Did you know that more than 60% of couples now prefer cash gifts for their weddings?
As traditions change and young couples want more flexibility, asking for money instead of physical gifts is a practical choice.
In this article, we’ll look at how to ask for money as a wedding gift.
If you’re looking to fund your dream honeymoon or invest in your future together, we’ve got you covered with helpful tips and suggestions for wording your request.
On this page:
- 8 ways how to ask for money as a wedding gift
- Sample phrases for asking for money
- Sample wedding gift poems
- Social norms around wedding gifts
- FAQs
8 ways to ask for money as a wedding gift 💵 💌
Many couples choose to ask for money instead of traditional gifts because it’s more practical. Unlike physical gifts, cash is easy to give and doesn’t require returns or exchanges.
Money can be used to boost savings, fund a dream honeymoon, or even start a business. That’s why they’re so flexible—physical items just can’t match that. We’ll show you 8 ways to politely ask for money as a wedding gift.
1. Wedding invitations 💍
To politely ask for money as a wedding gift, include a small card with your invitation or a tasteful note at the bottom of the main invite that expresses your wishes.
Ensure that the language is polite and heartfelt, avoiding direct requests for cash.
Best practices:
- Keep the tone upbeat. A phrase like “If you’re thinking of giving a gift to help us on our way, contributing to our honeymoon will make our day!” can feel warm and welcoming.
- Use matching stationery for the note to keep the overall look of your wedding in line with the theme.
2. Wedding website 💻
The wedding website is the main hub for everything wedding-related, including gift preferences. So why not write a blog post highlighting the need to contribute to the wedding?
Set aside a page on your website to talk about gifts. This is a great place to share your thoughts and ideas and explain why you prefer monetary contributions. Mention what you’re hoping to achieve with these gifts.
Tip: Tell your guests a little about yourself or why you’re doing this so they can see that their contributions matter.
Update the website regularly so that guests are kept engaged and informed. If you’re looking to spruce up your wedding website with new photos, consider adding photo backdrop stands to your photo galleries.
3. Word of mouth
Your immediate family and bridal party members are a great source of word-of-mouth referrals. Just let your closest colleagues know that you prefer monetary gifts and ask them to pass this on to other guests who might ask.
Note: This method works best when it feels like a natural conversation rather than a scripted request.
Pick a few guests who you know will be able to deliver this message in a tactful and well-respected way. Ask them to share your reasons positively.
4. Bridal shower 👰
Bridal showers are a fantastic opportunity to learn how to politely ask for money as a wedding gift.
Here’s how to do it: To get started, learn how to plan a bridal shower that fits your gift preferences. Additionally, for more ideas, check out our 30 bridal shower ideas.
Mention your preference in the bridal shower invitations or set up a theme encouraging cash gifts. To make your party unforgettable, you could do something like a “stock the bar,” “honeymoon fund,” or other bridal shower games.
5. Wedding event activities 🎉
There are many fun ways to ask for money at a wedding, like a ‘money dance’ or a ‘wishing well.’ Set aside a specific time during the reception for these activities and ensure they’re included in the program so guests know what to expect.
Make these activities fun and inclusive, and don’t make them obligatory. Set up an entertaining context that gets people involved.
Let people know what the money will be used for, and add a personal touch.
6. Thank you cards 💌
Another way how to nicely ask for money as a wedding gift is to send thank you cards before the wedding. This lets your guests know how much you appreciate their support and how much they can contribute to your dream.
If someone helps you out early or gives you a gift, send them a thank you card. Mention how grateful you are for their contribution to your plans. This money can help you throw a smaller, more personal wedding, or you can add some amount and set up the larger wedding.
Related: 10+1 small wedding ideas
7. Direct communication (the best one) 📣
Being direct can be a respectful and effective approach if you’re wondering how to just ask for money as a wedding gift. Having a respectful and straightforward answer ready to go is a great way to handle this.
Have a thoughtful response ready that explains why you prefer monetary gifts. You could even mention a major goal or dream you’re saving for. For example, for the honeymoon, a new home, a car, or to save for future night dates.
Be honest and direct, but don’t make your guests feel they must comply. This is a great chance to thank them for their intention to contribute.
8. Money trees and wishing wells 💸
One way to ask for money at a wedding is to put it in a “money tree” or “wishing well.” This playful and interactive way will get people involved and simultaneously collect money.
You can add some lovely, low-maintenance artificial flowers to your venue, which are great for any wedding setting.
Sample phrases for asking for money 📝
Here are 10 example phrases of how to ask for money as a wedding gift:
1. So far, we’ve shared more than just kisses. Our home has been made with love and care. We already have Most of the things we need, but we can’t fit much in our home. A donation to our honeymoon fund would be perfect if you so desire.
2. Your love and support are priceless to us. If you’re inclined to give, we’re saving for a dream honeymoon.
3. We wish you to be present at our wedding. However, we would greatly appreciate a small contribution to our plans if you would give us a gift.
4. We are excited about building a life together and would be deeply grateful for any monetary gifts that can help us achieve our dreams, such as our first home or future travels
5. We feel fortunate to have your love and support as we tie the knot. For those who wish to honor us with a gift, we kindly suggest a monetary contribution to help us embark on our lifelong journey together
6. We are truly grateful for your support as we start this new chapter. For those considering a gift, we would be thankful for a monetary contribution to help us build our future.
7. As we start our journey in marriage, we find ourselves blessed with all the essential household items. If you’re considering a gift, we would appreciate a monetary contribution, which will help us fund our future together.
8. We have chosen to forgo traditional gift registries in favor of a financial contribution, which can truly help us grow together. This will assist us as we save for significant milestones and create lasting memories.
9. While gifts are certainly not necessary, if you choose to give something, a monetary contribution towards our upcoming adventures and life goals would mean the world to us.
10. As we look forward to our future together, we’re saving for many beautiful moments ahead. If you’d like to contribute, a monetary gift would be a wonderful blessing to help us reach our goals.
These refined versions aim to be more elegant, sincere, and less direct while conveying the request for monetary gifts. Would you like me to explain the improvements or provide guidance on how to use these phrases effectively?
Looking for more inspiration on what to write? Explore our 100 best wedding quotes for ideas.
Sample wedding cash gift poems 🕊️📜
1. A wish from the heart, as we start,
To build a life, as man and wife.
A gift of cash, with love we’ll stash,
To craft a nest, and fill it with zest.
2. No pots or pans, just future plans,
Your gift of money, sweet as honey,
Will help us soar, to shores galore,
In wedded bliss, nothing amiss.
3. As we unite to share our days,
Your presence lights our loving ways.
Should you wish to gift a token,
Let it be the money spoken.
4. Flowers bloom and bells will ring,
To celebrate the vows we sing.
A gift of funds, should you choose,
Will help us walk in newlywed shoes.
5. Our lives are full of love so sweet,
With pots and dishes quite complete.
For our big day, we kindly say,
A gift of cash would make our way.
6. In a garden of love, we plant our dreams,
Where flowers of hope gleam with beams.
To nurture our plot, should you wish to partake,
A contribution of cash, for our future’s sake.
7. Beneath the stars, we make our vow,
To face the world, together now.
If you wish to help us on our way,
A gift of cash, we humbly say.
8. Our house is set, with every chair,
But dreams we have, still lay bare.
A little cash, wrapped up with love,
Will help us fly, to dreams above.
9. We’ve shared our lists and made our plea,
For something small, as you can see.
A modest gift of cash, no fuss,
To help the two of us.
10. On this day of joy and glee,
We invite you to our wedding spree.
If a gift is on your mind,
Cash is the easiest we find.
Social norms around wedding gifts 🎁🌏
It’s becoming more and more common for guests to understand that helping a couple achieve their financial goals is a thoughtful gift. This change is driven by the increasing use of online registries and financial services that make giving money as a wedding gift easier.
In the past, wedding gifts were often given to help the couple set up their new home. Items like linens and cookware were often included. However, their needs have changed as couples get married later in life or are already living together.
It’s important to understand cultural sensitivities and norms because attitudes towards monetary gifts vary a lot between cultures and families.
However, not everyone may be comfortable asking for money. Respecting different opinions and explaining your reasons clearly and thoughtfully is important.
Many couples these days consider asking for money instead of traditional wedding gifts. If you show your preferences clearly and respectfully, your guests will feel comfortable and appreciated for their contributions.
Remember, the best way to ask for money as a wedding gift is to tailor it to your relationship with your guests and your circumstances.
FAQs
What are the best digital tools or platforms to facilitate gifts?
Digital platforms like Zola, Honeyfund, or Venmo make it simple for guests to send monetary gifts securely.
These services often let couples create a personalized page that explains their goals and how the funds will be used, which adds a personal touch to the request.
How to tactfully handle guests who prefer traditional gifts?
It’s important to respect each guest’s choice. Couples should include an option for traditional gifts on their registry or provide suggestions for those who may feel more comfortable with this type of gift.
Let your guests know that you appreciate any gifts, no matter what form they take.
How can guests participate in giving monetary gifts?
Consider suggesting international payment platforms like PayPal or Wise (formerly TransferWise) for guests abroad.
These platforms can handle currency exchange and make it easy to transfer funds securely so everyone can contribute regardless of location.
Is it acceptable to ask for monetary gifts for a second wedding?
Yes, it’s totally fine, especially if the couple already has most of the household items they need. Explaining the situation on your wedding website or in person is a good idea.
Mention that the funds will go towards something meaningful for you as a couple, like a renovation project or a special trip.
What are some ways to present the option for monetary gifts?
Think beyond traditional methods like a wishing well. Try something creative like a “future adventures” map where guests can pin their donations to specific dream destinations or goals on a beautifully designed map.
This visual representation is a great way to get guests involved and excited about your plans.
