Wishing well cards are one of the most thoughtful additions to a wedding invitation suite – a graceful way to let guests know that a cash gift would be more meaningful than a physical present. Getting the wording right matters: too blunt and it feels presumptuous, too vague and guests miss the point entirely. This guide gives you dozens of ready-to-use wording examples, clear etiquette rules, and practical advice for designing a card your guests will actually appreciate.
Wishing Well Card Cheat Sheet
- Lead with appreciation – always thank guests for their presence first
- Make it optional – use “if you wish” or “should you choose” language
- Name the purpose – honeymoon, home, experiences (brief is better)
- Keep it short – 2-4 lines max on the card itself
- Match your invitation tone – formal wedding = formal wording; casual backyard celebration = relaxed language
- Never demand – a wishing well is a suggestion, not a registry requirement (see also: how to phrase “no gifts please”)
What Is a Wishing Well Card?
A wishing well card is a small insert included with your wedding invitation suite that gently lets guests know you would prefer a cash contribution over a physical gift. The name comes from the tradition of making wishes by tossing coins into a decorative well displayed at the wedding reception – though today most couples simply include a card with wording that guides guests toward a cash gift, an experience, or a specific savings goal.
Wishing well cards are especially common in Australia and New Zealand, where the custom has been mainstream for decades. They are less familiar to North American guests, which is worth keeping in mind if your guest list includes overseas attendees – a brief explanation on the card itself can help remove any awkwardness.
Couples typically use a wishing well when they have been living together, already have an established home, or simply prefer experiences and savings over more household items. A honeymoon fund, a deposit toward a home, or a travel adventure are the most common purposes.
Wishing Well Card Wording Examples
The examples below are organized by tone. Copy and adapt whichever fits your wedding style – just make sure it sounds like you wrote it, not a template.
Polite and Traditional
Use these if your wedding is formal or semi-formal, or if your guest list skews toward older relatives who appreciate conventional etiquette.
“Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. If you would like to give a gift, a contribution to our wishing well would be gratefully received as we begin our new life together.”
“We feel truly blessed to have you celebrate with us. Should you wish to honor us with a gift, we would be touched by a contribution toward our future together. A wishing well will be present on the day.”
“The greatest gift you can give us is sharing this day. If you wish to give something more, we would deeply appreciate a contribution to our wishing well.”
Casual and Modern
For relaxed celebrations, garden weddings, or couples with a younger guest list.
“We have been living together for a while and honestly have everything we need at home. If you were thinking of a gift, a contribution to our wishing well would help us save for our next big adventure.”
“We have two of most things and not enough space for more! If you would like to give something, we would love contributions toward our honeymoon fund. Your presence is the real gift.”
“Rather than things, we are saving for experiences. If you would like to contribute to our wishing well, we would be over the moon. But honestly, just come and celebrate with us.”
Funny and Humorous
If your wedding has a laid-back, fun vibe – and you know your guests will appreciate a laugh.
“Our home already has three toasters and a blender that gets used twice a year. If you are feeling generous, a contribution to our wishing well is warmly (and gratefully) accepted. Any amount is perfect.”
“To save you the stress of gift hunting and us the challenge of fitting more into our apartment – we have a wishing well. Contributions welcome. Cheese boards not required (we already have two).”
“Soon you will hear the wedding bell, as friends and family wish us well. Our home is full, we will be frank – we’d love a little help with our honeymoon fund, to be completely rank. Contributions to our wishing well are all we request, any amount will do – you know the rest.”
Honeymoon Fund Wording
Naming a specific purpose makes guests feel their contribution has clear meaning.
“We are saving for our honeymoon in Italy and would love your help making it extra special. If you would like to give a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon fund would mean the world. A wishing well will be at the reception.”
“Your presence is our greatest gift. If you would like to add something, we are building our honeymoon adventure fund – contributions of any size are welcome and deeply appreciated.”
“We are dreaming of a honeymoon adventure and saving every penny! If you would like to give a gift, a contribution toward our travels would be the most wonderful thing.”
First Home or Savings Wording
“We are working toward our first home together and your support means everything. If you would like to give a gift, a contribution to our home deposit fund would be truly appreciated. A wishing well will be available on the day.”
“Rather than adding to our already-full home, we are saving for our first house. If you are thinking of a gift, a contribution to our wishing well would help us get there. No pressure – your presence is truly enough.”
Wishing Well Etiquette: Getting It Right
The wishing well tradition is warm and widely accepted in Australia and New Zealand – but there are still a handful of etiquette rules worth knowing to make sure your card lands well with every guest on your list.
Keep it optional, always
Wording that assumes a gift will be given (“When contributing to our wishing well…”) puts guests in an uncomfortable position. Always frame it as a suggestion. “If you wish” and “should you choose” are the right registers. Guests who cannot give much should not feel obligated.
Lead with gratitude for their presence
Your guests are travelling, taking time off work, and celebrating with you. Acknowledge that their attendance is the priority. Any wording that leads with the gift request rather than appreciation for their presence tends to land poorly.
Never put wishing well wording on the invitation itself
This is the one hard rule in wishing well etiquette. The invitation is the formal request for your guest’s presence. Mentioning gifts on the invitation itself – wishing well or otherwise – reads as presumptuous. Always use a separate insert card.
Spread the word verbally too
Your wedding party and close family are your best advocates here. If you let them know in advance that you have a wishing well, they can answer questions from other guests who may be unfamiliar with the custom – especially older relatives or international guests.
Acknowledge the gift afterward
A handwritten thank you card referencing a guest’s specific contribution (even generally – “your generous gift toward our honeymoon”) goes a long way. This is always expected, not optional.
When and How to Include a Wishing Well Card
A wishing well card is typically included as a small insert within your invitation suite – the same way you would include an RSVP card, information card, or details card. It sits alongside the invitation in the envelope, so guests receive everything at once.
Standard sizing for insert cards is 140mm x 107mm (5.5″ x 4.2″), which fits neatly inside a standard invitation envelope alongside the main invitation. Some couples print their wishing well wording on the back of their information card rather than as a separate piece, which keeps postage costs down.
Timing: Include the wishing well card with your invitations, which should be sent 8-10 weeks before the wedding (or 3-4 months for destination weddings). You can also have the wishing well card available at the reception itself – on the gift table or near the entrance – as a reference for guests who misplaced the original insert.
A wishing well display at the reception (a decorative box, barrel, or actual well where guests can drop envelopes) is a traditional complement to the card. Pair it with a small sign that echoes the wording from your insert card.
How to Design Your Wishing Well Card
Your wishing well card should feel like part of your overall invitation suite – not an afterthought. Here are the key design decisions to make.
Match your invitation design
Choose a wishing well card from the same design collection as your invitations. Paperlust designs come as full suites, so the typographic style, color palette, and decorative elements will coordinate naturally. Browse the wishing well card collection to find designs that pair with your invitation suite.
Keep the text brief
The card is small – a compact, well-spaced 2-4 line message reads much better than a paragraph of text crammed onto a small card. If your wording runs longer, consider increasing the card size or moving to an information card format.
Print method options
For wishing well cards, digital print is the most popular choice – clean, full-color reproduction at an accessible price. For a more premium look that matches foil-printed invitations, flat foil on the wishing well card creates a beautiful finish. Flat foil is available in gold, silver, rose gold, and holographic options at Paperlust.
Paper stock
Standard insert cards use the same card stock as the rest of your suite. For a cohesive feel, match the weight and finish of your invitation paper. Paperlust’s 300gsm matte or premium 380gsm stocks are popular choices for insert cards.
Proofing
Once you place your order, a Paperlust designer will send a proof within 1-2 business days. Take extra care reviewing the wishing well card wording – this is the piece most likely to have a typo noticed, since guests will read it carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wishing well card for a wedding?
A wishing well card is a small insert included with your wedding invitation that politely lets guests know you would prefer a cash contribution over a physical gift. It is especially common in Australia and New Zealand. The card typically includes a short message thanking guests for their presence and suggesting a cash gift for a specific purpose such as a honeymoon or home deposit.
Is it rude to include a wishing well card?
No – wishing well cards are widely accepted in Australia and New Zealand and are considered a thoughtful way to communicate your gift preferences. The key is to word the card gracefully: lead with appreciation for your guests’ attendance, frame the contribution as completely optional, and never put gift wording directly on the invitation itself. A separate insert card is the correct place for this information.
Where do you put a wishing well card?
A wishing well card is included as a small insert within your invitation envelope, alongside your main invitation, RSVP card, and any other insert cards. It should not appear on the invitation itself. Many couples also display the wishing well card or a matching sign at the reception near a decorative box where guests can place cash envelopes.
How long should wishing well wording be?
Keep wishing well wording brief – 2 to 4 lines is ideal for a small insert card. A long paragraph can feel overwhelming on a small card and may read as demanding. The most effective wording thanks guests for attending first, mentions the optional nature of the gift, and briefly names the purpose (honeymoon, home, savings).
Can I include a wishing well card if I am having a registry too?
Yes, many couples offer both a wishing well and a traditional gift registry. The wishing well card can mention that guests are welcome to contribute to the wishing well or check the wedding website for registry details. This gives guests flexibility and ensures those who prefer choosing a physical gift still have the option.
What size should a wishing well card be?
Wishing well cards are typically the same size as other insert cards in the suite, usually 140mm x 107mm (approximately 5.5 x 4.2 inches). This fits neatly inside a standard invitation envelope alongside the main invitation. Some couples print wishing well wording on the reverse of an information card to reduce the number of separate inserts.