Wedding Wishing Well Guide, Etiquette and Creative Ideas

Nov 30, 2025

Wishing wells are one of the most practical and stylish traditions in modern Australian weddings. Couples are increasingly choosing to let go of traditional registries and bulky wrapped gifts in favour of monetary contributions, making wedding wishing wells a thoughtful and appreciated option for both sides.

These elegant boxes give guests a clear and discreet way to give cards or contributions while helping couples avoid duplicate gifts or items they may not need. More than that, a well-styled wishing well becomes a seamless part of your styling and a stunning addition to your event.

In this guide, we will go over:

What a wishing well is
Wording examples for every tone
Styling tips to match your theme
Creative placement ideas
Alternative or complements to consider

Let’s explore how to make your wedding gifting experience smoother, simpler and stylish with a wedding wishing well.

What Are Wishing Wells and How Do They Work?

A wedding wishing well is a decorative box placed at your wedding for guests to drop off monetary gifts and/or messages. Designed to blend into your event styling while offering a clear and easy way for guests to give.

Traditionally placed near the entrance of the venue, at the guest book table, or in a designated gift zone. All you need is a box, a sign explaining its purpose, and optional decorative elements to tie into your décor.

Why wishing wells have become popular:

Many couples start living together and don’t have purpose for traditional gifts
Monetary gifts are easier to manage, especially after a destination wedding
Guests appreciate knowing what kind of gift is preferred
Helps to avoid duplication and reduce stress for everyone

What to Include in Your Wishing Well Wording

Wording is one of the most common struggles, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. As long as you stay polite, clear, and true to your tone as a couple.

Formal

"Your presence at our wedding is the most cherished gift. If you wish to honour us with something more, a wishing well will be available at the reception."

"We are truly grateful to celebrate our special day with you. Should you wish to contribute to our future, a wishing well will be present on the day."

Friendly

"We’ve already got the cutlery and towels, what we’d really love is a little help as we begin our next chapter. Our wishing well will be at the venue."

"Your love and laughter is all we need, but if you’d like to give a little something extra, you’ll find our wishing well at the reception."

Light-hearted

"We’ve got the dishes, the linen, the bed, now we’re saving for our future ahead! A small gift or card would be nice, but only if you’d like to add to our slice."

"Don’t stress about a gift, we’re happy you’re here, just drop us a note or a wish with cheer!"

These little phrases can be placed on you wedding site, printed invites, or on a small sign near the actual wishing well. If you're using RSVP cards or email invites, keep it short and sweet.

Styling Your Wedding Wishing Well

Wishing wells aren’t just functional, they can be styled to match your theme and become part of your décor story. Here’s how to elevate your setup with minimal effort:

Match to Your Theme:

Modern/Minimalist: Use a clear acrylic box with white or neutral signage. Pair with florals, and a marble cake stand, or velvet linens.
Rustic: Opt for a wooden box with hessian runners, wisteria garland , and pillar candles.
Glamorous: Choose an acrylic or white wishing well, accented with crystal candle holders , roses , or metallic signage.
Boho or Garden: Combine a card box with earthy tones, lilies, and lace.

Add Personal Touches:

Use decals with your names or wedding date
Add a “Cards & Wishes” sign in your wedding font
Include a small frame with your wishing well wording
Style with taper candles , florals , or matching stationery

Creative Placement Ideas:

At the guestbook table, next to your welcome sign
Near the bar or dessert table to ensure visibility
By the venue entrance or ceremony exit (ideal for early givers)
Styled as part of a larger gift table display, complete with favour bags and table decorations

Alternatives and Complements to Wishing Wells

Wishing wells don’t have to be your only gifting option. Here are a few complementary or alternative ideas you can mix and match:

1. Online Registry or Digital Funds

You can create a registry that includes a digital cash fund, perfect for honeymoon contributions or home upgrades. Link it on your wedding website and include a QR code on signage.

2. Charity Donation Requests

If you’d prefer guests to donate to a cause you care about, you can use a sign or QR code directing them to a charity donation link instead of a gift.

3. Advice or Memory Cards

Set up a keepsake box for guests to write advice, stories, or future date night ideas. It’s sentimental, interactive, and doesn’t cost anything.

4. Themed Keepsake Boxes

For destination weddings or special themes, create a decorative “treasure chest” style box that matches your location or vibe, great for tropical, beachside or vintage weddings.

5. Mix & Match Gift Station

Create a full “gift zone” using a wishing well, guestbook, favour bags, and even a photo display. This encourages interaction while keeping everything organised and on theme.

Conclusion

Wedding wishing wells are the perfect combination of style and practicality. They help modern couples simplify gifting while offering guests a clear and respectful way to share their love and support.

From elegant acrylic boxes to rustic timber styles, there’s a wishing well to suit every type of celebration, and endless ways to style it beautifully.