polite way to ask for money/giftcards instead of items

There is no way. period.

Bed bath & beyond used to let you return for cash. Otherwise make an amazon.com registry of gift cards. all gift cards.

My husband and I bought a tabletop wishing well. My sister emailed the guests the following poem:

More than just kisses so far they've shared,

Their home has been made with Love and Care,

Most things they need they've already got,

And in their home they can't fit a lot!

They have their dishes and towels for two,

They have pots and pans and oven mitts too!

So what do you get for the Bride & Groom

Whose house is setup in every room?

Their house needs repairs and some upgrades too

But you cannot register for carpet and glue.

A wishing well we thought would be great,

(But only if you wish to participate),

A well that holds wishes is the way to go

So lets make it easy for all to know.

A gift of money is placed in the well,

Then make a wish .... but shhh don't tell!

Once they've replaced the old with the new,

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

And in return for your kindness, one thing's for sure

That one day soon you will get what you wished for.

An envelope will be provided for those who have room,

To give a wish to the Bride and Groom

A wishing well will be on display at the reception hall

To attach your wishes, for the couple, with love from all.

See my post. I hope, with a little rewording, it’ll help! (Sorry, I was responding to Devoted!)

Devoted, We included this card in the invitation.

Hope this helps.

We are inserting a thin paper in our invitation that says this:

We are sending out this invitation
In hope you will join a celebration
But if a gift is your intention
May we take this opportunity to mention
We have already got a kettle and toaster
crockery, dinner mats and matching coasters
So rather than something we’ve already got
We would appreciate money for our honeymoon pot
But most importantly we request
That you come to our wedding as our guest.