Gift Cards On Wedding Registries: Acceptable Or Not?

It is generally considered acceptable to include gift cards on your wedding registry. In fact, they are popular additions to wedding wish lists and are often preferred by gift givers who want to give something more personal than cash but are unsure of what physical gifts to purchase.

However, some people may view gift cards as equivalent to asking for cash, so it is essential to consider your guests' perspectives and include a range of gift options on your registry. Ultimately, you should register for gifts that you truly want and need as a couple.

Gift cards vs cash funds

There are several factors to consider when deciding between gift cards and cash funds for your wedding registry. Here is a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision:

Gift Cards

Gift cards are a great option for couples who want to provide their guests with a more tangible giving option while still allowing for flexibility in their gift. They are an excellent choice for those who already have many of the traditional household items usually included in a wedding registry. For example, if you are passionate about cooking, guests might feel more inclined to give you a gift card to a cooking store rather than a cash fund.

Gift cards are also a good choice if you are concerned about how certain guests will perceive a cash fund. While attitudes are changing, some more traditional family members may still view cash funds as impolite or inappropriate. Gift cards can be a more tasteful middle ground, signalling to guests that their contribution will be used for something specific and meaningful to you.

Additionally, gift cards can be a more budget-friendly option for your guests. You can include gift cards in various preset amounts, such as $25 or $50, which can be more affordable for those who may not be able to contribute larger sums.

Cash Funds

Cash funds, on the other hand, offer ultimate flexibility for the couple. They are an excellent option if you are saving for a larger expense, such as a down payment on a home, or if you want to put the money towards a specific goal or experience, such as a honeymoon. With cash funds, you can use the money as you see fit, giving you the freedom to choose how to spend it based on your priorities.

Cash funds are also convenient for guests, as they can contribute any amount they are comfortable with, making it easy for them to respect their budget while still giving a thoughtful gift.

Practical Considerations

When deciding between gift cards and cash funds, it is essential to consider the fees associated with each option. Some cash fund platforms charge a percentage-based fee on each gift, while others may have a flat fee for using their service. These fees can eat into your gift amount, so be sure to review the terms carefully.

Another practical consideration is how you will receive the funds. With cash funds, you can usually withdraw the money directly to your bank account, while gift cards are delivered immediately upon purchase.

Combining Options

Remember that you do not have to choose exclusively between gift cards and cash funds. Many couples choose to include a mix of both on their registry, along with some traditional gift options. This approach gives your guests a range of choices and ensures that you receive gifts that are meaningful and useful to you.

Ultimately, the decision between gift cards and cash funds depends on your personal preferences and what you feel most comfortable with. Both options are valid and widely used, so feel free to choose the one that best suits your needs and communicates your wishes to your guests.

Honeymoon expenses

One way to do this is to set up a honeymoon fund using a website such as Honeyfund, the only gift registry that makes your dream honeymoon happen for free, without any fees. You can also use a platform like Hitchd, which allows you to access your gift money as soon as it is given, so you don't have to worry about balancing a massive credit card bill.

When it comes to sharing your honeymoon fund with guests, it's considered poor etiquette to put your request on the wedding invitations themselves. Instead, create a printed insert card that can be included as part of the invitation suite, directing guests to your wedding website where they can find more details about the fund.

It's also important to be descriptive when asking for money for your honeymoon. Share your exciting itinerary so that guests understand what they're contributing to. Outline your travel plans, the spots you want to see, the experiences you'd like to try, and where you plan on staying and eating. This will make guests feel like they're giving towards something very specific and help them feel more connected to your trip.

You can also break down your honeymoon fund into specific items and experiences to make your guests' gifting experience more personal. For example, tours, accommodation, romantic meals, room service, or a sunset cruise.

If you're uncomfortable with the idea of a honeymoon fund, you could also consider adding gift cards to your wedding registry. Gift cards are a more tangible way for guests to contribute to your honeymoon expenses and can be used for airlines, hotel chains, or even Airbnb.

However, it's important to note that asking for cash directly as a wedding present is still considered tacky and rude. So, if you choose to add gift cards to your registry, make sure you do it respectfully.

Date nights

Restaurant Gift Cards

Restaurant gift cards are a great option for ensuring you and your partner can enjoy a meal out together. You could even request gift cards for a few different restaurants to give you a variety of options.

Movie Tickets

Requesting gift cards for movie tickets will give you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a movie date night. You could even pair this with a restaurant gift card to make a full night of it.

Event Tickets

Gift cards for event tickets will give you the flexibility to choose from a range of experiences, such as concerts or theatre shows. This option will allow you to create special memories together and enjoy a range of cultural experiences.

Activity Gift Cards

There are also gift cards available for a range of activities, such as cooking classes, dance lessons, or even escape rooms. These gift cards will ensure you and your partner can try something new and have fun together.

Streaming Services

For a cosy date night in, you could request gift cards for streaming services. This will allow you to snuggle up on the couch and enjoy a movie or TV show together.

These are just a few ideas for gift cards that can enhance your date nights. When creating your wedding registry, consider what you and your partner enjoy doing together and what would be most useful for you.

Home improvements

Lowe's

Lowe's is a great option for home improvement gift cards. They offer a wide range of products, including tools, paints, and appliances. You can easily add a Lowe's gift card to your registry on MyRegistry.com, giving you the flexibility to choose what you need for your home projects later.

Home Depot

Home Depot is another excellent choice for home improvement gift cards. They offer a vast selection of products to help with renovations and upgrades. By adding a Home Depot gift card to your registry, you can cover the costs of various home improvement projects.

IKEA

If you're looking for unique and affordable home improvement options, consider adding an IKEA gift card to your registry. IKEA offers a range of furniture, decor, and storage solutions that can help you create a stylish and functional space.

Amazon

Amazon is a one-stop shop for just about anything, including home improvement supplies. Adding an Amazon gift card to your registry can provide you with the flexibility to choose from a wide range of products, including tools, appliances, and more.

The Knot

The Knot is a popular wedding registry platform that offers gift cards from various brands. They have partnered with well-known companies like HomeGoods, allowing you to register for gift cards that can be used for home improvement projects and decor.

When creating your wedding registry, consider adding a mix of traditional gifts, cash funds, and gift cards to give your guests a variety of options. Gift cards are a great way to support your home improvement endeavours and create a space that you'll love.

Gift cards for pets

If you're creating a wedding registry and are an animal lover, you may want to consider adding gift cards that can be used for pet care. While traditional wedding registry etiquette once indicated that asking for cash gifts or gift cards was inappropriate, this is no longer the case. Nowadays, gift cards are popular additions to wedding wish lists.

There are several gift cards that can be used for pet-related expenses. For example, you could register for a Petco gift card to cover essentials for a new puppy, or a gift card from The Foggy Dog, which offers e-gift cards that can be used for pet essentials and also donates much-needed food to rescue shelters with every order. PetSmart also offers traditional and e-gift cards that can be used to purchase pet essentials.

If you already have a pet or are planning to get one, the costs can add up quickly. A gift card for pet supplies can help cover the costs of bedding, food, and other necessities. You could also consider registering for a Lowe's or Home Depot gift card to help cover the costs of any renovations or upgrades needed to make your home pet-friendly.

In addition to gift cards specifically for pet supplies, you may also want to consider gift cards for experiences or services that can free up your budget for pet-related expenses. For example, a gift card for a meal kit delivery service like Blue Apron can save you time and money on grocery shopping, or a gift card for a streaming service can provide entertainment while you spend time with your furry friend.

Ultimately, the decision to add gift cards to your wedding registry is a personal one, and you should choose the gifts that best fit your needs and interests as a couple.

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