Is it rude to ask for gift cards from a specific store for a wedding present?

Question

My fiance and I both have complete households, including four children each. We don't need anything except extra rooms. We are going to remodel our attic into bedrooms for the boys. Gift cards from Lowes would be perfect. I need to know if asking for such items would be considered rude or tacky. I know immediate family and friends will understand, but it's the others that I worry about.

Answer 1

requesting ANY kind of gift is tacky, you can pass the message via word of mouth through family and friends, but for heavens sake do not put it in writing in any form in your wedding invite or shower invites or anything of that matter. You may also see if you can register at Lowe's......if so just spread the word through through talk, do not request it at all in writing. The people you invite are there because they are celebrating a very special time in your life, they shouldn't be required or feel obligated to fund your home improvement projects.

Answer 2

Yes, asking would be considered a little tacky (and registry information should NEVER be included in a wedding invitation, although it's probably okay for wedding shower invites).

I think the best thing to do is let family and friends know what your plans are, and have them spread the word if people ask what to get you, which they will. You and your fiance could set up a registry at Lowes for the cards (if Lowe's has that option) and let people know that's where you are registered (again, through family and friends, or if you are asked directly). Chances are, since most guests will know you already have everything else, they will want to give you something you can really use, like the gift cards or cash!

Congratulations, best wishes and happy building!

Answer 3

I think asking for a grocery gift card is fine, they do sell other things at the grocery store besides food, and as much as setting up a household costs these days, I think it will be fine. If you are worried that people will think wrong of it, tell people money is fine, and use it at the grocery. You can tell people you are buying your collection of spices for cooking. A approved answer, because that is one of the first things an old fashioned bride would have done. And one of the first things I did when I moved out on my own. When people ask you what you want, tell them the truth about what you want, and thank them for asking. Arm your Mom, the MIL, and the bridesmaids and close female relatives with a list of things you want. People often ask them, guests want the present they buy to be a surprise, so they hit up the maids and the relatives for info. And asking for a Walmart or Target card might seem tacky, but it is practical good sense when you are not rich, and setting up a household. Go price mops, buckets, Comet cleanser, dust cloths and polish, vacuum cleaner bags, and on and on. Make a list of everything you need to clean a house with, add it up, and if you can get it all for less than $150 bucks, you did not get everything you need. It makes sense to get it as cheap as you can, why pay more? And again, ask for money, tell people that it is for setting up your household, and that should do it.

Answer 4

In a nutshell, yes. But there is hope.... The others attending the wedding surely know of your position, 8 kids- WTG, and hopefully will presume the last thing you need is some delicate china or fancy ornaments. They should also assume you have all the cookware you need and with the absence of a registry list, should conclude that the best gift to give is cash, which you can happily spend at Lowes. Problem solved, lol
Now all we need is for them to think this way.
Congratulations.

Answer 5

Registering for something at the store is not tacky.... Putting the registry information in the invitation IS.

If you need gift cards that is no different than registering for the drywall itself (but lets face it, gift cards are easier to give than a sheet of drywall). My point is, people can say it is tacky or rude all they want but when you boil it down you are registering for what you want/need which is no different than those who register for dishes and towels.

Just dont go around announcing your registry... it should be spread only by word of mouth (a guest calls you and asks what you would like or need... you say "oh, we have a registry at ---") this can be done by anyone in the wedding party or by parents of the couple or by the couple themselves - but ONLY if asked or if you have a wedding website you could have a small link off to the side that includes registry info.

Good Luck

Answer 6

Maybe you can ask friends and relatives or family that, but not others, if it's more comfortable for you. People here always give money or gift cards at the reception, but I know some brides who feel like "begging for money" if the attendants give them anything.
If people ask you what gifts you want, I don't see why you can't tell them - it is what you want and need anyways and it is your wedding afterall. But you can choose not to say it, to those who "talks in the back" if you don't feel like it.

Answer 7

I don't know how you would do that tactfully, to be honest. In my world, most people give cash gifts for weddings anyway, with the occasional silver thrown in, so I think whether you ask or not, you'll still get mostly what you need to do your remodel without having to come across as tacky. It also wouldn't hurt to mention to your friends, etc that you're remodelling and Lowe's is getting all your money these days!

Answer 8

Yes, it is rude. Asking (or registering) for gift cards is just like asking for money.

Some friends of yours might let others know by word of mouth that you and fiance plan to spend any gift cards or money gifts that you do happen to receive on your upcoming rennovation project, and that can serve as a hint (people hearing that message either will, or will not, feel like being on board to contribute to that project-- it's their choice, of course).

But you outright telling people (& volunteering the information) that you prefer Lowe's cards or money would be very impolite.

Just accept gifts as they come and have no expectations.

Answer 9

Lowes and Home Depot have gift registeries. Register there and when someone asks you or your immediate family where you're registered you can tell them. It's rude to request any type of gift, you do it by word of mouth only.

Answer 10

It is both rude and tacky. It is not for you to do this. Gifts are not required; wedding guests choose to bring a gift they want the couple to have - it's personal, and you should be grateful for anything. It's no one's fault that the two of you are in the position you are in.