How to Ask for Cash Instead of Wedding Presents

Immediately following your wedding, you and your groom might be confronted with a variety of expenses. To offset some of these, ask guests to break with tradition and give cash gifts in lieu of wedding presents. Be courteous, respectful and tactful when making your request so you don't offend guests, particularly older guests who might be accustomed to more traditional gift-giving practices.

Instructions

1. Indicate your desire for cash when you announce where your gift registry is. Encourage cash gifts with a short statement such as "The bride and groom respectfully request cash gifts instead of wedding gifts." Register at least six months before the wedding, according to the website Your Wedding Place.

2. Offer guests an alternative gift option, such as gift cards. A simple statement such as "The bride and groom also welcome gift cards, which are available through the gift registry" is sufficient.

3. Ask the maid of honor and best man to spread the word about the gift registry. Speak individually with parents, members of your wedding party and close relatives if you feel comfortable. Use this time to give guests a quick indication of how their cash gifts will be spent. For example, explain that cash gifts will go toward a down payment on your future home.

4. Spread the word online. Creating a website for your wedding makes it easy to communicate with guests, including spreading the word about your preference for cash gifts.

Tips & Warnings

• Respect any guest's decision to purchase a wedding gift in lieu of giving cash.

References

• Wedding and Party Network: How Do I Ask for Cash Wedding Gifts Instead of Presents?; Brynn Jackson; Aug. 5, 2009
• Wedaholic: The Etiquette of Asking for Cash Wedding Gifts; Nov. 8, 2006
• Your Wedding Place: Bridal Gift Registry Question and Answers; Kenneth Koch