Wording Gifts On Wedding Invitations: Etiquette Guide

When it comes to wedding gifts, it can be tricky to know how to communicate your wishes to your guests. Traditionally, wedding gifts were given to the newlyweds to help them set up their new life together. Nowadays, many couples live together before marriage and may not need these traditional gifts, so asking for money or vouchers is becoming more common. Here are some tips on how to politely ask for your preferred gifts on your wedding invitations.

How to politely ask for money as a wedding gift

There are several ways to politely ask for money as a wedding gift. Here are some suggestions:

Wedding Invitations

Although this is a direct approach, it is possible to include a line on your wedding invitations about gifts or having a 'wishing well'. This option may yield the best results, but it is not for the faint-hearted! It is important to phrase this request carefully to avoid sounding presumptuous. For 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."

Wedding Website

Your wedding website is a place to answer any questions your guests may have about your wedding day. It is an ideal place to mention gifts, but it is worth remembering that not all guests will visit the website. You could set up an FAQ page to make it look like you are addressing the issue of gifts because you've already received queries. For example:

> "Question: What about gifts?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)."

Friends and Family

You could ask friends or family members to spread the word about your preference for monetary gifts. This option may be risky as it doesn't give the couple much control, and if not handled delicately, it could inadvertently offend your guests.

Gift Registry Service

Some gift registry services offer the option to set up a gifting fund, where guests can contribute money to a particular purchase, such as a honeymoon or a house deposit. In some cases, you may also need to register for a few physical gifts.

Poems

Some couples use poems to ask for cash gifts, although these may come across as a bit forward or cheeky. Here is an example:

> "If a gift is your intention,

> We thought that we would mention,

> We'd love some pennies to rub together,

> To save for something we will treasure!"

Wedding Website FAQ

You can use your wedding website to subtly imply that physical gifts are not ideal. For example:

> "Are you signed up with a wedding registry service? No, we are very lucky to have everything we need for our home already."

Card Wishing Well at Reception

Some guests may want to bring a gift with them on the day. You can accommodate cash gifts by setting up a "wishing well" or box at your reception for cards and envelopes.

Honeymoon gift wording

Asking for gifts, especially money, to fund your honeymoon can be tricky to navigate. However, it is becoming more common for couples to ask for money towards their honeymoon instead of traditional gifts. Here are some suggestions for wording your invitations to make this request:

Keep it Short and Sweet

A short and direct message will ensure your point gets across. This approach may be less personal, so be sure to demonstrate your thanks and appreciation. Here are some examples:

> "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]"

> "A contribution toward our honeymoon fund instead of a gift is much appreciated. Donations can be made at [insert link to your online honeymoon fund]. Love and gratitude, [Your Names]"

In Lieu of Gifts

This is a popular way to ask for honeymoon funds. It is a neutral phrase that usually fits any casual or formal invitation style. Here are some examples:

> "Dear Friends and Family, 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]"

> "We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Instead of gifts, we would appreciate a contribution to our honeymoon fund."

Informal Wording

This approach allows the couple's personality to shine through. It is a great way to make your request while also feeling down-to-earth. 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]"

Poems

Poems can be a fun and creative way to ask for honeymoon funds. They can be especially effective if you want to make a bigger impression than a simple "in lieu of gifts" message. 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 the 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]"

Remember, it is essential to acknowledge that asking for money can be awkward, and finding the right words can be tricky. Be sure to choose wording that reflects your personality and wedding style, and always express your gratitude for your guests' support.

Including a gift list in your invitation

It is becoming more and more common for couples to ask for money as a wedding gift, especially as many couples live together before marriage and already have the traditional gifts that would have been used to set up their home. Asking for money instead of presents is perfectly acceptable, but it needs to be done in the right way.

If you are including a gift list in your wedding invitation, it is important to be tactful and polite. You could include a line such as: "Your presence at our wedding is enough of a gift, but should you wish to buy us something, we would greatly appreciate a contribution towards our honeymoon/new home/renovation". You could also mention what you plan to spend the money on, whether that's your honeymoon, home improvements, or something else. This lets your guests know how their gifts will be used.

If you would prefer to avoid being so direct, you could include a fun poem in your invitation, such as:

> "We don't want to offend but we have it all,

> All household goods and so much more.

> To save you shopping, sit back and rest,

> A gift of currency is our request."

Another option is to include a card with your invitation that offers specific details about gifts. You could also include an insert directing your guests to a link with more information about the wedding and gift details on a wedding website.

Remember, it is important to clearly communicate your wishes to your guests to avoid any confusion.

How to ask for cash wedding gifts

Asking for cash wedding gifts can be a tricky task, but it is becoming an increasingly popular option. Here are some tips on how to ask for cash wedding gifts in a tactful and polite manner:

Use an Online Cash Registry

Create a wedding registry on sites like GiftSpaces or Honeyfund, which offer options for various types of registries, including honeymoons, cash funds, and even donations to your favourite charity. This makes it easy and clear for your guests to contribute. You can then include a link to your registry on your wedding website or share it with your guests directly.

Be Subtle and Creative

Asking for money can be awkward, so it's best to avoid putting a bold statement on your wedding invitations. Instead, dedicate a section of your wedding website to your registry or cash gift preferences. You can also ask your close family and wedding party to spread the word subtly if anyone asks them about gift ideas.

Indicate How the Cash Will Be Spent

Letting your guests know how their monetary gifts will be used can make them feel more connected to your plans and better about giving cash. For example, you could mention that you're saving for your dream honeymoon or your first home together. Include a personal touch by sharing a story or posting an image related to your plans on your wedding website.

Sample Wording Ideas

• "Your presence at our wedding is all that we wish for. However, if you want to give a gift, we will be grateful for a cash donation towards our new home renovations."
• "We ask only for your love and presence, but if you wish to give a gift, we would be honoured to receive a cash contribution towards our new home."
• "Your presence is the best gift you could provide. Please do not feel obligated to give anything else. But if you feel inclined, we are very much looking forward to a honeymoon, and any contribution towards that will be sincerely appreciated."
• "We don't have a traditional gift list, and your company on our big day is all we could ask for. However, if you wish to give a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon fund would be greatly appreciated."

Remember, it's essential to be sensitive and avoid making cash the only option. Some guests may prefer to give material gifts, so consider creating a small traditional registry alongside your cash request to accommodate different preferences.

'No gifts' wedding invitation examples

Communicating your wishes to your wedding guests is important. You can do this by including a card inserted with your invitation suite that offers specific details regarding gifts. Alternatively, you can include an insert directing your guests to a link regarding more information about the wedding and include gift details on a wedding website. It is best to offer an alternative to physical gifts, rather than a "no gifts" message. Here are some examples of "no gifts" wedding invitation wording:

No Gifts at All

> 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 would love to accept your present, but unfortunately, we don't have room for a lot of wedding gifts. Please give us the wonderful gift of your presence instead.

Charitable Donation

> Please, no gifts. Instead, consider making a donation to your favourite charity.

>

> In lieu of gifts, please consider making a donation to [charity name].

>

> Thank you for thinking of us during this celebratory time. We prefer our guests not to bring gifts, but if you would like to get us something, we would love it if you donated to [Charity's Name] in our name.

Honeymoon Fund

> In lieu of gifts, we would appreciate a contribution made to our honeymoon fund.

>

> If you're thinking of giving us a gift, to help us on our way, a gift of cash towards our honeymoon would really make our day. Then while we're relaxing on the beach, or by the pool so blue, we'll sit back and know that it is truly thanks to you!

>

> 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. So, if you'd like to give a gift and send us on our way, a donation to our honeymoon would be greatly appreciated.

>

> We have zero expectation for gifts. That said (and only for those that insist) we suggest making a donation to your favourite charity or, for those that prefer, please chip-in towards a kitchen table we have our eyes on. Either option would make us very happy.

Frequently asked questions