How do we let guests know we would rather have money?

My fiance and I are in our mid-30's and we already have a lot of items that most couples register for.  We would really like to start building a nest egg because we want to start a family right away.  I know you can't mention anything about gifts on the invitation, so how do we let our guests know we really want cash rather than gifts?

Posted: 1/20/2008 10:32:59 AM
Topic: Guests

Asking for money can be hard, but I have seen several brides pull this off without offending anyone or making it tacky.

Here goes...

Get a wedding website, on your website it has places you can show where your registered, etc, it also has places to add things like youwould like to receive money for your honeymoon, etc.  I would defintly register for a few items for those who "just have to" bring a gift, but when you send out your invites, just include a little business card, (that you can make yourself)

It can say:  For directions, to RSVP and more wedding info please visit my wedding website at w.blahblahblah.weddings.c

This is a good way to get it all out there without menitoning the word money once.

Hope this helps

Congrats!!!

Posted: 4/17/2008 2:36:38 PM

Definitely use word of mouth, as it is considered a great breach of etiquette to request certain types of gifts in writing. Let your wedding party and parents spread the word. You will still get gifts, and it is not a bad idea to register for a few things because it is always nice to upgrade and sometimes there are things that the two of you may have, but do not agree on, so something new is better than arguing over whether or not to keep the pink and green dishes or the dollar store mix and match dishes.

Let your parents and bridal party know that in lieu of a traditional shower, you would prefer a "nest egg" shower. Then they can spread the word, and you will all come out smelling like roses!

Posted: 2/4/2008 7:03:22 PM

When I got married I intended to register but never got around to it.  We did get duplicate sets of plates, etc but we got a lot of cash. It was almost $1K which we used to pay for our honeymoon.  I don't know if not registering would work for you, but you can look into alternative registries. Travel agents have registries, & I offer a photography registry for my clients. Maybe there is a financial planning service that might be able to do the same.

Good Luck,

N'neka

Posted: 1/22/2008 12:32:02 PM

Hello Kate:

     It is traditional to not put anything on the invitation, but you could always send a save the date card or magnet with the small note inside saying that gift certificates would be appreciated. You will not get everyone to send money or gift certificates. There will always be someone wanting to buy you a vase or photo frame.

     Yo can also send a small note that acknowledges their RSVP and let them know that in Lieu of gifts you would appreciate a gift certificate. It can also be done by word of mouth. Let your parents talk it up. Let them tell the guest that the happy couple is wanting to build a nest egg, start a family right away, or beacuse you are in your thirties and have everything that you would love to get money instead.

    There are nice ways to put it into focus.

Posted: 1/21/2008 5:22:57 PM