Declining Gifts Graciously: Wedding Invitation Etiquette

There are many reasons why a couple may not want to receive gifts for their wedding. They may already have everything they need, or they may not have the space for extra gifts. Whatever the reason, it's important to communicate this clearly to your guests. While it is generally considered improper wedding etiquette to list No gifts, please on a wedding invitation, there are other ways to get the message across. You could include a separate card with your invitation suite that provides specific details about gifts, or direct guests to a wedding website with more information. It's also a good idea to spread the word in person and enlist your wedding party, family, and close friends to help. When it comes to the wording, it's best to be warm and playful, such as Your presence is all that I/we wish for or We have everything we need and your attendance is the cherry on top!.

Insert cards

Option 1:

We're excited for your presence, not presents. Please, no gifts.

Option 2:

Your presence is truly enough, no gifts please.

Option 3:

We're sending out this invitation in hope that you will join our celebration. If you plan to bring a gift, we kindly request that you consider a donation to our favourite charity [Charity Name] instead.

Option 4:

We are honoured that you will be celebrating our special day with us. As we don't need any physical gifts, we kindly request no boxed gifts. If you wish to contribute, we would appreciate donations to our honeymoon fund.

Option 5:

We are grateful to be surrounded by so many loved ones on our wedding day. We kindly request no gifts, but if you wish to contribute, we would appreciate donations to our future home fund.

Remember, it is best to avoid mentioning "no gifts" directly on the wedding invitation itself. Instead, use an insert card to communicate your wishes clearly and effectively.

Wedding websites

How to Say 'No Gifts' on a Wedding Invitation

Why You May Want to Say 'No Gifts'

You and your partner may not want to receive physical gifts from your wedding guests. Perhaps you already have everything you need, or you don't have space for extra gifts. You might prefer to put funds towards a honeymoon or a new home, or you may want to ask for donations to a charitable fund instead.

Where to Say 'No Gifts'

It is not considered proper etiquette to list 'No gifts, please' on a wedding invitation. Instead, you could include an insert with your invitation that directs guests to a wedding website with more information, or you could include specific details about gifts on the website itself.

What to Say on Your Wedding Website

• “We're excited for your presence, not presents. Please, no gifts."
• “Your presence is truly enough, no gifts please."
• “Your presence at our wedding is more important to us than a gift, however, if you would like to help contribute some money towards our honeymoon, this would really make our day."
• “We would prefer your presence rather than your presents! However, if you insist, money towards revamping our home would be greatly appreciated."
• “We haven't got a gift list for you all 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."
• “In lieu of gifts, we would appreciate a contribution made to our [honeymoon, house, etc.] fund."
• “Please, no gifts. Instead, consider making a donation to your favourite charity."

Verbal communication

When it comes to verbally communicating your preference for no gifts at your wedding, here are some suggestions to help you get your message across in a clear and polite manner:

Be Direct but Gracious:

When speaking to your wedding guests in person, it's essential to be straightforward and gracious. You could say something like, "Thank you so much for your generosity, but we kindly request that our guests refrain from bringing gifts. Spending this special day with you means the world to us." This approach ensures your intention is clear while also expressing your appreciation for their thoughtfulness.

Offer Alternative Ways to Contribute:

If you are open to alternative contributions, such as monetary gifts or donations to a charitable cause, be sure to mention this in your verbal communication. For example, "If you still wish to contribute, we would be incredibly grateful for donations to our favourite charity, which is very close to our hearts." This provides guests with an alternative option that aligns with your wishes.

Emphasise Their Presence as a Gift:

A heartfelt way to decline gifts is to emphasise the importance of their presence at your wedding. You could say, "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. We truly just want to celebrate this day with you." This approach conveys that their attendance is more meaningful to you than any physical present.

Mention Practical Reasons:

If there are practical reasons for your preference, such as limited space or an upcoming move, it's perfectly fine to mention these reasons when speaking to your guests. For instance, "We've lived together for a while and have limited space, so we kindly request no physical gifts. Your understanding is greatly appreciated." Guests will likely be understanding of these practical considerations.

Use Humour to Lighten the Tone:

When having these conversations, adding a touch of humour can help to lighten the tone and make your request more playful. You might say, "We have more mugs than we know what to do with! So, please, no more mugs or toasters. If you wish to contribute, a donation to our honeymoon fund would be sun-sational!" A little humour can make these conversations more enjoyable for everyone.

Remember, clear and gracious communication is key. By combining these approaches, you can effectively convey your preference for no gifts while also ensuring your guests feel valued and respected.

Charity suggestions

If you're looking for charitable alternatives to gifts, here are some suggestions for how to word your wedding invitations:

"Your presence at our wedding is more important to us than a gift, however, if you would like to contribute, please consider making a donation to our favourite charity, [Charity Name]."

"We're so lucky to have a home together, so we've decided not to request wedding gifts. However, if you would like to mark the occasion, we would be grateful for a small contribution to our chosen charity, [Charity Name]."

"We have zero expectations for gifts. That said, we suggest making a donation to your favourite charity. This would make us very happy."

"We would prefer your presence rather than your presents! However, if you insist, we would appreciate donations to [Charity Name]."

"We would be honoured to have you at our wedding. Your presence is our present. However, if you would like to give a gift, we would be most grateful for a contribution to our favourite charity, [Charity Name]."

Honeymoon fund

If you are looking to ask for money towards your honeymoon in lieu of wedding gifts, there are a few ways to go about it.

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not include a 'no gifts' message on the actual invitation, as this can be seen as a faux pas. Instead, include an insert with your invitation that speaks to your decision. You can also direct guests to a wedding website with more information, or spread the word in person.

• "We're sending out this invitation in hope that you will join our celebration. If you plan to send a gift, we would like to mention that we already have a home together, so we've decided not to request any wedding gifts. However, if you would like to mark the occasion with a gift, then we would be most grateful for a small contribution towards our honeymoon."
• "Your presence at our wedding is more important to us than a gift. However, if you would like to contribute some money towards our honeymoon, this would be very appreciated."
• "We would prefer your presence rather than your presents! However, if you insist, money towards our honeymoon would be greatly appreciated."
• "We would be so grateful for your presence at our wedding, not presents. But if you wish to contribute in some other way, we would love a few pennies to put in our pot for our honeymoon trip after tying the knot."
• "We're incredibly thankful to have everything we already need. So, we're skipping out on tradition and would love for you to help us create new experiences instead. Please visit our honeymoon fund page for more information."

Frequently asked questions