My grandparents are having their 50th Anniversary in April and on the invitations we need to know the proper way to say that we are doing a money tree to help them afford a kitchen up date for their house. How would you properly and politely put that in the invitations? TIA
2007-02-28 01:53:04 · 15 answers · asked by H L R 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just for those who are in a bashing mood. I am not doing this for myself. I am not standing at the door digging through everyone's pocket for loose change. It was the wishes of my grandparents not to have any gifts. We thought that there are a select few in our family that get upset when they are not able to show their appreciation or help give them something, so we figured the money tree OPTION would be great. I am looking for advice not critism on how to word it on the invite, or if I should at all. So thanks for the insults, but I am truly here for some guidance.
Those who have answered with sincerity, sorry about the rant.
2007-02-28 04:41:18 · update #1
I disagree that it would be rude to suggest they give money instead of a gift. First off the couple has been married for so many years, tell me what could they possibly be in need of??? How many knick-knacks does one really need? I would be relieved to not have to figure out an appropriate gift.
Cash for them to use as they wish would be very appropriate.
2007-02-28 08:18:50 · answer #1 · answered by thesherrya 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Actually, there is no polite way to ask for cash gifts. It's considered rude to do so as gifts are supposed to reflect the giver. That said, if anyone asks (as they will) what kind of gift is suggested you can say, "Well, we ARE making a money tree, and if you would like to contribute we can include you in the card."
Asking outright for cash gifts WILL insult many people from your grandparents generation and may embarrass your grandparents.
2007-02-28 09:59:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Money trees are horrifyingly awful. People are under no obligation to give your grandparents a new kitchen. Mention nothing about gifts or money in an invitation. If you speak to people you might mention your preference for cash gifts but only if they ask.
2007-02-28 11:11:47 · answer #3 · answered by danashelchan 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You would say, "We won't appreciate any gifts you bring, nor your presence at the party, unless you cough up some cash, pronto."
There is no proper way to extort money.
If people are kind enough to ask, you are permitted to tell them that your grandparents are registered at [home update store] and they are planning to use any gifts or cash, which are not required, towards that. But ONLY if you are asked.
2007-02-28 11:43:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just print 'No presents please' on the invitation card.
This way it stops people from giving gifts and those who really want to give someing will give money, though you are not asking for it.
This has worked well before...
2007-02-28 10:29:24 · answer #5 · answered by nikita 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's ever polite to ask for cash instead of gifts....or to ask for anything really.
The family could get together and talk about getting money from one another but I don't think it's right to send invites to friends asking for money.
2007-02-28 10:07:48 · answer #6 · answered by Alison 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I would say it the way my parents did on their wedding invitations: please bring only the gift of your presence. For what it's worth, I don't like the idea of a money tree. I think it's tacky.
2007-02-28 10:08:53 · answer #7 · answered by snorkweezl 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There will be a money tree in lieu of gifts.
2007-02-28 13:18:25 · answer #8 · answered by tmjgmw 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just put there will be a money tree.
2007-02-28 11:16:07 · answer #9 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is rude. There is no proper way to do that unless people specifically ask you ...
2007-02-28 11:53:15 · answer #10 · answered by Kabu 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋