Friday, 1st March, 2019

SHOW ME THE MONEY: ETIQUETTE TO USE WHEN ASKING FOR CASH AS A WEDDING GIFT - Fenix Events Wedding Blog

SHOW ME THE MONEY: ETIQUETTE TO USE WHEN ASKING FOR CASH AS A WEDDING GIFT

For some, it might seem relatively tasteless to ask for cash gifts for your wedding. But, is it really? Traditionally speaking, it’s expected that brides will register at a department store of their choosing and then be given the glorious task of strolling through the aisles while armed with a barcode gun. We’ve got to admit, the task itself seems pretty fun. However, what doesn’t seem fun is receiving a bunch of gifts that you later come to realise you don’t really need.

As of 2013, statistics showed that a whopping 77% of couples were opting to live under the same roof prior to tying the knot, and it’s likely that these couples already have the household items that are usually given as wedding gifts.

With this being said, its no surprise that many more brides nowadays are asking for cash as their preferred wedding gift in lieu of a material gift. Really, how many blenders and linen sets does one couple really need?

The trickiest thing about receiving cash as a gift at your wedding, is how to ask for it without coming across as demanding or tacky in the eyes of others. This leaves many brides asking the question, ‘How do I go about asking?’

To put it plainly, theres no one fool-proof way to ask for a cash gift. It’s just a bit awkward. However, following some simple etiquette can help to ease the situation for both parties.

Show and Tell
When asking for cash as a gift, it’s important to be mindful of the fact that there are some (not all) guests who might take offence to your request for cash. Some guests might feel as though you are disregarding the thought that they might’ve put into a gift. To ensure that your guests feel good about giving a cash gift, consider providing them with a touching insight into how the money will be spent.

This might mean stating what you and intend to use the money for on the gift note.

Or rather, it might mean might mean updating your guests post-wedding and showing how you and your partner have spent the money. A great way of doing this is to include a picture in your thank-you notes!

image source: Pinterest

Nothing will warm your guests heart’s like knowing that the money they have given you will be going towards a deposit for your first home together, or your honeymoon. Your guests will know that they are contributing to your married life, and therefore feel valued and a part of your celebrations.

Keep it Simple
Be sure to be brief and discreet when letting your guests know that you would like to receive cash gifts. This might mean shortly and sweetly letting your guests know that there will be a wishing well present on the day, or an online registry that they can contribute to. However, the most important thing is to ensure that you state that their attendance is what’s most meaningful to you.

image source: Pinterest

Word of Mouth
Consider spreading the word to your inner circle on your choice to ask for cash. Briefing your parents, close relatives and friends means that when your guests ask them about gifting you (which they will), they will be ready and able to let them now exactly how and why you would like a cash gift in a way that really conveys what the money would do for you and your partner.

Give the Option
Some of us out there just really love giving material gifts. For those people, it would be worth considering setting up a traditional registry as an option, alongside your request for cash. Even if you are clear that a cash gift is your preference, your guests will still appreciate being given the choice.

Thank-you Kindly
Naturally, some guests may be uncomfortable with you knowing the exact amount of money they have spent on you. As cash gifting for a wedding is a relatively new concept, consider the grey area that your guests may be caught in when it comes to ‘wishing well etiquette’ and, well, how much is enough. Ensure that you put just as much effort into each thank-you that you write, no matter the variance in cash from each guest. Do you have any other pointers for asking as a cash gift? We’d love to hear them! Leave your comments below.