Sometimes you buy it yourself…I was catching up on some reading of Bride’s Magazine, checking out the trends, and came across an article about getting married at an older age.  I had to laugh when I read. “At some point, you just suck it up and buy the La Cruset yourself.”  I’m not really sure I would have splurged to buy the brand name cast iron pot, but I sure did buy the TJ Maxx cast iron pot for myself. Not to mention, I also bought the silverware, cups, every day dishes and towels for myself.  I find that a lot of people are getting married at an older age and they already have the traditional items most couples register for.  I don’t know if it is because we are enjoying our career, freedom and independence a little too much or if it takes a little longer time to find the right person. I was married in my early-thirties and YES…it took me a little longer to find Mr. Right!!  When you get married later on in life you buy all the household items like pots, pans, dish towels, food processor, blender – you know…most of the things you register for and get as gifts.

I recently had a bride tell me that she lives with her husband-to-be and asked what is the nice way to ask guests for money for a honeymoon.  This becomes a tricky thing…you don’t want to be greedy and have guests think all you want is money…but money would be an easier gift.  (I still have Macy’s gift cards from my wedding that took place a few years ago!)

Ideas for “registering” for money instead of traditional household items:

– Hint around to family that money would be a great gift idea since you two wanted to plan a nice honeymoon or save up for something special.

– Find a few household items and register for those to make it easier on guests who don’t want to give you money.  I’m sure your would like a matching set of bath towels or a new set of dishes without chips on them would look nice in the kitchen cabinet.

– Check out Honeymoon Fund for a neato website for asking for money for gifts and way for guests to see what you will use the money for. http://www.honeyfund.com/how-to-ask-for-cash

– Think outside the registry box by letting guests know you have registered at Home Depot.  Chances are guests will not buy you a shovel, but they probably will get you a gift card to Home Depot and you can use the gift card for a new washer and dryer or home improved items.

– Be honest and just let guests know you want the money.  Honesty is the best policy?  Be polite about asking for money. For example, if you are saving up for a new couch, include a card that has a picture of the couch on it and say something nice like – We are saving up for this fluffy, comfy couch so we can relax and watch movies on it once we are Mr. and Mrs.

By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
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