Wording Money Gifts For Wedding Invites: Etiquette Guide

Asking for money as a wedding gift can be a tricky topic to navigate. While some couples are happy to receive homeware items or vouchers, others would prefer cash to spend as they like. It's essential to approach this subject delicately, as guests may want to freely choose their gifts, and asking for money directly can come across as rude or presumptuous. However, there are subtle and polite ways to suggest monetary gifts. Here are some tips on how to word your wedding invitations to indicate a preference for money gifts.

Poems as a polite way to ask for money

Asking for money as a wedding gift can be a tricky situation to navigate, but a well-crafted poem can be a polite and creative way to make your request known. Here are some ideas for poems that you can include in your wedding invitations to politely ask for monetary gifts:

For Couples Who Already Live Together

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

We really don't need anything new.

But if you were thinking of giving us a small gift,

Some money for our future would be more than enough!"

For Couples Buying a New Home

"As we're getting married, we thought it would be fun,

To find a new home together—a new chapter to begin!

But wedding gifts can be bulky, and we're short on space,

So money would be ideal to help us buy our new place."

For Honeymoon Contributions

"We'll be [husband and wife/ husband and husband/ wife and wife] for life,

In our little home, just the two of us.

But instead of a vase or a new kitchen knife,

We'd love to fly off on our honeymoon—your contribution would be a bliss!"

For Couples Funding Their Future Together

"With dreams to build and plans to grow,

We'd be grateful for your help, this you should know.

A little cash would go a long way,

Your generosity will help us start our new journey today."

For Newlyweds Starting a Family

"On this beautiful day, as we say 'I do,'

We're grateful for your presence and all that you do.

Instead of gifts wrapped in paper and bows,

We kindly ask for your help as we start our family, hand in hand."

Remember, when including a poem in your wedding invitations, it's important to ensure that the poem reflects your personality as a couple. You can add a touch of humour, elegance, or sentimentality to make it unique and memorable. Good luck with your wedding plans!

Wording ideas for wedding invitations

Asking for money as a wedding gift can be tricky, and many couples struggle with how to communicate this preference to their guests. While some couples are happy to receive homeware items or restaurant vouchers, others would prefer cash to spend as they like. Here are some ideas for wording your wedding invitations to politely indicate your preference for monetary gifts:

Be Direct

Although it may feel uncomfortable, you can directly express your preference for cash gifts in your wedding invitations. Here's an example:

> Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. However, if you wish to honour us with a gift, a cash gift would be very welcome.

Provide a Link to Your Wedding Website

Include a link to your wedding website in your invitations, where guests can find information about your gift preferences. You can add a simple message like:

> We'd be over the moon if you'd consider giving money instead of gifts.

On your website, you can mention that you'd love cash donations or contributions towards your honeymoon or a new home.

Use a Poem

Add a creative and thoughtful touch to your invitations with a wedding money poem. This approach can make your request more elegant, fun, and lighthearted. Here's an example:

> As we’re getting married, we thought it would be fun,

> To move into a brand new home — we need to get it done.

> As wedding gifts are bulky and we’re a little short on space,

> Some money would be the ideal gift to help us buy our place!

Share Your Wishes with Close Friends and Family

Another option is to spread the word through your inner circle, bridal party, and wedding party. They can let the rest of your friends and guests know, allowing you to focus on other planning aspects.

Set Up a Honeymoon/House Deposit/Home Improvement Fund

Consider setting up a gifting fund with a gift registry service. Guests can contribute money towards a specific goal, such as your honeymoon or a house deposit. This option provides a clear signal of your preference for monetary gifts.

How to ask for money on a wedding website

Asking for money as a wedding gift can be tricky, and many couples worry about coming across as rude or gift-grabby. However, with the right approach, it is possible to make this request in a polite and considerate way. Here are some instructive and focused paragraphs on how to ask for money on your wedding website:

Be Transparent About Your Wishes

It is essential to communicate your wishes clearly but respectfully. Your wedding website is a great platform to do this. Create a dedicated section on your site where you can express your preference for monetary gifts. Be transparent about why you are asking for money and how you plan to use it. For example, you could mention saving for a house, a honeymoon, or other meaningful expenses. This approach helps your guests understand your request and feel more comfortable contributing.

Provide a Link to a Honeymoon or Cash Registry

One of the easiest ways to indicate your preference for monetary gifts is to register with a honeymoon fund or cash registry website. Include a link to this registry on your wedding website. That way, guests who wish to contribute can do so directly through the platform. It eliminates the awkwardness of asking how to give the money and makes the process familiar and straightforward for your guests.

Use a Lighthearted Poem or Creative Wording

Including a creative touch, such as a lighthearted poem or playful rhyme, can make your request for money more charming and elegant. It adds a personal element to your website and reflects your personality as a couple. You can find many poem ideas online or write your own. Just ensure the tone is warm and sincere, and it reflects the joy and excitement of your celebration. This approach takes the edge off the request and makes it more enjoyable for your guests to consider.

FAQ Section and Casual Wording

Another effective way to address monetary gifts is to set up an FAQ page on your wedding website. This approach feels less direct, as it appears you are addressing the issue due to guest inquiries. You can use casual and straightforward wording, such as, "Your presence is the best gift, but if you wish to contribute, we would appreciate any monetary gifts towards our honeymoon." This phrasing respects your guests' choices while still conveying your preferences.

Share Your Story and Plans

Weaving in your personal story and future plans can make your request more meaningful and heartfelt. For example, you could share your dream of buying your first home together or taking a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. This approach helps guests understand your "why" and feel more connected to your journey. They will be contributing to something meaningful and personal, rather than just giving money.

Offer Alternative Options

While you prefer monetary gifts, it is essential to respect that some guests may still want to give physical presents. You can offer alternative options, such as a small, tailored gift registry with a few physical items or suggestions for experiences or products you would enjoy. This way, you provide choices that align with different guests' preferences and comfort levels.

Using a gift card or wishing well

A "wishing well" is a table where guests can place envelopes with cash gifts or cards. You can have someone monitor the stand, or you can ask guests to drop their envelopes into a "wishing well" or box to be opened later.

If you want to include a "wishing well" at your wedding, you can let guests know by including a "wishing well card" with your invitations. This is an insert that graciously states your preference for gifts, such as letting guests know if you have a wedding registry, or if you would prefer to accept monetary gifts or donations to charity.

Wishing well cards can be designed with a simple and elegant look, or something more elaborate. They can be customised with a personalised message, such as:

> "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. However, if you wish to honour us with a gift, a cash gift would be very welcome."

You can also include a poem in your wishing well card to add a touch of elegance and fun to your request for monetary gifts. Here is an example:

> "As we’re getting married, we thought it would be fun,

> To move into a brand new home — we need to get it done.

> As wedding gifts are bulky and we’re a little short on space,

> Some money would be the ideal gift to help us buy our place!"

If you're not including a "wishing well card" with your invitations, you can also mention your preference for cash gifts on your wedding website, or spread the word through close friends and family members.

Honeymoon fund or house deposit

There are several ways to ask for monetary gifts or contributions to a honeymoon or house deposit fund in a respectful, thoughtful, and cute way. Here are some suggestions:

Wedding Website

Create a wedding website and include a section for your "registry", where you can share details about your preferences for monetary gifts. Explain how the money will be used, whether it's for a honeymoon, house deposit, or home improvements. This helps to make your request more personal and allows guests, especially older family members, to feel more comfortable with the idea. You can also include a link to your wedding website on your invitations.

Poems or Creative Wording

Use a lighthearted poem or creative wording in your invitations or on your website to communicate your wishes in a polite and thoughtful way. Here are some examples:

> "We can’t wait to celebrate our big day with you! Your presence is more than enough, but if you’d like to give a gift, we’d be overjoyed with a contribution towards our honeymoon 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’re excited to see you on our big day! If you’d like to give a gift, something towards our honeymoon fund would make our day."

> "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."

> "We’ll soon be saying 'I Do', and for a gift, if you haven’t got a clue, then we’d really love some cash, so that for our new home we can splash out on a cosy new bed for two!"

Word-of-Mouth

Share your preferences for monetary gifts with your close friends and family members, and let word-of-mouth take care of the rest. This way, you can focus on other aspects of your wedding planning while your inner circle helps to spread the message.

Cash or Honeymoon Registry

Register with a cash registry website or honeymoon fund registry. This is a clear signal that you prefer monetary gifts and helps eliminate the awkwardness of asking how you'd like to receive the money. Most wedding guests are familiar with gift registries, so this option feels more familiar to them.

Card Wishing Well at the Reception

Set up a designated table or "wishing well" at the reception where guests can leave envelopes with cash gifts. Ask someone to monitor the stand or have guests drop their envelopes into a box for you to open later.

Remember, it's generally considered a wedding etiquette faux pas to ask for money directly on your wedding invitations. Instead, use the suggestions above to communicate your wishes in a polite and thoughtful manner.

Frequently asked questions