No Boxed Gifts: Wedding Invitation Wording And Placement

The phrase no boxed gifts is often included in wedding invitations to politely inform guests that the couple is not interested in receiving traditional physical gifts. This is a common cultural practice in Pakistani and Indian weddings, where guests usually bring envelopes with money or gold jewellery as gifts.

While some consider it rude to mention gifts on wedding invitations, others find it helpful to know the couple's preferences. To avoid causing confusion or offence, it is essential to word the request politely and provide a brief explanation. For example, Having lived together for so long, we've amassed everything we could possibly need for our home. As such, we kindly request no boxed gifts.

No Boxed Gifts is a cultural norm at Pakistani/Indian weddings

In Pakistani and Indian cultures, it is customary for wedding guests to bring unboxed gifts, typically cash or gold jewellery, to help set the couple up for their future together. This often takes the form of contributing to a down payment on a home, or other financial support to help them get started.

While it may be considered rude to mention gifts on a wedding invitation, it is common for Pakistani and Indian wedding invitations to include the phrase "no boxed gifts". This is because, in these cultures, wedding gifts are not usually items for the home, but rather monetary gifts to help the couple get their home started.

Some people may perceive this request as tacky or greedy, but it is a cultural norm and a practical solution to avoid receiving an excessive number of gifts, many of which the couple may not need. It is also a way to ensure that guests do not go to the expense and effort of buying a gift that the couple does not want or need.

There are mixed opinions on how to word this request politely. Some suggest spreading the message verbally through the bridal party, while others include a separate insert in the invitation, explaining that they are moving or do not have room for boxed gifts. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide how to communicate their preference, taking into account the potential for causing offence among guests who may be unfamiliar with this cultural tradition.

It's considered rude to mention gifts on a wedding invitation

It is generally considered rude to mention gifts on a wedding invitation. This is because it can come across as though the couple is expecting gifts from their guests. However, there are some ways to get around this.

Firstly, it is acceptable to include a small insert with the invitation that mentions a wedding registry or a request for "no boxed gifts". Some couples choose to include their wedding website, where guests can find more information about gifts. It is also common for the bridal party to spread the word about gifts by word of mouth.

In some cultures, such as Pakistani and Indian, it is normal to give cash or envelopes as gifts at weddings. In these cultures, it is not considered rude to mention "no boxed gifts" on the invitation, as it is expected that guests will bring financial gifts to help set the couple up for their future together.

If you are worried about how to word your request for "no boxed gifts", here are some examples:

• "We intend on moving to the East Coast, so we kindly request no boxed gifts."
• "We kindly request no boxed gifts."
• "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 is always best to consider your relationship with the couple and your own budget when deciding on a wedding gift. If you are close to the couple, you might want to give a more personal or expensive gift, while a small gift or contribution to a group gift is also appreciated.

It's okay to request no gifts at your wedding

It is becoming increasingly common for couples to request no gifts at their wedding, and it is perfectly acceptable to do so. There are many reasons why a couple may opt for this, including already having the items that would usually be gifted, not having the space for extra gifts, or simply not needing or wanting any gifts at all.

If you are the couple and would like to request no gifts at your wedding, it is important to communicate this clearly and concisely to your guests. This can be done in a few ways:

• Include a card inserted with your invitation suite that provides specific details about your request. This could be something along the lines of, "Your presence at our wedding is more important to us than a gift. We kindly request no boxed gifts, but if you wish to contribute, we would appreciate donations to our honeymoon fund."
• Add a note on your wedding invites. It is not considered good etiquette to directly reference gifts on wedding invitations, but you can add an insert with your invitation suite that speaks to your decision. Keep it short and simple, such as "No boxed gifts, please."
• Spread the word in person. Mention your request while socialising with your guests at your engagement party, or on the phone with friends and family. You can also recruit your wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.) to help spread the word.
• Use your wedding website. If you have a wedding website, include a statement under your gift/registry or FAQ section, clearly stating that presents aren't required and providing a short reason why. For example, "We feel so blessed to already have everything we need. We kindly request no boxed gifts, but your presence at our wedding is the best gift of all."

It is worth noting that even if you request no gifts, some guests may still want to contribute something. In this case, it is a good idea to offer alternatives, such as a money registry, honeymoon fund, or charity donations. This way, guests who want to give a gift can do so in a way that is convenient for you.

• "We're excited for your presence, not presents. Please, no gifts."
• "Your presence is truly enough, no gifts please."
• "Thank you so much for your generosity, but we prefer our guests not to bring gifts. We feel blessed enough that you're choosing to spend the day with us."
• "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."
• "In lieu of gifts, we would appreciate a contribution made to our honeymoon fund."
• "Please, no gifts. Instead, consider making a donation to your favourite charity."

You can politely ask for no boxed gifts by using inserts or mentioning it on your wedding website

If you're looking to politely ask for no boxed gifts at your wedding, there are a few ways to go about it. While it may be considered rude to mention gifts on a wedding invitation, you can include a separate insert card in your invitation suite that mentions your request. Here are some examples of what you could write:

• “Your presence is the only gift we request."
• "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."
• "Having lived together for so long, we've amassed everything we could possibly need for our home. As such, we kindly request no boxed gifts."
• "The Bride and Groom kindly request no boxed gifts."
• "We kindly request no boxed gifts."

You could also include a note on your wedding website or spread the word in person through your bridal party or close friends and family. This way, you can ensure that your request is communicated clearly and politely to your guests.

Alternatives to boxed gifts include cash, gift cards, or donations to charity

If you're planning a wedding and would prefer not to receive boxed gifts, there are a few ways to politely communicate this to your guests. While it may be considered rude to mention gifts on a wedding invitation, you can include a separate insert in your invitation suite that explains your preference. For example, you could write something like: "We kindly request no boxed gifts, but thank you for thinking of us".

Another option is to use your wedding website to share this information with your guests. You can include a statement under your gift/registry or FAQ section, explaining that presents aren't required and providing a short reason why. For instance: "We would love your presence at our wedding and request no boxed gifts, but if you wish to contribute, we would appreciate donations to our favourite charity [Charity Name] instead".

It's also a good idea to spread the word in person or through your bridal party. This way, you can ensure that your guests are clear about your preferences and avoid any confusion or awkwardness.

Now, let's talk about some alternatives to boxed gifts. Here are some ideas to suggest to your guests:

Cash Gifts

Cash gifts are a common alternative to boxed gifts, especially in certain cultures such as Pakistani/Indian weddings, where it is considered normal to bring an envelope with money as a gift. The cash can help the couple with a down payment on a home or other financial goals. It is also a practical option for couples who already have most of the items they need for their home.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are another way to go if you'd like to give the couple more flexibility. Suggesting gift cards to their favourite stores or restaurants can be a thoughtful way to contribute to their future purchases or experiences.

Donations to Charity

If the couple is passionate about a particular cause or nonprofit organisation, you can suggest that guests donate to charity in lieu of giving boxed gifts. This option allows the couple to give back to their community and support a meaningful cause. You can include a short explanation on your wedding website or invitations about why this option is important to them.

Remember, even if you express a preference for non-boxed gifts, some guests may still prefer to give a physical present. In this case, you can suggest experiences or subscription services that align with their interests, or provide a small registry of specific items that you truly need or would appreciate.

The key to successfully communicating your preferences is clear and polite messaging. By using a combination of inserts, your wedding website, and word-of-mouth, you can ensure that your guests understand your wishes without causing any confusion or offence.

Frequently asked questions