Etiquette Guide: No Gifts, Please, On Wedding Invites

Many couples may not wish to receive physical gifts from their wedding guests. This could be because they already have everything they need, or they may not have the space for extra gifts. Whatever the reason, it's important to communicate this information upfront. There are several ways to politely decline wedding gifts, including adding a note on the wedding invitation or wedding website, or spreading the word in person. Couples can also suggest alternatives to physical gifts, such as donations to a chosen charity or contributions to a honeymoon or house fund.

No Gifts Wording Examples

If you're opting for a no-gifts wedding, it's important to communicate this clearly to your guests. Here are some examples of how to politely and effectively convey your wishes:

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

"We're blessed to already have a home together, so we kindly request no boxed gifts. Your presence is the best present!"

"We would prefer your presence rather than your presents. However, if you insist, a small contribution towards our future home would be wonderful."

"We don't want any physical gifts, as we have everything we need. Instead, we would appreciate donations to our favourite charity, [Charity Name], or a financial contribution towards our honeymoon."

"We don't have a gift list, as we already have a kettle, toaster, crockery, and all the other essentials. So, we would be grateful for money to put towards our future plans."

"We truly do not want any gifts. Your presence is the best present. However, if you really want to contribute, please consider donating to a charity close to our hearts, [Charity Name]."

Communicating No Gifts to Wedding Guests

There are many reasons why you might not want to receive gifts at your wedding. Maybe you already have everything you need, or perhaps you're about to move and don't want the hassle of packing extra items. Whatever your reason, it's essential to communicate your wishes clearly to your wedding guests to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding. Here are some instructive and focused tips on how to navigate the wording and communication style when conveying "no gifts" to your wedding guests:

Wording on the Invitation

It is generally advised not to include a "no gifts" message on the actual wedding invitation, as it can be seen as a faux pas. Instead, consider including a separate card inserted within the invitation suite that politely conveys your request. Here are some examples of what you could write:

• "Your presence at our wedding is more important to us than a gift. However, if you wish to contribute, a gift of money towards our honeymoon would be greatly appreciated."
• "We're excited for your presence, not presents. Please, no gifts."
• "Your presence is truly enough; no gifts, please."

Wedding Website Communication

Your wedding website is another effective platform to convey your "no gifts" request. Guests typically visit the website for details about the wedding and often expect to find information about gifts or a registry. Here are some suggestions for what you could include on your website:

• "As we mentioned on our wedding website, no gifts please. But if you insist, please donate to our cash fund in support of [Charity's Name]."
• "In lieu of gifts, we kindly request you donate to [Charity's Name] if you feel inclined."
• "Please no gifts, we just want to celebrate with those we love most (that's you)!"

Alternative Suggestions

While you may not want physical gifts, offering alternative suggestions can help guide guests who still want to contribute. Here are some ideas:

• Funds for Specific Purposes: Instead of physical gifts, you can request funds for specific purposes such as your honeymoon, a house fund, or even a wedding assistance fund. For example, you could say, "In lieu of gifts, we would appreciate contributions to our honeymoon fund."
• Charitable Donations: If you don't need financial support, you could suggest that guests donate to a charity close to your heart. For instance, "Please, no gifts. Instead, consider making a donation to your favourite charity or to [Charity's Name]."
• Gift Cards and Experiences: If you're open to experiences, you could suggest gift cards or activities such as cooking classes or cabin getaways.

In-Person Communication

In addition to written communication, word-of-mouth can be an effective way to spread the message. Mention your "no gifts" preference when socialising with guests at your engagement party or in conversations with friends and family. You can also enlist your wedding party, such as bridesmaids and groomsmen, to help spread the word.

Remember, clear and consistent communication is key to ensuring your wishes are respected. By providing alternative options and using polite and considerate wording, you can effectively convey your "no gifts" request to your wedding guests.

Honeymoon Fund Requests

There are many ways to politely request honeymoon funds from your wedding guests. Here are some suggestions for wording your invitations or wedding website to convey your wishes effectively:

Invitation Wording:

• “Please visit [insert wedding website link] for more information and registry details."
• “For more information about our wedding and honeymoon fund registry, please visit [insert honeymoon registry website link]."
• "Semi-formal dress requested. Gifts requested via [insert link]."
• "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. However, if you wish to contribute to our special day, we kindly request a donation to our honeymoon fund instead of traditional gifts. Your contribution will help create unforgettable memories. To donate, please visit [insert link to your online honeymoon fund]."
• "We kindly request a contribution to our honeymoon fund in place of wedding gifts. To donate, please visit [insert link]."
• "We would appreciate a donation to our honeymoon fund instead of gifts. Please visit [insert link] for more information."

Wedding Website Wording:

• “In lieu of gifts, please consider making a contribution to our honeymoon fund."
• “We can't wait to celebrate with you. Instead of gifts, we would appreciate a contribution to our honeymoon fund."
• “We would love to create lifelong memories, instead of receiving physical gifts. Please consider making a contribution to our honeymoon fund."
• “We can't wait to begin our married life and celebrate our bond on our honeymoon. In lieu of gifts, we would appreciate contributions toward our honeymoon fund."
• “We are fortunate to already have all the physical items we need. Instead, please contribute to our honeymoon fund to help us experience the trip of a lifetime."
• “We're planning an exciting adventure! Instead of physical gifts, please consider contributing to our honeymoon fund."

Poems:

• "We know it's not traditional/It's not the way it's done/But instead of a wedding list/We’d like a bit of sun./Please do not think of us as rude/Please do not take offence/.../But most importantly, we request/That you share our day as our wedding guest."
• "We haven't got a gift list for all of you to see/Because as you all know, we never can agree!/To save you shopping, sit back and rest/A gift of money is our request."
• "We're getting married; we can't wait!/Then we're off on a honeymoon date./The flights are booked, and the hotel is set./But all our household needs are met./We decided to establish a fund for our trip/So into our savings, we don't have to dip./Our honeymoon fund will help us flee./Contributing is easy as can be!"

Charity Donation Requests

If you are a couple who already has everything you need, or you are more interested in making an impact on the world, you may want to ask your wedding guests to donate to a charity instead of giving gifts. Here are some tips on how to do this in a polite and tactful way:

• Choose a charity that is important to you and your partner. Pick an organisation that you truly care about and that has a meaningful mission. It could be one that has impacted your lives in some way, or one that focuses on a cause close to your hearts.
• Explain your choice to your guests. Let your guests know why you have selected this particular charity and what their donations will help to achieve. You can include this information on an enclosure card with your invitation or on your wedding website.
• Provide key details about the charity. Share the charity's name, a brief description of what they do, and how donations will make a difference. You can also include a link to their website for guests who want to learn more.
• Avoid dictating donation amounts. When asking for donations, it is important to respect your guests' budgets and comfort levels. Let them know that any donation amount is appreciated and will be beneficial to the charity.
• Be prepared to receive gifts anyway. Despite your request for donations, some guests may still choose to give you a more traditional gift. In this case, simply accept the gift graciously and thank them sincerely for their kind gesture.

"In lieu of gifts, please consider making a donation to [charity name], an organisation dedicated to [describe the charity's mission]. Your contribution will make a meaningful impact on [explain how the donations will help]."

"Your presence at our wedding is the best gift we could ask for. However, if you wish to honour our special day with a gift, we kindly request a donation to [charity name]. This charity is close to our hearts, and your support will go a long way in helping [explain how the donations will make a difference]."

Remember to include a separate card with your invitation or direct guests to your wedding website for more information about your charity donation request. Avoid mentioning "no gifts" directly on the invitation itself, as this can be seen as impolite.

Alternatives to Boxed Gifts

If you're opting for a no-boxed-gifts wedding, it's a good idea to offer alternatives for guests who want to give something other than cash. Here are some suggestions:

• Money registry: Guests can contribute to specific funds, such as your honeymoon, house, sports tickets, or a subscription service. This way, you receive money towards things you'll actually use.
• Charity option: Instead of gifts, guests can donate to your favourite charities. Include links to these charities on your wedding website and invitations, along with a short explanation of why you want to support each cause.
• Gift cards and experiences: These can also be added to your registry. Think cooking classes, cabin getaways, or even gift cards for restaurants or experiences.
• No-gift wording: If you truly don't want any gifts, it's essential to communicate this clearly. You could say something like, "Your presence at our wedding is all that we wish for. However, if you want to give a gift, please no boxed gifts."

Remember, it's considered rude to mention gifts on the invitation itself. Instead, use inserts, your wedding website, or spread the word through close friends and family.

Frequently asked questions