Wedding Etiquette on Cash Gifts
Cash gifts, a longtime acceptable practice at Chinese weddings, is no longer the gauche wedding practice it used to be. At modern weddings, cash contributions to the couple or a charity of their choice is not only acceptable, but preferred, in many situations--as long as it is handled with care, class and with the appropriate eye on etiquette.
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Asking for Cash Gifts
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It is considered tacky to ask for "cash only" gifts in wedding invitations in the same way that you should not put registry information with invitations. Just because it's not mentioned doesn't mean it's not needed, though. And as many as 78 percent of people think that giving cash is appropriate and preferable for young couples. Thus, giving cash gifts are an acceptable option so long as it is handled with tact.
Getting the Word Out
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The best way to let people know that you want to receive cash gifts for your wedding is to inform your parents and wedding party to let people know. People will contact them about possible gifts for you, and they can spread the word accordingly. It is also a good idea to let people know what you will be spending your cash gifts on, though this is not required.
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Giving Cash Gifts
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Be careful when giving cash gifts if you do not know the couple well. Check with a member close to the couple if you are unaware how appropriate the gift is. If you don't know if it will be considered appropriate or not, err on the side of caution and buy the couple something that they are registered for or something you know they can both use.
Appropriate Cash Gift Instances
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There are two instances, though, where it is immediately appropriate to give cash gifts. If the couple is getting married far from where they live--such as in the case of a destination wedding--mail them a gift beforehand, or give them a cash gift on the day of. Anything given them to will have to be shipped to their home at great personal expense. You can also give a couple cash if they have not registered anywhere or if they have been together long enough to not need anything as a couple.
Alternatives to Cash
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If you want cash but you still feel uncomfortable asking for it, there are several places online that allow you to register for a cash gift, such as American Express and SunTrust Bank. Requesting things like donations to gift checks or gifts toward a down payment on a house let people know they are helping you without handing you an envelope of cash on your special day.
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References
- Photo Credit dollars in envelope image by KtD from Fotolia.com
