5 tips for wording cash gifts + registries
Rejoice! The taboo surrounding cash gifts on wedding registries is on its way out the door–it’s no longer uncouth to ask for cash. Cash gifts are becoming more common on wedding registries. In fact, 60% of Blueprint Registry users have at least one cash gift on their registry. Blueprint Registry makes it easier than ever to elegantly ask for and receive cash gifts, while giving you the ability to customize your registry with plenty of personal touches.
But finding the right words—and especially when asking for cash—can be tricky. Even the most experienced wordsmiths get writer’s block when it comes to asking for cash. Worry not, however. There’s a certain finesse when asking for money instead of gifts, and it’s achievable by following a few easy cash registry wording tips.
Be yourself!
The most important thing to remember when writing for your cash gift registry is to stay true to your voice. You want to be sure your loved ones can hear you when they read your welcome message or custom gift descriptions. They want to feel connected to you, and a personalized, sincere voice will help achieve that.
Sample Wording
“Dear friends and family, as much as we’d love linens and dinnerware, we’ve dedicated most of our registry to securing a down payment for our future home. If you’re able, you can contribute as much or as little as you can. And if not, your presence on our big day is enough. Either way, we’re so grateful for each and every one of you.”
Sample Wording
“Thank you for thinking of us at this special moment in our lives and we appreciate your gifts. As we plan for our future together as a couple we would appreciate cash to help build our married fund.”
Sample Wording
“If you are looking to purchase us the perfect gift we are saving funds for our honeymoon (house, other large purchase) and would greatly appreciate cash to help us plan and save.”
Show lots of gratitude
Yes, more and more couples are taking advantage of cash gifts and doing away with traditional items like fine china or linens. However, guests may not be so hip to the idea quite yet. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask for what you really need and want. It only means that you have to find a tasteful way to ease newcomers into the idea of cash gifts, and show them lots of gratitude.
Always remember that it’s poor etiquette to express the expectation of gifts. Registries are meant to help guide guests through the gifting process to get you what you truly need, and it should never be implied that gifting is a requirement. Find words that show you don’t expect a gift, but that you’re incredibly grateful for any gift a guest is able to give.
Sample Wording
“As we begin our lives together, we are especially grateful for the love and support from our family and friends. We are to be blessed with the necessities of everyday life, and have decided to instead plan an unforgettable honeymoon to Tuscany to celebrate the beginning of our married life together. Our wedding registry consists of experiences and expenses for our honeymoon where guests can make contributions if so inclined. The biggest gift of all, however, is your presence on our Big Day. Thank you for your love, and we can’t wait to share our honeymoon adventures with you!”
Sample Wording
“We have all the pots and pans we could need but would love to save for our future so cash gifts are appreciated!”
Sample Wording
“Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. However, if you wish to honour us with a gift, a cash gift would be very welcome.”
Customize your registry
Be sure to customize and add personal touches to your registry and cash gifts wherever you can. Blueprint allows you to update the registry welcome message, cover photo, and thumbnail photo.
Custom cash gift names and descriptions can be edited, too. If you create a cash gift for a romantic honeymoon dinner, changing small details like the image, name of the event, and a short description help guests get excited about it, as well.
Get feedback
After you’ve finalized your registry, but before you share it, bounce your wording with a trusted loved one who is close to the wedding planning. Use your partner, maid of honor, or anyone whose feedback matters to you as a sounding board to make sure you’re conveying what you really mean.
Spread the word
Share your wishes for cash gifts with your bridal party, MOH and all other close family and friends who can help spread the word that you and your partner ideally would like cash over physical gifts. You can also add your wishes to your wedding invitation or where ever you plan to share your registry information.
Get inspired
Blueprint Registry has a collection of sample registries available for when you need a little inspiration. This adventure-based honeymoon registry is a great example of what a cash wedding registry would look like.
Have your loved ones expressed interest in helping fund parts of your wedding? Blueprint Registry can help with that, too. Find tips on how to build a wedding planning fund with customized cash gifts with Blueprint here. For even more inspiration and wedding planning tips, check out Blueprint Guides or get in touch with Blueprint Registry’s concierge team.