How to Ask for Cash for Wedding Gifts

Don't be afraid to ask for money as a wedding gift.

Asking for cash as a wedding gift can be touchy, particularly when it comes to etiquette-conscious or older guests, who may not feel comfortable giving anything other than a traditional wedding gift. However, careful wording, wedding-themed gift cards and strictly cash registries can help most wedding guests feel comfortable giving cash as a gift.

Things You'll Need

• Wishing well
• Gift card or cash wedding registry

Instructions

Wedding Shower Gifts

1. Set up a wishing well at the shower, a nicely-decorated cardboard container into which guests can easily and discreetly drop cash or checks. Make sure that the slot or opening in the wishing well is big enough to fit a card in case guests enclose their monetary gift in one.

2. Mention the wishing well in the shower invitations. Since it is generally considered bad etiquette to ask for cash as a wedding or wedding shower gift, veil the request for cash in a short poem, for example:

   We hope you can make it to the party, that would really be swell
   Soon enough, we'll be hearing wedding bells
   We don't need much for the place where we'll dwell,
   So please, feel free to donate to our wishing well!

3. List in the shower invitations stores to which the couple wouldn't mind receiving gift cards. They function like cash at specific stores, and many stores carry wedding-themed gift cards, which guests might prefer to give.

Wedding Day Gifts

1. Brainstorm a list of things you will buy with any money given as a wedding gift, such as a home or a honeymoon. Guests might be more likely to give a monetary gift if they know what the money is going toward. They can also give a sentimental nod toward that in a card or note.

2. Publish your wish list in the gift registry section of your wedding website or ask family or friends to e-mail it to guests. Be sure that any explanation accompanying your wish list expresses appreciation of your guests' kindness in giving a gift. A short poem might be helpful, such as:

   We love you for helping us start our new life,
   Our first days and weeks as husband and wife.
   We'd love to buy a house, maybe one with a deck
   So please don't be shy about giving cash or a check.

3. If you choose to include mention of desired gifts with your wedding invitations, consider listing stores at which you are registered for gift cards instead of traditional gifts. A small card could read: "John and Mary Beth are registered for gift cards at (name of a home improvement store). They hope to remodel the new home they purchased during their engagement." Or, use a cash registry website to register for cash. Omit mention of gift cards and list websites instead of stores. Include any user IDs or passwords that guests will need in order to give a monetary gift via your chosen cash registry website. Most cash registry sites charge the person making a gift a service fee. As of 2010, one such site charged 5 percent of the gift amount.

References

• WedNest.com: Frequently Asked Questions