Can We Just Ask for Money?
How do we ask for money in our wedding invite without having a little poem about it? I think the days of thinking it is rude to ask for money are gone and outdated. All of our friends have done the same, but I really don't want a wishing well or a fluffy poem about it. I don't want to be rude and just say, "give us money," but there has to be a way to request it without being silly.
Monica, Auckland
Official Site Photography by Wellington Photographers
Erin answers...
These days, wedding registries can go far beyond sheets and towel sets. You have the option of starting a gift registry at a homeware store, a honeymoon fund with a travel agency or a savings account at your local bank.
While you may think that it's not rude to ask for money - that it's a very reasonable request - you will have to accept that not everyone will agree. It may be an age issue or a personal preference, but some people are bound to take offence. As long as you're not too worried about that, then by all means go for it.
Let's think about what your purpose is for asking for money. Are you asking for a particular purpose? For your first house? For your honeymoon? To build an extension on your home? If there is a particular purpose, I suggest you make it clear:
In lieu of gifts, we ask that you donate to our First Home Fund (or Honeymoon Fund, or Renovation Fund)...
(Provide Bank Account Details)
Please include your name in the "Reference" field, so we know who to thank for the generous gift!
If you simply want to ask for money to help offset the cost of the wedding itself, again, just tell your guests this - they will probably feel good that they know they are helping you make your wedding a reality. So write something like:
If you would like to give us a wedding gift, we would love you to help us make our wedding the best it can be. Donations to our wedding fund would be tremendously appreciated.
(Provide Bank Account Details)
Please include your name in the "Reference" field, so we know who to thank for the generous gift!
