polite way to ask for money

Its rude to just come out and ask for money, have it spread by word of mouth.

I agree with Mrs. B, don't have a registry, and let the family and friends spread the word.

Lol, thanks guys for the advice

You could say due to the fact that we are flying back or something along those effects luggage sized gifts are appreciated...I don't know sounds good in my head

Would a site like amazon allow you to register and have the gifts only be sent to your home? Not registering also sends a very clear message.

For those that come with gifts, consider mailing them to your home.

We've been asking people for gifts that are "smaller than a breadbox" and would preferably "fit in a drawer."

Theoretically, the rule was always that gifts should be sent to the house, not brought to the reception. And I think there was probably one person at our whole wedding that remembered this rule--and she was a recent bride herself.

The site you're looking for is www.depositagift.com -- you create a registry of what you would like monetary contributions towards. plus noone has to worry about transporting or shipping gifts which is a pain and expensive for all. it's a cute site that's easy to use. you actually create a list of individual gift items, like honeymoon excursions or contributions to the refrigerator. we've found that it has been really helpful to give our guests a tangible idea of what they are giving towards and it's removed the 'asking for money' part, because it's a real registry.

Unfortunately, there is no real way to ask for money without seeming greedy. Let your family pass that word instead... They can just tell your guests that their generosity is much appreciated, but you don't know how you will getting any of the gifts home since you are traveling by plane, etc.

If you register at a place like Target, you can also just take everything back, get store credit and rebuy it when you get home... Just make sure and write down what everyone got you.

But the Post Office's flat rate shipping boxes may come in handy for you right now...

I USED THIS POEM WITH THE INVITES

Soon you will hear our wedding bells

As friends and family wish us well

Our household thoughts are not brand new

We have twice the things we need for two

Since we have our share of dishes and bedding

We're having instead a wishing well wedding!

EVERYONE THOUGHT IT WAS A VERY TASTEFUL WAY TO ASK FOR MONEY. MY HUSBAND AND I GOT $3,000. IN CASH AS OUR WEDDING GIFT IN CARDS!

@Melita- I love that poem, it is very cute. If we were doing a wishing well I would soo use it.

I have to disagree...i am not in the camp of creating a registry only to return the gifts. i think it is a waste of time for your guests and you, and also a waste of money if there is shipping involved. to me it feels deceitful. i like the money registry option because it are more honest and convenient for everyone.

I made a similar post way back when I first came on WW

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/useless-registry/5291467d2466b0f7.html

But despite all the advise I will be doing a little poem thingy on my web-site... I was talking to FS aunts and they asked where I was going to register at and I said I'm not going to. They asked why, and I said not to be rude, but our small apartment is packed with things that are all brand new (only been living together about a year) and I would prefer if people chose to give any gifts that its money... I asked them if they would find it disrespectful and they all went NOOO and even gave me ideas on what to say! So they understand...

**after thought** I guess it just depends on each family... FS family are kind and understanding... and so are my family and friends so it makes it easy. But not sure about the people you will be inviting, how they will take it!

Almost 80% of my friends' weddings have had something on the invite that says, "No boxed gifts". We all know that means we'll be giving them a check.

I don't think its rude -- I'd rather them have cash then something they will never use.

You can always set up a honeyfund of sorts and not register for actual items. I did one on www.ourwishwell.com, you can put higher priced items (or pictures of them) and your guests can put money towards them. But at the end of it all you get the cash and you can spend it anyway you want. Your guests can then feel like they contributed to an actual gift.

All of your responses have been very helpful. I told my mom and future mother in law to spread the word and everyone is okay with it. Thanks guys!!

Another idea is to register for lots of little things at a store that is part of a chain that you can return and have a gift card to buy what you really want there. Like Target or Bed, Bath and Beyond.

I am gonna have ' no boxed gifts please' on the wedding invitations. It sounds a bit rude but its almost becoming the norm, at least in indian community.

What you can do because I was doing the same thing just put on the invitation (Wishing well wedding & reception) or just put (All currency is accepted only)