Wording Wedding Invites: Asking For Monetary Gifts

Asking for money as a wedding gift can be a tricky topic to navigate. While it may be considered taboo by some, it is becoming more widely accepted, especially with each passing generation. Many couples already live together before getting married, so homeware items are no longer practical gifts. There are several ways to politely ask for money as a wedding gift, from including a line on your wedding invitations to addressing it on your wedding website or even adding a cute poem. It's best to avoid asking for money directly on your wedding invites, as this may come across as presumptuous or greedy. Instead, consider sharing your preferences on your wedding website or asking close friends and family to spread the word. You can also set up a honeymoon or house deposit fund, which guests can contribute to. Ultimately, it's important to be respectful and thoughtful when requesting monetary gifts, ensuring your guests feel valued for their presence rather than their contribution.

Asking for money on wedding invites

While it is generally considered acceptable to ask for money as a wedding gift, it is not appropriate to do so on your wedding invitations. Instead, there are several other ways to let your guests know about your preference for monetary gifts. Here are some instructive and focused paragraphs on how to go about this:

Wedding Website

Your wedding website is a great place to outline your preferences for gifts. You can include a section for your "registry" and share details about why monetary gifts are your preference. Be sure to also include a link to your wedding website on your wedding invitations or include an insert card with the website address. This will indirectly guide guests to your registry and help them understand your preference for cash gifts. When explaining your wishes, you can use phrases such as:

• "Your presence at our wedding is enough of a gift, but should you wish to buy us something, we'd greatly appreciate a contribution towards our [insert cash fund]."
• "The most important thing to us is that you are able to celebrate with us on our wedding day. However, if you wish to give a gift, we will gratefully accept a small contribution towards our honeymoon."
• "We are extremely lucky to have love, laughter and a house full of furniture, so if you'd like to help us celebrate with a gift, we've set up a honeymoon fund at [details here]."

Word of Mouth

Another option is to simply tell your close friends and family members about your preference for cash gifts and let word-of-mouth take its course. Sharing your preferences with your inner circle means they can let the rest of your friends and wedding guests know and help field questions. This way, you can focus on other aspects of your wedding planning.

Gift Registry Website

Using a gift registry website is another great option, as it allows you to combine all your gift preferences in one place. You can include a mix of physical items and cash funds, such as a honeymoon fund or savings for a new home. Some popular gift registry websites include Prezola.com, Honeyfund, and Zola.

Poems

If you're feeling creative, you can include a lighthearted poem in your wedding invitation to communicate your wishes. This adds a personal and creative touch to your invites and allows you to express your preference for cash in a thoughtful and less direct way. Here's an example:

> "As we’ve lived together for a year or two,

> We really don’t need anything new.

> But if you were thinking of getting us a small wedding gift,

> Some money for our future wouldn’t go amiss."

Card Wishing Well at Reception

Some guests may prefer to bring a gift with them to the wedding. To accommodate this, you can set up a "wishing well" or a designated box at the reception where guests can leave their envelopes with cash gifts. This ensures that there is a safe and secure place for monetary gifts and makes it easier for you to keep track of the donations received.

Using a cash or honeymoon registry website

On your wedding website, add a section for your "registry" and include a link to your chosen cash registry website. Many wedding website platforms will give you the option to add a cash fund, honeymoon fund, or specific gift cards to your registry. You can even be specific about what type of honeymoon experiences you will be putting the money towards.

It is important to note that you should not ask for money on your wedding invitations. Instead, include the address of your wedding website on an insert card within your stationery suite and detail your registry preferences there.

• "Your presence at our wedding is enough of a gift, but should you wish to buy us something, we'd greatly appreciate a contribution towards our [insert cash fund]."
• "Thank you for being a part of our special day. If you feel inclined to give us a wedding gift, a contribution towards our [insert cash fund] would greatly help us start newlywed life off right."
• "The most important thing to us is that you're able to come and celebrate our wedding. However, if you wish to give a gift, we would graciously accept a contribution towards our [insert cash fund]."

Providing a link to your wedding website

Include a Wedding Website Link on Your Invitations

Firstly, ensure that you include your wedding website link on your invitations. This can be added as an insert card within your stationery suite. This way, guests can easily access your website and find out more about your gift preferences.

Create a Wedding Website

If you don't already have one, create a wedding website. This is a great place to share all the important details of your wedding day, answer any questions your guests may have, and provide information about your gift preferences.

Add a Section for Gifts

On your wedding website, create a dedicated section for gifts or frequently asked questions (FAQ). This is where you can politely mention your preference for monetary gifts. You can include a simple message expressing your wishes, such as:

> "We'd be over the moon if you'd consider giving money instead of gifts. We're saving for our first home together, so any contributions would be greatly appreciated."

Be Specific About How You'll Use the Money

It's a good idea to let your guests know how you plan to use the money. This adds a personal touch and helps guests feel more connected to your plans. For example, you could say:

> "We're saving for our dream honeymoon to [location]. If you'd like to contribute, we have a honeymoon fund at [link]."

Or:

> "We're currently renovating our home and would be so grateful for any financial support towards this project. If you'd like to contribute, please visit our wedding website for more details."

Use a Cash or Honeymoon Registry

You can also include a cash or honeymoon registry on your wedding website. This is a clear signal that you prefer monetary gifts, and it eliminates the awkwardness of asking how you'd like to receive the money. Guests can simply contribute directly through the platform.

Provide Alternative Options

Remember that some guests may still prefer to give a physical gift. You can make suggestions for other gift ideas, such as gift cards or vouchers, or create a small, tailored gift registry with a few physical items you would truly appreciate.

Avoid Asking for Money on Your Invitations

While it's perfectly acceptable to ask for money as a wedding gift, avoid mentioning this directly on your wedding invitations. This can come across as presumptuous and may leave your guests feeling uncomfortable. Instead, use your wedding website to communicate your preferences in a more subtle and polite manner.

Mentioning your wishes to close friends and family members

Asking for money instead of physical gifts can feel awkward, but there's no need to stick with tradition on your big day. It's perfectly okay to ask for money as a wedding gift, and there are ways to do it respectfully and thoughtfully. Here are some suggestions for mentioning your wishes to close friends and family members:

• Let them know your preference for cash gifts and why. Explain that you're saving for a specific goal, such as a honeymoon, a new home, or a renovation. This way, they can tactfully spread the word and share your wishes with other guests who may ask them for gift ideas.
• Weave in your personal story when asking for monetary gifts. Sharing your "why" can make your request more meaningful and encourage people to consider contributing. For example, you could say, "We're excited to buy our first home together, so any contributions towards our house deposit would be greatly appreciated."
• Provide a link to your wedding website, where you can include a section about gift preferences. You can mention that you'd prefer cash donations or contributions to your honeymoon fund. A simple message like, "We'd be over the moon if you'd consider giving money instead of gifts," can be effective.
• Offer other alternatives for guests who prefer to give physical gifts. Create a smaller, tailored gift registry with a few physical items or feature gift cards or vouchers for experiences or products you like. This is a good option if you're saving for a specific goal, such as a down payment on a house or a remodel.
• Set up a "wishing well" or card box at your reception for guests who want to bring gifts. This provides a safe and secure place for cash gifts and envelopes.
• Remember, it's generally not advisable to ask for money directly on your wedding invitations. Instead, include a link to your wedding website or an insert card with your website address, where guests can find more information about your gift preferences.

Setting out a box for cards at the reception

Choosing a Card Box

When choosing a card box for your wedding, consider the overall style or theme of your wedding. There are many different types of card boxes available, from rustic wooden boxes to elegant glass or acrylic boxes. You can also find card boxes in different shapes, such as a lantern, a suitcase, or a whimsical house. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own DIY card box. Some things to keep in mind when choosing a card box include the size of your guest list and the expected number of cards. It's always better to go for a larger box to ensure all the cards can fit comfortably.

Decorating the Card Box Table

The card box table can be decorated to match the overall style of your wedding. You can add flowers, greenery, or other decorations to the table to make it more visually appealing. You might also want to consider adding a sign to the table, such as a "Cards" or "Wishing Well" sign, to indicate to guests what the box is for.

Placing the Card Box

The card box can be placed in a few different spots at the reception. Popular options include placing it near the guest book or reception entrance, so guests are more likely to see it. Alternatively, you can place it on the gift table, which is a common choice for many couples. If you have a unique or decorative card box, you may want to showcase it in a more prominent location.

Monitoring the Card Box

It's a good idea to ask your wedding planner, maid of honor, or another trusted person to periodically check the card box throughout the reception. They can ensure that the box is not too full and that all the cards are secure. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on enjoying your special day.

Frequently asked questions