Money Tree Shower

I would recommend a very small registry. Everyone can use new towels and some pretty picture frames... But with the small registry, people will get the hint. You can also register for gift cards in reasonable increments. That gets the hint across without being tacky.

A bridal shower is typically a gift giving event because historically it was to set the couple up to start their new household. If you don't want or need gifts they I agree with Analy, you shouldn't have a typical shower. Have an engagement party to celebrate.

It is NOT rude to have a registry or a money tree at a wedding. It IS rude/tacky to include the information on the invitation because it gives the impression that a gift is expected. If you want to follow traditional etiquette, then information about any gift (monetary or otherwise) should be spread word of mouth only.

I like the word of mouth much better than the writing somewhere to make sure people know you want money. I agree with the girls that you shouldn't put it on the invite, and if you do decide to have an engagement party or luncheon then if people ask what to bring as a gift then let them know, but don't tell them to bring something.

I am not having a shower because I don't need stuff. I'm in my 30s, FH is in his 30s and we have 2 households worth of stuff.

You shouldn't be throwing your own shower.

I personally don't like going to showers where the bride and groom only want cash. I usually give cash for the wedding gift, so I find it hard to swallow to hand them another envelope full of money a week before the wedding.

I have, however, been to a shower where the theme was gift cards. For some reason (even though that's still basically cash) I found it easier to swallow and it was fun to see where everyone bought gift cards for. The couple had just bought a house, so they were renovating it and they got a lot of home improvement store cards.

...so maybe that's an idea?

Agreed that any info about gifts - any - not come from you, so hopefully you aren't the one sending your own shower invites. If you are, I have to say, it looks awful to throw yourself a shower and ask for money. If I got that kind of invite, I would RSVP "no" with lightning speed. If someone else is throwing you the shower... I still don't think anything about money should be in the invitations. Perhaps whoever is throwing the shower could VERY gently and politely spread the word that any thoughtful gift is appreciated, but you are not registering for many items b/c you are already well-stocked. Maybe that is the best way to spread the word - I wouldn't be any more direct than that. Then again, I would never have a money-themed event, personally.

I still wanted details of this money Tree.

Are you really having a TREE that people tie money too???

and who is throwing the shower?

I also like Analy's idea of a luncheon.

For the shower invites the companies that I registered at printed me out little info cards for whoever is throwing my shower. I don't think it's tacky to tell people where you are registered... if you aren't registered anywhere, I don't think asking for money is such a bad thing, some people prefer it and in your thank yous you can tell them what you are going to do with that money!

I am not throwing the shower myself. My BM's are. I agree that would be extremely tacky. We have done a very small registry, so that may be enough to give everyone the hint. The shower is going to be just close friends and family, as is the wedding. We have already had an engagement party, fiance threw a surprise one the night we got engaged.

Hayley, what I have found is you have a tree and envelopes with it for people to put money in and hang it on the tree.

Is it common to have money trees where you are from????

http://weddings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Wedding_Shower_Money_Tree_Ideas

I have been out of the wedding loop for a while, most of my friends are married. So honestly, im not sure. I saw that website and that tree to me looks tacky. I'm so torn about this.

In my opinion I would prefer giving cach at the wedding than the shower as a guest because in the end it would mean giving cash for the shower and the wedding. I am doing only registering kitchen stuff for my shower. For the wedding, we have a lot of out of town guests and therefore FH and I are considering doing a wishing well to save people paying for extra lagguage at the airport.

If it is not a common thing, I would stay away.

People like to Shower you with gifts at a shower... watch you open stuff.. OOohhh and AaaaHHhhhh at the items. People also like to pick out their own gifts and sometimes don't even go off the registry.

I give a gift at the shower, and money at the wedding... or that is how it is done in my part of the country

I've heard of people having a "Wishing Well" at their shower. Their invites said:

More than just kisses so far we've shared

Our home has been made with love and care

Most things we need we’ve already got

Like a toaster and kettle, pans and pots

A wishing well we thought would be great

(but only if you wish to participate)

A gift of money is placed in the well

Then make a wish … but do not tell

Once we’ve replaced the old with the new

We can look back and say it was thanks to you!

And in return for your kindness we’re sure

that one day soon you'll get what you wished for!

The invite had a picture of a well and there was an actual homemade well at the shower where people put in money or cards with money in them. Its kind of like having an offering at church.

Very tacky. Do NOT do it.

If you have everything you need, then how about a "Pantry Shower" where people bring food items with a recipe to match the ingredients. Or a "Stock the Bar" shower.

Asking for cash is beyond tacky.

Oh Kathy those are cool ideas for showers :-)

I have friends who dont have much they need so they did a small registry and then did a honeymoon registry which everyone thinks is great. Everyone can pay towards everything involved in their honeymoon

All depends on whose hosting. My mom threw me a surprise bridal shower, and my aunts and Gramma and her planned a money tree. But we threw an engagement party earlier on and we definitely didn't ask for gifts or expect any.

Since most people give gifts for the wedding, its a bit much to also ask for the shower.

I am having a bridal shower and am not doing a registry or money tree. I have everything I need for my house and I am okay money wise. But, If people want to bring me gifts or money, I will be happy to receive. LOL. If not, just their presence is good for me.

However, if people want to do money tree or registry, I do not think it is rude or tacky. Do what is your preference and those who want to be there will and those that do not, wont.