Money Tree & Money Jar Ideas for a Victorian Themed Wedding
Asking for money, whether directly or indirectly is typically deemed inappropriate, however there are ways you can set up a money tree or jar without being tacky. For your Victorian themed wedding, there are ways you can set up a station near the gift table where it isn't the center of attention, but it's there for guests who wish to gift money upon the newlyweds.
-
Crystal Money Tree
-
Since the Victorian era invokes images of the high life, and all things fancy, you can set up a small to medium "tree" adorned with crystals, but leave plenty of open space on the "branches". Use thick wire to make branches and tie or clip the crystals on. Place a few dollars on the wire as well, folding or rolling the bills and using colored ribbon (that matches your wedding colors) to tie them in place.
Using a Victorian era (or replica) picture frame, place a money tree poem next to the crystal tree so your guests know exactly what it's there for. Place a small silver jewelry box nearby with the lid open, holding extra pre-cut ribbons. You can also add sticky notes and pens for the guests to write out a personal message, and put a card in the box so guests know they can place their wedding cards there as well.
Tea Pots
-
Set up a nice sized tea pot, with a couple of tea cups on a silver tray with white doilies, and put a couple of dollars inside the tea pot so your guests know what it's there for. This should be set up on the gift table and you can add little cards with a poem or quote noting the monetary gifts if you feel it's necessary. You can add pens, small note paper and small envelopes for your guests to write their own personal well wishes.
Vase
-
Find an antique Victorian vase of either silver or crystal and set it up at the gift table on a silver tray with a lace doily surrounded by dried rose petals. You can dress up the tray with a string of pearls (fake, of course), white crochet gloves and a silver picture frame with either a poem or quote (about the money gifting) or a photo of you and your partner in old fashioned sepia tones.
Keep in mind proper wedding etiquette calls for no solicitation of monetary gifts. Your parents and bridal party can make it known that you are saving ( for a new house, baby on the way, new car, or other big expense), but it is improper to ask your guests to help you pay for the wedding and reception. Many people enjoy giving money and it does make it easier for them, but don't mention it or draw undue attention to it. No mention of the money tree, or "jar" should be made in toasts or announced in any way and it should not be the center of attention. No one should feel obligated or pressured to give money.
-
