%20(Facebook%20Cover)%20(1).png)
One of the most common questions I hear from couples planning their wedding is, “How do we ask our guests to give us cash instead of physical gifts?”
The truth is, you can’t directly ask your guests to give you cash instead of a gift—it's just not considered proper etiquette. But don't worry! In this post, I’ll share some clever ways to gently nudge your guests in that direction, without raising any eyebrows from older family members or creating etiquette faux pas.
Do We Even Need a Wedding Registry?
Before we dive into the cash gift strategies, let’s answer another frequently asked question: Do we even need a wedding registry?
The History and Purpose of Wedding Registries
Back in the day, most couples lived with their families until they got married. This meant newlyweds were often starting their first household together after the wedding, which is why registries traditionally include household items like kitchenware and linens.
In the 1920s and 30s, department stores began promoting wedding registries to prevent couples from needing to exchange or return unwanted gifts. Since then, registries have evolved significantly. Today, online shopping makes creating and managing a registry easier than ever, and many couples live independently before marriage, so they don’t necessarily need a house full of new stuff.
Why You Should Still Consider a Registry
Even though you might be tempted to skip the registry entirely, think back to its original purpose—to avoid getting gifts you can’t return, exchange, or use. Trust me, your guests don’t want to waste money on something you don’t need! A registry helps guide your guests toward gifts you’ll actually love, whether they’re physical items or experiences.
The Importance of Having Physical Items on Your Registry
Even if you’re hoping to receive mostly cash gifts, I encourage you to include a few physical items on your registry. Here’s why:
Older family members love traditional gifts: In my family, it’s my Aunt Pat and Aunt Jo who always bring an actual gift. If my registry didn’t include any physical items, they would definitely take it upon themselves to choose something special—probably Waterford Crystal or Belleek China. While I love those items, do you trust your version of Aunt Pat and Aunt Jo to pick something you’ll love without guidance?
Physical gifts give guests options: Some guests simply prefer to give tangible gifts. By offering a mix of options, you can guide them toward items you actually want or need.
Unique Physical Items to Add to Your Registry
You don’t have to stick to traditional registry items like kitchen appliances or silverware. Think about hobbies or interests that reflect your lifestyle. Here are some ideas:
New camping, hiking, or biking gear
Pet supplies for a new puppy or kitten
Upgraded gadgets or equipment for your favorite activities
Including even a few items on your registry helps avoid the risk of receiving gifts that will only come out of the box when family comes to visit!
How to Encourage Guests to Gift Cash
Now, let’s get back to the big question—how do you encourage your guests to give cash for your wedding?
Why Some Guests Prefer Physical Gifts
In most cultures, wedding gifts are expected, but it's considered rude to dictate what or how much guests should spend. You wouldn’t put on an invitation “the couple requests only silverware,” and the same goes for cash. So, what can you do?
Many older guests, like Aunt Pat and Aunt Jo, want to know what their gift is going toward. For them, giving a gift is personal, and they like to see the impact of their contribution. That’s why cash registries can be so helpful—they allow you to personalize the purpose of the gift, while giving guests the satisfaction of knowing what they’re contributing to.
Popular Cash Registry Ideas
Here are some ideas for common cash registries:
Honeymoon funds: Guests can contribute to your honeymoon expenses, like dinners out, excursions, or a couples massage.
Home improvement projects: From small repairs to major renovations, you can guide guests to fund your home projects.
Date night funds: Let guests contribute to future experiences, like a romantic date night.
You can also get creative by creating custom funds, like one for camping gear, a new puppy, or even a down payment on a home!
Best Platforms for Creating a Cash Registry
The good news is that setting up cash registries has never been easier. Here are some top platforms to consider:
Zola: My top recommendation for creating a wedding registry. You can create cash funds and connect them with your physical gift registries.
Honeyfund: Best known for honeymoon funds, but also allows other cash fund options.
The Knot Cash Fund: A simple, user-friendly option, especially if you’re already using The Knot for your wedding website.
Joy: Another great option for cash registries and physical gifts.
Hitchd: A newer option specializing in honeymoon funds.
Watch Out for Fees!
Most platforms charge some kind of fee, so make sure you’re aware of any transaction or withdrawal fees before signing up. While fees can be annoying, remember that they help you avoid getting unwanted gifts and having to deal with returns or exchanges after the wedding.
Final Thoughts: Wedding Registries for Cash
Even if your heart is set on cash, a wedding registry can help you guide guests toward gifts that you truly need or want, while still giving them the personal connection they seek. It’s the perfect way to blend tradition with modern practicality!
What Are You Using for Your Registry?
I’d love to hear from you! What site or sites are you using for your wedding registry? Head over to the Wedding Planning Collective Facebook group and let me know.