Activity for Anita

What is the best way to tell guests you don’t want gifts or that you don’t have a registry. And that you would prefer monetary gifts. Our custom is to pay the plate cost per person attending the reception.

Should the maid of honor wear a different color dress from the other bridesmaids? I know she can wear a different shade of the same color or a different style of the same color but should she ever wear a totally different color?