Cash Gifts vs Store registry ??

Question

How does one tactfully ask for cash instead of gifts for your registry?

Answer 1

Well here is my suggestion since I feel the same way you do!! (getting married next month...)
I made up a gift registry for my wedding shower. After it was over I went back in and there were a few things that weren't purchased and I left them there, BUT did not add any more. That way people really don't have anything else to give me unless they go pick out something themselves. I'm hoping they will decide it is easier to just give cash. Call me tacky, or selfish, or anything you want but really there is nothing else I need. We are living together and have every possible kitchen item, sheet set, towel set, bathroom item, etc. we could possibly want. What we need now is money!!

Answer 2

Just don't set up a store registry. Then when guests ask, say you chose not to do a store registry. It's not required. In the past it was up to the people to either buy a gift or get money. I wouldn't say there really is a tactful way of requesting money. If you don't have a store registry, people might feel weird buying a gift because of preference, and just give you the cash instead. Its an idea, not a total guarantee that all your guests will give you cash.

Answer 3

You should never formally ask for cash as a gift. It should only be done on a more informal level and with close friends and family. Otherwise it just sounds greedy.

If people do give you cash, it's a good idea in your thank you notes to say what you are going to use the money for eg we're putting the money into a holiday fund and hope to use it to take a trip overseas soon. Then at least they will feel like they 'bought' you something.

Answer 4

your first mistake is thinking that people will give a gift at all. I didn't get gifts from half my guests and never expected it. It was a party to celebrate a very important day. Why should people give gifts for it? Its not necessary and you should never ask for cash or a present. That looks bad on you. If I got an invitation what mentioned a gift at all I wouldn't attend because more then wanting to get married to someone you love, you want to get presents. Thats how it looks. If this is for your wedding then I would just be happy with what you get. Or if you really need money, have a smaller wedding and save what you need.

Answer 5

It depends on who you are inviting. My husband's first marriage was to a Korean American woman and they ended up inviting mostly other Asian people to the wedding. In a lot of Asian cultures, it is better to give money because the couple can then get what what ever they want. The night of the wedding they left the reception with almost $5000 in cash and checks. If you want cash, invite Asians! No, not really. Just stay traditional and go with the registry. You never get what you want but then you avoid pissing everyone off.

Answer 6

A polite couple never "asks" for gifts of ANY kind, especially not money. It's also very rude to direct people what to get you for a gift.

If you desire money gifts, simply don't register for anything, and a large percentage of people will give you money gifts without you having to ask because they don't feel like shopping.

Just accept whatever people feel like gifting you with, and don't try to direct the process. It's just not polite.

Furthermore, honeymoon registries and registries for money accounts are also rude. It's also not appropriate to tell people to re-direct the money to charity. It's against etiquette.

I suggest the book Miss Manners on Weddings for topics like this.

Answer 7

You can never ask for cash! If you would prefer cash tell a family member or two or maybe a friend that is helping throw you a shower. You can also go to your bank and start an account that they usually offer for engaged couples that allows gift givers to deposit into. Some couples call it a honeymoon account. But never discuss gift preferences with anyone other than close family members or a friend that is helping with a shower.

Answer 8

You don't, asking for cash is not ok. There is no tactfully way. Have fun with it, register at non-traditional stores if you don't need the typical house items. If you really don't want gifts, ask people to donate to a charity in your name.

Answer 9

You can't put it in the invitation, it's not proper etiquette, and it's tacky. You have to have family and friends spread the word, but beware, you're still going to get gifts, so you might as well register somewhere so you at least get what you want. I just got married on June 10 and we spread the word that we wanted money, but we also registerd at Bed Bath & Beyond for those that really don't want to give money. We had our family and friends spread the word and if anyone seemed like they really didn't want to give money then they were told where we were registered. We had a guest list of 110, and we got a lot of money and just a few gifts, it worked out perfect. But, if you don't register anywhere, you're going to get gifts that you don't want and can't be returned. It will work, I promise. We got way more money than I ever thought and it really came in handy. Just register for a few things, especially if you're inviting co-workers. After one look at my co-workers' faces when I told them we just wanted money, I went and registered for a few gifts. Good luck and congrats!
One more thing, out of 110 guests, we didn't get a gift from two of them, that's it. So you will get plenty of gifts, money or otherwise.

Answer 10

I don't think there is a tactful way to ask for money. If you're strapped for cash, lower the expense associated with your wedding instead of bumming it off your guests.