How to Ask for Money as a Wedding Gift

So, you're getting married – congratulations! As you plan your big day, you might be considering asking for money as a wedding gift. Maybe you've already lived together for years and have all the toasters and towels you could ever need. Or perhaps you're saving for a down payment on a house or that dream honeymoon in Bali. Whatever the reason, you're not alone! Many couples today prefer the flexibility and practicality of cash gifts. But how do you ask for money as a wedding gift​ with grace and avoid any awkwardness? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Is It Okay to Ask for Money as a Wedding Gift?

Absolutely! It's becoming increasingly common and accepted for couples to request monetary gifts. After all, it's your wedding, and you should receive gifts that truly align with your needs and wishes. The key is to approach the topic with sensitivity and provide options for your guests.

Cute Ways to Ask for Money as a Wedding Gift

Here are some creative and tactful ways to let your guests know you'd prefer cash gifts:

Use Thoughtful Wording on Your Wedding Website or Enclosure Card

While it's generally considered poor etiquette to mention gifts directly on your wedding invitations, there are other ways to subtly communicate your wishes. Your wedding website is an excellent platform to share your preference for monetary gifts. You can also include a separate enclosure card with your invitations, using carefully chosen wording. If you're wondering how to ask for money for your wedding, here are a few examples of polite phrases you can use:

• "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all, but if you wish to honor us with a contribution to our honeymoon fund, we would be incredibly grateful."
• "We are saving for a down payment on our first home, and any wedding gift towards this dream would mean the world to us."
• "As we embark on this new chapter together, we are saving for [specific goal, e.g., a new car, furniture, future travels]. Your generosity would be greatly appreciated. A cash gift would help us achieve this goal sooner."
• "More than anything, we're excited to celebrate with you on our wedding day! If you wish to give a gift, a contribution to our newlywed fund would be wonderful. We are hoping to use wedding gift money to [specific goal]."

Thoughtful Wording to Ask for Money as a Wedding Gift

• "We are blessed to have everything we need for our home. If you would like to give a gift, a contribution towards our honeymoon adventure would be much appreciated. We are saving for [specific experience, e.g., a cooking class, wine tasting tour] and welcome any monetary gift to help us make it happen."
• "Your presence is all we request on our special day. However, if you desire to give a gift, we are saving for [specific goal] and would be grateful for any contribution. Cash gifts are especially welcome as they offer us flexibility."
• "We are so excited to celebrate with you! If you wish to bless us with a gift, we are gratefully accepting contributions towards our future together. A wedding cash fund will help us achieve our goals."
• "The most important thing is having you share our special day. However, for those who have expressed an interest in giving a gift, we are saving towards [specific goal]. We welcome any contribution, especially monetary wedding gifts."
• "We are incredibly grateful for your love and support. If you wish to give a gift, we would appreciate a contribution to help us build our future together. We are saving for [specific goal] and a cash gift would be a wonderful help."
• "Your presence is a gift in itself! If you wish to give something more, we are saving for [specific goal] and welcome any contribution, particularly cash wedding gifts."
• "We are so thrilled to celebrate with you as we begin our married life! For friends and family who have been kind enough to ask about gifts, we are saving for [specific goal] and appreciate any contribution towards making that dream a reality."
• "Your well-wishes mean the world to us! If you'd like to give a gift, we are gratefully accepting contributions towards our [specific goal]. This will help us [explain how the money will be used]."

When considering how to politely ask for money as a wedding gift, remember to avoid demanding language or mentioning specific amounts. Keep the tone warm, appreciative, and focused on your goals as a couple.

Add a Registry Option for Monetary Gifts

If you're looking for how to ask for money for a wedding gift in a modern and convenient way, consider setting up an online cash registry. Platforms like Honeyfund, Zola, and The Knot make it easy to create a registry specifically for monetary gifts.

These platforms allow you to customize your registry with specific goals, like "Honeymoon Fund," "New Home Fund," or "Adventure Fund," making it more engaging for your guests and clearly communicating your preferences. 

Share Your Plans for the Gift

When asking for cash as a wedding gift, remember that transparency is key. Tell your guests how you plan to use their generous contributions. This adds a personal touch and makes them feel more involved in your journey as a couple. For example:

• "We're dreaming of a romantic honeymoon in Italy and would appreciate any help in making this dream a reality."
• "We're saving up to buy our first home and create a cozy nest to start our married life."
• "We're planning an adventurous backpacking trip through Southeast Asia and would love your support in making this dream come true."
• "We're passionate about [shared hobby or cause] and would be grateful for any contribution towards [specific goal related to the hobby/cause]."

Share Your Plans for the Gift as a way to Ask for Money as a Wedding Gift

By sharing your plans, you're inviting your guests to be a part of your exciting new chapter. This approach makes asking for money feel less transactional and more meaningful. 

Include a Poem or Rhyme

Don’t know how do you ask for money as a wedding gift with a touch of personality ? Consider including a lighthearted poem or rhyme on your wedding website or in an enclosure card. Here's an example:

• "To save you looking, shopping, and buying, 

A gift of currency is worth trying! 

We'll put it towards our honeymoon spree, 

And toast to you on the sandy sea!"

• "To save you looking, shopping, and buying, 

A gift of currency is worth trying! 

We'll put it towards our honeymoon spree, 

And toast to you on the sandy sea!"

• "A toaster or a blender we don't really need,

We've got our eyes on a mortgage deed!

So if you'd like to give a gift, a helping hand,

A contribution to our house fund would be grand!”

A Poem or Rhyme to Ask for Money as a Wedding Gift

• "More than gifts that gather dust,

We'd love an adventure, fueled by your trust!

To climb a mountain or sail the sea,

A gift of funds would set us free!"

• "Your presence is a present in itself, it's true,

But a gift of cash would help us too!

We'll use it wisely, make our dreams come alive,

And cherish the memories you helped us strive."

• "We've lived together quite a while,

And our house is overflowing, single file!

So if you're thinking of a gift to give with glee,

Some cash towards our future would set us free!"

Create a Gift Table with a Card Box

While many guests will appreciate the information on your website, some may prefer to bring a gift to the wedding itself. Having a beautifully decorated card box at your reception provides a discreet way for guests to give cards and monetary gifts.

This simple addition can save your guests from wondering about your gift preferences and allows them to contribute in a way that feels comfortable for them.

Wishing Well

If you are thinking of how do you ask for money as a wedding gift in a traditional setting, consider this idea. A wishing well is a classic and elegant way to collect cards and monetary gifts at your wedding. You can set up a beautifully decorated wishing well at your reception venue and include a small sign that says something like, "We are saving for our dream honeymoon and appreciate any contribution towards making it a reality." 

Wishing Well - A way to Ask for Money as a Wedding Gift

Charity Donation in Your Name

If you're a couple who values giving back, you could suggest that guests make a donation to your favorite charity in your name. This is a thoughtful way to celebrate your wedding while supporting a cause that is important to you. You can include information about the charity on your wedding website or in an enclosure card. 

“Money Tree" or "Money Dance"

Some cultures have traditions like a "money tree" or "money dance" where guests pin money to a tree or dance with the couple while giving them money. If this aligns with your cultural background or wedding theme, it can be a fun and festive way to collect monetary gifts.

Money Tree - A way to Ask for Money as a Wedding Gift

Personalized Cards with Bank Details

If you're comfortable with it, you can include personalized cards with your bank details along with your wedding invitations or thank you cards. This is a more direct approach, but it can be a practical option for guests who prefer to transfer money electronically. Ensure the tone of the message is polite and appreciative.

Dos and Don'ts When Asking for Money as a Wedding Gift

Figuring out how to politely ask for money as a wedding gift can be a bit of an etiquette minefield. Here's a clear guide to help you navigate this:

Do:

• Communicate clearly but subtly. Use your wedding website or an enclosure card to mention your preference for monetary gifts. Avoid mentioning gifts on the invitation itself.
• Use polite and appreciative language. Express sincere gratitude for any contribution and avoid demanding language.
• Be transparent about how the money will be used. Share your plans and goals for the future, whether it's a down payment on a house, a dream honeymoon, or starting a family.
• Offer choices. Not everyone will be comfortable with giving cash. Give guests the option to choose a traditional gift if they prefer by providing a small registry with a few items.
• Express gratitude sincerely. Send handwritten thank-you notes to every guest, regardless of their gift choice.

Don't:

• Make monetary gifts a requirement. Avoid phrases like "cash only" or "no boxed gifts."  You want to guide guests on giving money (because you've done it right!), not force them.
• Mention specific amounts. Never give the impression that there's an expected amount.
• Pressure guests or make them feel obligated. Respect their choices and preferences.
• Include registry information or mention gifts on your wedding invitations. Keep your invitations focused on the celebration.

Dos and Don'ts When Asking for Money as a Wedding Gift

Be upfront about how to ask for money for your wedding while offering choices and expressing your gratitude sincerely. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can confidently navigate the etiquette of asking for money, ensuring that your guests feel appreciated and involved in your exciting new chapter.