Getting the wishing well wording on your wedding invitation right is one of those things couples stress about more than they need to. The good news: there's a clear etiquette rule, plenty of tested wording examples, and a simple structure that works for every couple style.
This guide covers the Australian etiquette for wishing well invitations, 20+ wording examples, where to include the wording, what to avoid, and how digital wishing wells fit in.
The One Rule You Need to Know
Never put wishing well wording directly on your main wedding invitation.
This is the Australian etiquette standard that almost every couple gets right, but some don't. The main invitation is sacred — it's for celebrating your union and communicating the practical details (date, time, venue, RSVP). Adding a gift request to the main card can feel like the event is about collecting gifts rather than sharing joy.
Instead, include wishing well information on:
- A separate insert card included with the invitation
- Your wedding website (referenced on the invitation)
- The RSVP card (a brief mention)
- Word of mouth through close family members
Most Australian guests are accustomed to receiving a wishing well insert card. It's standard. Don't overthink it.
Where to Include Wishing Well Wording
Separate Insert Card
The most common and accepted method. A small card (typically A6 or DL size) included with the invitation envelope. Keep it to 2–4 sentences. Include a link or QR code if you're using a digital wishing well.
Your Wedding Website
Include a dedicated "Gifts" or "Wishing Well" section. This is where you can go into more detail — what the contributions will fund, how to contribute, and a link to your digital platform.
RSVP Card
A brief mention is fine: "We have a wishing well if you'd like to contribute — details on our website." Don't go into detail on the RSVP card.
Digital Invitations
If you're sending digital invitations via email or a platform like Paperless Post, you can include a direct link to your wishing well in the body of the invitation. Digital formats allow this more naturally than physical invitations.
20+ Wishing Well Wording Examples for Australian Invitations
Generate personalised wording with our free wishing well wording generator.
Formal and Classic (5 Examples)
Example 1: "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. Should you wish to honour us further, we have arranged a wishing well in lieu of a traditional gift registry. Contributions may be made online at [link]."
Example 2: "We are truly grateful for your love and support. For those who wish to give a gift, we have created a wishing well to help us begin our new life together. Details are available on our wedding website."
Example 3: "Having you celebrate our marriage with us means everything. If you would like to contribute a gift, we have set up a wishing well rather than a traditional registry. Your generosity would be warmly appreciated."
Example 4: "Your presence is our greatest treasure. For those who wish to mark the occasion with a gift, a contribution to our wishing well would be deeply appreciated as we embark on our journey together."
Example 5: "We feel truly blessed to share our wedding day with you. In lieu of gifts, we have established a wishing well to support our future together. Contributions can be made at [link] or via card on the day."
Warm and Personal (5 Examples)
Example 6: "Your company at our wedding is all we could want. If you'd like to give a little something, we've set up a wishing well to help with [specific goal — honeymoon/house deposit/etc.]. Any contribution means the world to us."
Example 7: "We already have everything we need to start our life together — except [goal]! If you'd like to help us get there, contributions to our wishing well would be incredibly meaningful. No pressure whatsoever."
Example 8: "We can't wait to celebrate with you. For those asking about gifts, we've created a wishing well to help us save for [goal]. Your love and support are the best gifts of all — anything else is just wonderful bonus."
Example 9: "Our home is already well-stocked with all the essentials (and then some!). If you'd like to give a gift, we'd love contributions to our wishing well toward our honeymoon in [destination/general]. Just having you there is more than enough."
Example 10: "Your friendship and support throughout our relationship has meant everything. If you'd like to celebrate with a gift, we've set up a wishing well. Contribute what feels comfortable — your presence is truly the gift."
Casual and Modern Australian (5 Examples)
Example 11: "We've got the toaster covered. If you'd like to give something, chuck a little in our wishing well and we'll put it toward [goal]. Honestly though — just come, have a drink, and celebrate with us!"
Example 12: "We're absolutely stoked you're joining us. No gifts needed — but if you want to help us out, we've got a wishing well set up online. Every contribution goes toward [goal]. Cheers!"
Example 13: "Between us we've already accumulated enough kitchen gadgets to open a café. If you'd like to give a gift, contributions to our wishing well are heaps appreciated. Link below — or just bring your dancing shoes!"
Example 14: "You being there is enough of a gift. But if you're the type who absolutely must give something (you know who you are), we've set up a wishing well. Contribute whatever feels right and we'll put it to great use."
Example 15: "We're not big on registries — we've already got everything we need. If you'd like to give a gift, our wishing well goes toward [goal]. We're just rapt you're celebrating with us."
Honeymoon-Specific Wording (5 Examples)
Example 16: "We're planning an adventure to [destination] for our honeymoon and would love your help making it unforgettable. Contributions to our honeymoon wishing well are welcome — or just come party with us!"
Example 17: "Instead of gifts, we're asking guests to help fund our honeymoon to [destination]. If you'd like to contribute, every little bit helps us create memories we'll treasure forever."
Example 18: "We'd love your help sending us off on our honeymoon adventure! Contributions to our travel wishing well are gratefully accepted. Details on our wedding website."
Example 19: "Our bags are half-packed already! If you'd like to give a gift, contributions to our honeymoon fund would be amazing. We'll send you a postcard from wherever we end up."
Example 20: "Dreams of [destination] are keeping us going through the wedding planning chaos. If you'd like to help make that dream trip a reality, our honeymoon wishing well is open for contributions — link inside."
What NOT to Say on Your Wishing Well Card
Certain phrases land badly with Australian guests. Avoid these:
"No gifts please, only cash." Too blunt. Sounds like a transaction, not a celebration.
"Cash only — no physical gifts." Same problem, plus it excludes guests who might want to give something personal.
"Minimum contribution of $X." Never specify a minimum. Guests give what they can.
"We have everything we need, so please just give money." The emphasis on money feels grabby. Lead with gratitude, not need.
"Instead of wasting money on gifts..." Judgmental toward guests who prefer traditional gifts.
Digital Wishing Wells and Your Invitation
If you're using a digital wishing well (which most Australian couples now do), include a short link or QR code on your insert card.
Keep the URL simple: your platform should give you a shareable link that's easy to type. A QR code is ideal — guests scan it with their phone at home or at the event.
Example insert card text with digital link: "Your presence is our greatest gift. For those who'd like to contribute, we've set up a wishing well at: [URL] — or scan the QR code below. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
Set up your free wedding wishing well and get your shareable link ready for your invitations.
For more wording inspiration, see our 50 wedding wishing well wording examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mention the wishing well directly on the main invitation? Australian etiquette says no — keep it on a separate insert card or your wedding website. The main invitation is for celebrating, not gift logistics.
What size should the wishing well insert card be? A6 (148mm × 105mm) or DL (220mm × 110mm) cards are the most common sizes. They fit neatly with standard wedding invitations and can include a QR code.
Should I say "no gifts" if I have a wishing well? Avoid "no gifts" if you do want contributions — it contradicts itself. Instead, say "your presence is the greatest gift" and then mention the wishing well option.
Is it okay to mention a specific goal (honeymoon, house deposit) on the card? Yes, and it's actually encouraged. Specific goals help guests feel their contribution has purpose. "Contributing to our honeymoon in New Zealand" is more compelling than "general wishing well."
What if some guests don't have a smartphone and can't access a QR code or URL? Include a physical wishing well option at the reception (a box or envelope system). Mention on the insert card: "Prefer to contribute on the day? We'll have a wishing well at the reception too."