorporating wishing well poems into their invitations.
It's Your Choice
Keep in mind that while you may prefer cash gifts, your guests might have different preferences. Some may not be in a position to give money, while others might want to give you a special, meaningful gift that you’ll treasure as a keepsake from your wedding day. If you choose to include a wishing well, it’s important to communicate that cash gifts are not mandatory; you’re simply making a suggestion, not requiring guests to give money. This allows guests the freedom to decide what they wish to give, based on both their preference and their budget. You can include the wishing well poem in your invitation, or, as many couples do, print it on a small card or slip of paper. If poetry is not your style, you can just word the requests politely.
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