All Answers

Hi Donna,
you should never word what type of gifts you want. Let close family and friends know that you would like monetary gifts and gift cards, so they can spread it around by word-of-mouth.

Another thing you can do is register online at 2-3 places, and select that you only want gift cards. It's very convenient for guests, and they will get the picture that your after gift cards and money.

Usually the stores you register at give you tickets to include in the invitation, but if you don't receive those, once again, word-of-mouth!
Hope that helps!
Good Luck!

As you mentioned in your post, you are already a well established couple in a home of your own. Family and friends will realize this and most likely give you monetary gifts/gift cards as a wedding gift.

You can also let your bridal party/groomsmen know that you are looking to recieve monetary gifts in leu of the traditional toaster, so ask them to spread the word. Always keep in mind tho that sweet Aunt Maude or Grandma will like to give the traditional gift to the both of you.

We asked people NOT to give us gifts for our recent wedding. We really didn't want to have the typical "wedding gifts" and my husband was opposed to creating a registry because he felt like it was just making a list and telling people what to buy you.

Anyway, inevitably the relatives wanted to get us something, so they asked our parents. Our parents told them just to give us gift cards or money. It worked out in the end.

We did not want gifts either. We had a garden theme and told guests seed packets would be nice if they insisted. The way it worked out everyone ended up calling my mom and she told them to give us gift cards if they insisted or a gift. We got married on Orcus Island Washington and Live on the Island of Maui and would have to ship all our gifts, so it was not practical to have too many gifts. People ended up giving us gifts anyways. Two blenders, a toaster, wine glassed, placemates, blankets, sheets, trinkets, cloths, gift cards, and seeds. Checks too... Tell your parents and wedding party to advise money as gifts and know grandma will still get you a gift, She can not help it... She has to have something to tell her friends and she may not have as much money as she would feel appropriate to give. Coming up with a theme, like seed packets, helps. You will get small cards with seeds and a check or cash or gift card inside. Gift Free Wedding...

Unfortunately, traditional etiquette indicates it's inappropriate to include any type of wedding gift requests in your invitations. This includes the little gift registry cards you receive from many specialty and department stores. If you would like mainly monetary gifts the best way to go about it would be to register at only one location for only a small number of items. Spread the word to friends and family that you would like mainly monetary gifts and also let them know the one store where you've registered. They can spread the word to other friends and family through word of mouth. And, in the end I'm sure your family will understand as you aren't establishing a new home together so there isn't much in the way of actual gifts you need. Just a thought, if you're taking a honeymoon there are websites that will allow you to register for your honeymoon expenses and guests can contribute monetary donations towards your trip.

Good luck!

Gina

I am in the same position as you... I've lived w/ my fiance for 4 years, and we are older and established. I don't know of any polite way of asking for cash except for simply not registering. I think most of your guests will (or should) want to give you and the groom something, so more than likely they may ask where you're registered. At that point, I'd politely respond that you have been living together and have all the housewares you need... most people should get the hint that they should simply give cash at that point.

You can't. Sorry dear. If there was a way I would do it too! I have lived with my fiance for 2 years and have everything I could want or need. My advice is to ask for upgrades. For example, my fiance and I have bed sheets but what we would really like is a 600 thread count set with a nice down comforter. Or, we have nice silverware but we got it discount so we will ask for nicer silverware. Get what I mean?

Traditional etiquette states it is wrong to suggest any type of gift at all. As a wedding planner, I DISAGREE. I find that now and days it is honestly accepted more than frowned upon. As quest do not want to waste there money on gifts you do not want or will not use they rather give you what you want.
More than likely your guest already are aware of your age and current living situation and will most likely just give you cash or a gift card. For those who are more boxed gift givers, I would maybe pass a few wanted items around via word of mouth. Have the mothers mention the wanted gifts to family and friends as well as have wedding party members do the same.
Another option for you is to set up a wedding website and include a wishing well. This will allow your guest to deposit money right into a special account, and will tastefully get the point across.
Best Wishes
SB~ Absolute Best Events Albany NY