Wedding Gift Money & Etiquette
Whether you're planning your wedding or have been invited to be a guest at a wedding or reception, it's important to know how to ask for--and give--money as a gift. A few etiquette rules will help guests, as well as the future bride and groom, to include money in the wedding day gifts in a tasteful way.
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Asking for Monetary Gifts
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Although most people who adhere to traditional American etiquette would disagree, it is acceptable for brides and grooms to request cash gifts from their guests. Couples who belong to younger generations are often more comfortable doing this, and younger guests may feel as though giving cash is more convenient, since the money can be presented to the couple at the reception, and the guest(s) can be sure that the bride and groom will enjoy their gift.
Forms of Monetary Gifts
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If guests choose to give the bride and groom money at the wedding reception, it is best to give the money in the form of a check. This will keep the funds secure, and reduce of the chances of the money being misplaced during the wedding reception. The check should be in an envelope, with a card that includes a hand-written message to the bride and groom.
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Other Ways to Give Money
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Brides and grooms who want to receive money from guests should set up a decorated birdcage on a table at the reception; the cage should be on a table against the wall or in the corner, as this is normally where the gift table will be set up. Money trees are also ways to collect money in a creative and classy fashion; guests can simply attach monetary gifts to the tree--since the money is often in smaller denominations on the money tree, it is acceptable to give cash.
Honeymoon and Mortgage Registries
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If a couple is not comfortable asking guests for cash gifts outright, it is acceptable to set up a honeymoon or mortgage registry. This is a way for guests to give the bride and groom the monetary gifts in significant amounts, and the money will go toward covering the cost of the honeymoon travel expenses; the couple can also use the funds as down payment for their new home.
Traditional Registries
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Even if a couple would rather receive money as gifts, it is tactful and considerate for the bride and groom to set up a traditional wedding registry. This is ideal for older wedding guests who would feel more comfortable purchasing items like fine china or home appliances. Guests who don't mind giving money can still do so, and are not obligated to give both a check and a gift from the wedding registry.
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References
- Photo Credit dollars image by Mikhail Olykainen from Fotolia.com
