Wedding Registry Wording - How to Ask For Wedding Gifts or Money

The venue's been chosen, the dress picked, and the cake design is being finalised. Well done; you're officially nailing wedding planning! Now it's time to start trimming down that guest list and writing your invitations. But what decision have you made about your wedding registry? Do you have a gift list, or are you asking for cash gifts? Whatever you've decided, how do you put your requests into words and communicate your wishes in a polite but clear way?

Keep reading for some of the most popular wedding gift scenarios, along with wording examples for each one. From breaking tradition to asking for money towards your first home or no gifts at all, we've got you covered.

What's the tradition?

Giving presents at weddings has long been one of the most traditional elements of any wedding, dating back hundreds of years. The main purpose was to help set the soon-to-be-married couple up with physical gifts for their new life together. However, with more couples now living together before they marry, the more traditional wedding gifts have become a little redundant. Nowadays, it's the couple's preference to do what they want and to opt for a gift-giving style that best suits their individual situation.

How do you inform guests about your gift wishes?

It's considered bad etiquette to mention gifts in your wedding invitations; after all, you're inviting your guests to your wedding day, not inviting them to buy you a gift. Therefore, your wedding website is the perfect place to share your registry details and can make the topic feel a little less awkward.

Going down the gift registry road?

If you've decided to have a traditional gift list, there are many websites that will accommodate most couples' 'wish lists'. Some of these services also allow your guests to contribute money towards honeymoons, etc. When creating a gift list, keep in mind that some of your guests may have limited budgets, as well as other expenses such as overnight stays, childcare, and transport to factor in, so it’s a good idea to include gifts that cover a range of budgets; from a set of coffee cups to a piece of art.

The number of items on your registry is also significant. For example, if you send out 50 invitations, make sure your list includes at least 75 things, giving your visitors plenty of choice. Furthermore, it is often worth telling guests that you would be pleased to accept a gift card in lieu of a physical present.

Gift registry wording examples

When communicating your registry via your wedding website, keep in mind that you cannot force guests to buy anything from your wish list! Of course, they will, but it is impolite to request it.

Instead, keep your language polite, warm, and tactful. Make it clear that a present is not required or expected, but that options are available if they require some guidance. Don't forget you'll also need to include your registry link or ID to lead them to the right place. Below are some wedding gift registry wording examples: We are fortunate to have nearly everything we need for this new journey together! However, for friends and family who have shown an interest, we have created a gift registry here: (insert link) For guests wishing to contribute to our big day, we’ve created a gift registry at (insert store). Your attendance at our wedding is the most precious present we could have! If you want to honour us with a gift, we have a list with [insert store]. Gift cards to [insert specifics] are also welcome, as we will be moving into a new home following the wedding.

Monetary gifts, please!

AKA, a wishing well. This option makes sense if you and your spouse have already taken care of your basic necessities and would like the cash fund to go towards wedding expenses, a house deposit, or your honeymoon fund. But let's be honest, asking for money can be embarrassing! So, how do you put it into words?

The ideal way is to be straightforward while remaining polite and warm. You'll also want to keep things light-hearted and relaxed. Don't guilt-trip your guests by mentioning the wedding's costs or how desperately you need the money!

Monetary gifts wording examples

1. If you were thinking of giving a gift to help us on our way
2. A gift of money in a card would really make our day!
3. Please know that your presence on our special day is the greatest present of all! However, if you do wish to celebrate with a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon fund would be warmly appreciated: (insert link)
4. Now we are to be Mr & Mrs We don't need a wedding list of dishes. A holiday is what we need, so your help with this would be a great gift indeed.

Charity or no wedding gifts

Donations to charities in place of presents can be an excellent choice for non-traditional couples. Perhaps you don't want gifts or cash but would rather encourage guests to give to a charity of your choice instead. Although this is a very nice gesture on your part, making a direct request of your guests is not considered good etiquette. Instead, share the relevant information through your wedding website while providing your loved ones with the option to make a donation.

Or perhaps the two of you have chosen to defy tradition and forego all gifts? A request for "no gifts" is more frequent than you may think, especially at destination weddings when guests are already paying their own way. You may also believe that this is the ideal option for your wedding if it is your second marriage or if you have already received gifts from your engagement party.

Whatever you choose, be as clear as possible!

Although discussing gift-giving with your friends and family members may feel awkward, keep in mind that clear guidance will be greatly appreciated. Whether you've created a gift registry, prefer a cash donation, or want to break tradition entirely, it's crucial to practice proper etiquette when communicating this information to your loved ones.

Simply keep these phrasing suggestions and examples in mind when writing your wedding website gift registry section, and you'll be able to provide much-needed clarity to your guests, avoiding any embarrassment along the way!