Kindly Requesting No Gifts: Wedding Invitation Wording

If you're getting married and don't want to receive gifts, it's important to communicate this clearly to your guests. Here are some ways to politely say no gifts, please in your wedding invitations:

Wording Ideas:

- Your presence at our wedding is more important to us than a gift. However, if you wish to contribute, money towards our honeymoon would be appreciated.

- We would prefer your presence rather than presents! But if you insist, a contribution towards our home renovation would be wonderful.

- As we already have a home together, we kindly request no boxed gifts. Your presence is the best present we could ask for!

- We're blessed to have everything we need, so please, no gifts. Your presence at our wedding is gift enough.

Alternative Approaches:

- Include an insert or information card with your invitation, providing details about your no-gift request.

- Direct guests to your wedding website, where you can share more information about your preferences.

- Spread the word through personal conversations or by asking your wedding party to help share the message.

Remember, some guests may still want to give something, so consider suggesting alternatives, such as donations to a charity close to your heart or contributions towards your honeymoon or a specific fund.

No gifts, please: Your presence is our present

When it comes to your wedding, it's perfectly okay to opt for a no-gifts celebration. There are many reasons why you might not want gifts, and it's important to communicate this clearly to your guests. Here are some ideas for how to politely and effectively convey this message:

Wording on Your Wedding Invitation:

• "No Gifts, Please: Your presence is our present. We kindly request no boxed gifts."
• "We are blessed to have your presence at our wedding, and that is all we wish for. Please, no gifts."
• "Your presence is your present. We request no gifts, but if you insist, a contribution to our honeymoon would be greatly appreciated."
• "We are honoured to have your presence at our wedding, and that is the only present we desire. No gifts, please."

Information Card or Insert:

Consider adding an information card or insert to your invitation suite, which can also include accommodation details and your wedding website. Here are some suggestions for the wording:

• "Your presence is present enough. We kindly request no gifts, but if you wish to contribute, we would appreciate donations to our favourite charity, [Charity Name]."
• "We are grateful to have you as our guest and ask that you bring only your wonderful company. No gifts, please."
• "We are fortunate to have all that we need, and so we kindly request no gifts. Your presence at our wedding is the best present we could ask for."

Wedding Website:

Your wedding website is another great place to share your no-gifts request. Guests will naturally look for registry information, so you can simply add a note such as:

• "We are so happy to celebrate with you and ask that you bring only your lovely selves! No gifts are expected or required."
• "Your presence means the world to us, and we don't need any gifts. If you feel inclined, a donation to our favourite charity would be much appreciated."
• "We have been blessed with all that we need, and so we kindly request no gifts. Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all."

Remember, it's essential to communicate your wishes clearly to avoid any confusion. Even with a no-gifts request, some guests may still bring presents, so be prepared to accept them graciously and send heartfelt thank-you notes afterward.

Requesting no boxed gifts

There are many reasons why you might not want to receive physical gifts at your wedding. You may have been living together for many years and already have everything you need, or perhaps you're moving and don't want to pack extra items. Whatever your reason, if you want to politely decline boxed gifts, here are some etiquette-friendly options for communicating your request:

Request "No Boxed Gifts, Please" on Your Wedding Invitation

Although some etiquette experts advise against it, you can mention your request in a polite and gracious manner. Here are some ways to word it:

• "Your presence is your present. Please, no boxed gifts."
• "We feel so blessed to have you as part of our special day and kindly request no boxed gifts."
• "We would love to accept your present, but unfortunately, we don't have room for many gifts. Please give us the wonderful gift of your presence instead."
• "As we are lucky to already share a home, we kindly request no boxed gifts. Your presence at our wedding is the best gift we could ask for."

Add a Note on Your Wedding Website

Your wedding website is an excellent place to inform your guests that you would prefer to celebrate without boxed gifts. Guests will naturally visit your website for registry information, so instead of a traditional gift registry, include a note such as:

• "Please, no boxed gifts. We just want to celebrate with those we love most (that's you!)"
• "A request from [names]: Gift us only with the honour of your presence!"
• "Your wishes for our happiness are the only gifts we desire. Please, no boxed gifts."

Suggest a Donation to Charity

If guests are insistent on giving a gift, you could ask them to donate to a charity close to your heart instead. You could create personalised note cards with the charity's information and place them at each table setting at the reception. You could also add a personal story explaining why the charity is meaningful to you. This way, you can raise money for a good cause while also honouring your guests' desire to give.

Offer Alternative Gift Ideas

Even if you don't want physical gifts, some guests will still want to give something beyond a card. You can offer alternatives such as a money registry or honeymoon fund. You could also suggest gift cards or experiences, such as cooking classes or a cabin getaway. By providing options, you can ensure that your guests' generosity is channelled in a way that aligns with your wishes.

Ask for a donation to charity instead

Asking for charity donations instead of wedding gifts is a thoughtful way to give back to your community and causes close to your heart. Here are some ideas on how to politely request donations in lieu of wedding gifts:

Express Your Gratitude and Connection to the Cause

It is essential to convey your appreciation for your guests' presence and their willingness to celebrate with you. You can say something like, "Your presence at our wedding is more than enough, but for those who wish to honour us with a gift, we kindly request a donation to [charity name]." Sharing your connection to the cause can make it more personal. For example, "We are passionate about supporting [charity name] because of their work in [explain the cause and why it's important to you]. We would be honoured if you made a donation in our names."

Provide Clear Donation Instructions

Make it easy for your guests to contribute by providing clear instructions and links to your chosen charity's donation page. You can include a sentence like, "To contribute, please visit [charity page link], where you can make a secure donation of any amount." This ensures that guests know exactly how to donate and can feel confident that their contribution is going directly to the cause.

Consider Creating a Charitable Registry

Another option is to create a charitable registry, which can be done through websites like The Knot, Hitchd, or The Good Beginning. These platforms allow you to set up a custom fund for your chosen charity, providing an all-in-one solution for guests. They can contribute any amount they are comfortable with, and you can assure them that their donations are going directly to the intended cause.

Share the Impact of Their Donations

To make the experience even more meaningful, you can include information about the charity's impact. Share links to the charity's website, positive news stories about their work, or testimonials from those who have benefited from their efforts. This helps guests understand the tangible difference their donations will make and encourages them to give.

Timing and Transparency

It is essential to be transparent about when you will be closing the donation fund and making the final contribution. Choose a date within two weeks after your wedding and inform your guests about it. Once the donation is made, be sure to send a thank-you note or email, including screenshots or photos of the donation, to show your guests the collective impact of their contributions.

Remember, while most guests will want to celebrate your special day with a gift, asking for charity donations instead of wedding gifts is a personal decision. Ensure that you respectfully communicate your wishes and provide alternatives for those who may prefer to give a more traditional gift.

Honeymoon fund contributions

It's becoming more and more common for couples to opt for honeymoon funds instead of traditional wedding gifts. This allows guests to contribute to an experience that the couple will remember forever. Here are some ideas for how to politely request honeymoon fund contributions in your wedding invitations:

"In Lieu of Gifts" Wording

A popular way to ask for honeymoon funds is by using "in lieu of gifts" wording on your invitations or wedding website. This approach is neutral and can work with any invitation style. Here are some examples:

> As we prepare to embark on our new journey together, your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. However, if you would like to contribute to our special day, we have created a honeymoon fund instead of registering for traditional gifts. Your donation will help make our honeymoon unforgettable and create memories that will last a lifetime. To contribute, simply visit [insert link to your online honeymoon fund]. Thank you for your love and support. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

>

> With love and gratitude, [Your Names]

Poem Wording

A fun and creative way to ask for honeymoon funds is through poetry. Depending on your wedding style, a poem may resonate more with your guests and leave a lasting impression. Here's an example:

> Roses are red; violets are blue,

> We can’t wait to share our big day with you!

> Afterward, we’ll be on our way,

> To our adventurous honeymoon getaway.

> There are ways to help us take flight,

> Have a spa day or a date night.

> Be a part of our first married trip,

> We’re so excited; we could flip!

>

> To contribute, simply visit [insert link to online honeymoon fund].

>

> With sincere appreciation, [Your Names]

Short and Sweet Wording

Sometimes, a short and direct request is best. While this approach may feel less personal, you can always express your thanks and appreciation. Here's an example:

> Our wedding wouldn’t be the same without your presence. However, when it comes to presents, please be aware that we would appreciate a donation towards our honeymoon fund in place of wedding gifts. To contribute, simply visit [insert link to your online honeymoon fund]. With sincere appreciation, [Your Names]

Formal Wording

Formal wording allows for more personalization and added detail. It may take up extra space on your invitations, so be sure to account for that in your design. Here's an example:

> Dear Honored Guests,

>

> As we celebrate the beginning of our life together, your presence at our wedding is the most meaningful gift we could receive. Nevertheless, should you feel compelled to offer a token of your congratulations, we would be grateful for your contribution to our honeymoon fund. Your kindness will assist us in creating memories that will last a lifetime.

>

> Donations can be made at [insert link to your online honeymoon fund]. We are deeply grateful for your support and cannot wait to celebrate this special day with you.

>

> With sincere appreciation, [Your Names]

Informal Wording

Informal wording is a flexible approach that lets the couple's personality shine through. It's a great option if you want to keep things light and friendly. Here's an example:

> We are thrilled about our wedding, and we hope you can attend! Because we are combining households, we have more than enough stuff. So, instead of a traditional wedding registry, we have decided to establish a honeymoon fund. Contributing to our fund will help pay for our honeymoon — you can also give us specific gifts, such as date nights, spa treatments, and adventurous excursions. We can’t wait to head off on our honeymoon, and we’ll be sharing lots of photos of our time.

>

> To contribute, simply visit [insert link to your online honeymoon fund].

>

> With sincere appreciation, [Your Names]

No gifts, please: We have everything we need

There are many ways to politely decline wedding gifts and inform your guests that "your presence is your present". Here are some suggestions for wording this request in a direct and focused way:

"No Gifts, Please: We have everything we need. Your presence at our wedding is a gift in itself."

"We are blessed to have all that we need. Please, no gifts. We request only the honour of your presence at our wedding."

"We are fortunate to already have a home together and so we kindly request no boxed gifts. Your presence at our wedding is more important to us than a gift."

"We have everything we need for our home. If you would like to give a gift, we would appreciate a donation to our honeymoon fund."

"We have everything we need, but if you would like to mark the occasion with a gift, we would be grateful for a contribution to our future together."

It is important to clearly communicate your wishes to your guests, so they are not left confused. You could also include a card with your invitation suite that provides specific details about gifts, or direct guests to a wedding website with more information.

Frequently asked questions