As a follow up to blog/workshop #41:
Before departing the 150+ Facebook groups mentioned in the previous blog post, I took note of how often couples posted for advice, asking how to let their guests know they only want cash as a gift. I’ll be politely blunt with this one but will explain as you read.
Short answer: you don’t ASK for cash.
…and here is why:
Not everyone is in the financial boat you think they may be. Only asking for cash is an easy way to unintentionally embarrass guests that cannot give as much as they’d like to. A guest that can only afford to give $20 because they spent additionally on traveling to your wedding, hotel stays, flights, babysitters for the evening, etc. is more likely to not gift at all if cash-only gifts are requested. When you add a cash bar, a dollar dance or any other money collecting type activity at the reception (which I’m not a huge fan of), the costs noted above, possible parking fees or an Uber if your venue does not offer free parking, and a gift, the cost of attending a wedding as a guest adds up quickly.
Anyone planning to gift you with cash will do so without being prompted.
I know not all will agree with this opinion, but QR codes or jars on the gift table for cash collection is not a good look at a wedding. As a bride/groom, you are hosting this party for guests to attend. A wedding is not a fundraiser to recoup what you spent on your wedding day.
Hoping to use cash gifts for your honeymoon or new home? Check out workshop #41 for more subtle ways to request gifts of that nature.
Helping YOU say ‘I-DO’,
Your WedUcator