Family that say "If you need help with anything just let me know"...

I certainly wouldn't ask for cash if they didn't offer any. Remember that sometimes people offer help to be nice but don't necessarily follow though.

Are there any aspects of the wedding you could give up control over? Perhaps ask them to help with favors or stationery items (menu, programs) if they are actually willing to help. If they do help, money saved for you. If not, they shouldn't be big money items.

I believe you should never ask for money(unless it was extremely important like let's say you or your spouse needed it for an operation). If they ask you specifically what you would like for a gift than saying something like "Well, we have everything we need for household items, and with the wedding finances are pretty tight, so we'd prefer money as a gift." Than maybe give examples of what you need it for. But I wouldn't take someone saying "If you need anything just let me know" as "I'll give you money, just ask" and call them up asking for money. A lot of people say "If you need anything" but don't really mean "anything", and some just say it as a pleasantry so I always take it with a grain of salt.

You could reply, "Well, I do need to put down a deposit on the reception venue next week..."

Why not ask them what they would like to help with? That should give you an idea if they are thinking of money, time or something else and you won't feel like you are asking them for money.

I agree with the ladies, the main question is if that's a real offer or just a nice thing to say. Maybe thank her for the generous offer, tell her you don't want to abuse it so you would be more comfortable if she tells you what she would like to help with?

I agree with Linda, just ask what they would like to help with. :o)

I'm having this issue with the FIL's They have both multiple times told my family if we need any help paying for anything to just let them know. But I guess it's more of a pride thing & I feel to embarrassed to ask them for money help. Still trying to figure out how to go about that.

That is lovely. Tell them that you need specific things and that will make the whole offer less abstract.

I've had family members and friends say that to FH and myself but the idea to ask them for money honestly never crossed my mind. I have lot of people willing to help me with DIY projects though. A few people have even specifically asked what crafty things we are doing for the wedding so they could pick some to take on. That's a huge help because our wedding is 1,000 miles from where either of us currently lives. I've also had people say that before I was ready with any DIY ideas who gave me a little cash later on as a way to help. I never expected it and we are extremely grateful!

I would be honest and specific. Tell her exactly what you need but don't be greedy. Let her know how her help will "upgrade" the things you can afford right now.

I agree with @Linda

Thanks ladies for all the valuable advice. I think I will go the route many of you suggested. I'll tell them what is specifically needed for the wedding. Linens, centerpiece materials etc.

Thanks again ladies