Wedding Gift Etiquette: Requesting Money Instead of Presents

Weddings are expensive, whether you choose to elope, have a registry office wedding or go all out and book multiple venues for your big day, lots of budget can go into it easily. This can usually mean, especially as the cost of living rises, money for a honeymoon can be overlooked or completely abandoned in favour of a big wedding day. More and more couples are opting to ask their guests to help contribute to a honeymoon or future-budget pot rather than the usual material gifts that have traditionally been given.

A lot of engaged couples now will hear stories of their parents and grandparents who were gifted toasters, mixers or dinner sets. Nowadays, most couples already own these things in their joint or individual homes and don’t need more than one of each kitchen appliance! Because of this, couples tend to prefer to ask their guests for monetary donations towards a house deposit or a honeymoon. Asking for money can often feel awkward or uncomfortable, especially from close family and friends, and although expected by many wedding guests, wording it on your invitation, wedding website or in person can be tricky. 

Here are some examples of ways to politely ask for monetary gifts instead of material goods from your wedding guests; 

💌 General Wording Ideas

1. “Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift. If you wish to honor us with a gift, a contribution to our future together would be truly appreciated.”
2. “We have everything we need at home, so if you’d like to give a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon (or future home) fund would mean the world to us.”
3. “Gifts are not expected, but if you would like to help us start our next chapter, a monetary gift would be warmly appreciated.”

🌎 For More Specific Requests

4. “Instead of traditional gifts, we’re saving for [our dream honeymoon, a first home, renovations, etc.]. If you’d like to contribute, we would be incredibly grateful!”
5. “We’re fortunate to have all that we need, but if you’d like to bless us, a contribution to our [home/honeymoon/family fund] would be wonderful.”

✨ More Playful and Fun Options

6. “We can’t wait to celebrate with you! If you were thinking of giving a gift to help us on our way, a little cash for our big adventure would really make our day.”
7. “Dancing shoes? Check. Love? Check. Toasters? Got ‘em. If you’d like to give us a gift, we’d love a little help building our future fund!”
8. “Your company is gift enough, but if you’re feeling generous, we’d appreciate a little honeymoon spending money!”

🖥️ For Your Wedding Website

9. “We are lucky to already have a home full of everything we need. If you wish to contribute to our future, we’ve set up a cash fund here.” (Link to Honeyfund, Zola, or another cash registry)
   
10. “In place of a traditional registry, we have a honeymoon fund if you’d like to help us create memories that will last a lifetime.”