As my kids hit the age where their friends are tying the knot, our mailbox is overflowing with wedding and shower invites. It’s a joyous time, but holy matrimony, have things changed! Gone are the days of a rowdy, one-night bachelor or bachelorette bash before the big day. Now, they’re week-long, wallet-draining tropical escapades that cost attendants more than a used car. Brides are orchestrating their own showers with planners who probably charge by the sparkle, and gift expectations? Think several hundred bucks, even for that cousin you met once at a barbecue. I’m not alone in navigating this dazzling, dizzying new world of wedding customs—apparently, extravagance is the new “I do.”
Helping my millennial friend decide what to put on her wedding registry because the boomers in her life are insisting they want to give a gift instead of contributing to her honeymoon fund, which is what she actually wants.
— non dairy queen (@haleyvemealone) July 31, 2025
Most couples live together for a few years before marriage now and so they are asking for funds to travel after the wedding rather than a place setting or a new crock pot.
this is the one time i agree with the boomers.
— danielle (@DaniiMarie_13) August 1, 2025
it's tacky to just have honeymoon funds for ur wedding i'm sorry https://t.co/nqa4YqzcBq
Honeymoon funds are extremely tacky, I think I’m with the boomers on this one unfortunately… https://t.co/TIxj1thtU2
— eli 🕯✨ (@nienna121) August 1, 2025
There’s a weird social norm being crossed asking for cash as a wedding present.
— Sullen (@BetweenTwoCults) August 1, 2025
Although many prefer to give cash because it removes the headache of finding a gift, it’s also off putting to many when you straight up ask for it. https://t.co/m2YZRivZaN
“We want to give you something to remember us by” I remember the check a family friend gave us because it was the exact amount we needed for something during our honeymoon. We called them and told them, saying it was like they were there with us. If you care, you’ll remember. https://t.co/7Gzzcgb6Po
— Michael Lego (@QualityLego) August 1, 2025
There were mixed reviews.
Two couples close to me had honeymoon funds instead of wedding registries because they had already been living together for years.
— Tweet is the Work 🌷 (@NoblestCalling) August 1, 2025
Both also had pricey destination weddings.
Both had good attendance at the wedding but were shocked to receive very little in the honeymoon fund… https://t.co/T4OwdXLApy
Others shared stories of friends who attempted the 'Honeymoon Fund' and weren't very successful.
Honeymoon funds are tacky. https://t.co/dembSIpawQ
— Emily Zanotti 🦝 (@emzanotti) August 1, 2025
Spices. I'm serious. A nice, higher end spice set that you can't quite justify to get yourself.
— alexandriabrown (@alexthechick) August 1, 2025
See also the good knife set.
Anything home related that is one step up from what you would get yourself. Those 1000 thread count sheets. The good standing mat for the kitchen. https://t.co/bsCH60A7rt
Some had higher end suggestions couples might not think of, but would definitely be treasured and utilized in a home.
