How to ask for money instead of gifts for the wedding?
149891
I don't think there is an easy solution to your problem. Anytime you ask for something (like money)  instead of receiving what is given to you graciously, you come off as being ungrateful and money hungary. I understand this perfectly, and I usually give gifts of money, so that the gift receiver can get whatever they want. By doing this, there is also a negative side. Some will call you uncaring, and lazy for not coming up with an idea for a "real present".What I am trying to say is, regardless of what you do, you'll probably be criticized for your action.\nI personally would not "request" money in lieu of other wedding presents in a DIRECT manner.  What I would do is this, since you  have an invitation list, let the friends and relatives of these invited guest know in an INDIRECT way, by dropping hints to them that you would rather receive money instead of  things of little use like toasters, irons, etc. I hope that this advise is of some help, and best wishes on your upcoming wedding.
779534
To directly ask for cash is in very poor taste.   The best way you could handle this is when you send out your invitations or requests to attend your wedding.   Make a note in it that you only want "Best Wishes"  and that you have everything you need.\nMost people will understand, but you have to prepare yourself that some may not give you anything.  Usually a Best Wishes is your way of saying you don't need any material items.  And most people understand they want to give you something.  So you may end up with gift certificates or cash or nothing.   Do the right thing and accept whatever you recieve graciously and send a thank you note right away.
1104422
usually they have a gift registry where the couple lists things they need.  The best thing to do is to call her up ans ask "are you registered anywhere?" If not just give them some money .
958231
Just write "gifts are optional" on the invitation, or don't mention it at all.  But don't make a big deal out of it either way.
386087
As much as you feel like giving & can afford & if the bride & groom have any class they will be delighted & grateful for whatever they receive. There is no set amount that's proper & it would be completely crass for anyone to feel a gift was not enough.
837506
You need to bring your groom into this mix to help calm his mother down...it is understandable that she is excited and wants to spend all this money on your wedding, but that is the key word...YOUR wedding!!! There is a traditional list of things that the bride's family pays for and another of what the groom's fmaily pays for...a lot of couples don't follow it anymore because most of the time they pay for thigns themselves. However, it might be a good thing to break out to show your future mother in law so that she settles down a bit on the spending. Tell your fiance that his mother is stepping on some toes and you want her to back off. Also, just because the MOG is buying things, that doesn't mean that you have to use them...it might be rude, but if you didn't ask for them then don't use them. It really shouldn't matter how much each party is spending, but it will matter to them...so make sure you get help from the groom and break the news easy.
422371
Some people don't have favors so first off don't feel obligated. We are doing bookmarks and we made them ourselves. You could buys some candy and wrap them with tool. Here's some websites to try out. Good luck to you.\nhttp://www.discountweddingfavors.com/\nhttp://www.myweddingfavors.com/cheap-wedding-favors.html
1187090
From an etiquette point of view, it is not allowed to ask for anything other than the presence of the invitee. If you can't afford the party, you should downsize it, maybe just rent a waterslide.\n\nYou can, of course, go through the guests' pockets which they will conveniently leave somewhere, but as Nixon once said, that would be wrong.
216871
Wow, beyond what you have already listed, I can't think of anything really. How about buying each other a gift on eBay (limit how much spent) with the idea that you want to send them something they think the other would truly love.\n\nHow about a mutual blog in planning the wedding? That way when the date is close, you can break out your list with all the flower type, colors, location etc. all ready.
943520
Anyone who accepts an invitation to participate in a wedding in most circles has "traditionally" agreed to incur some expense to do so (see "Who pays for what" below). Is it a good gesture to offer to offset some of their clothing cost? If you know it would cause financial hardship then why not? If you know it wouldn't, then the question is WHY?\n\nMost people consider it an honor and privilege to stand up in a wedding. Most weddings are planned in advance so there is more often than not ample time to secure the funds necessary to acquire and pay for accoutrements. If you haven't brow-beaten or coerced your bridal party members then they shouldn't have a problem anteing up. \n\nThat being said it should also be pointed out that cultural backgrounds and individual convictions DO heavily influence the decision-making in Wedding Etiquette.  Nevertheless, the following is a general guide that should be construed as such...  and adopted as you deem fit:\n\nWho Pays For What?\n\nThe Bride typically pays for\nThe Wedding ring for the Groom\nGifts for the Attendants \nAccommodation for out-of-town Attendants\nThe Wedding gift for the Groom\n\nThe Groom typically pays for\nThe Bride's rings including the Engagement ring\nThe honeymoon\nWedding gift for the bride\nThe marriage license\nThe Groom's men gifts\nAccommodation for out-of-town groom's men\nFlowers for the Bride\nThe going-away corsage,\ncorsages for mothers, special ladies;\nThe boutonnieres for men in wedding party\nThe gloves, ties and accessories for the men in the wedding party\nFee for clergy person or judge\n\nThe Groom's Family typically pays for\nClothing for the Wedding\nTravel and lodging expenses\nRehearsal dinner\nThe Wedding gift for the newlyweds\n\nThe Bride's Family typically pays for:\nThe costs of the reception.\nThe Bride's Wedding attire/trousseau\nInvitations, announcements, thank you notes \nThe seating assignment chart, napkins and mailing costs\nPhotographer\nVideographer\nCeremony costs\nBridesmaids, flower girl, ring bearer flowers and accessories\nTransportation for bridal party on Wedding day from ceremony to reception.\nAll gratuities for all services: parking, security\nBridesmaid luncheon\n\nThe Attendants typically pay for:\nTheir Wedding clothes\nTravel expenses\nWedding gift for newlyweds
648629
Send out notices through regular USPS mail. Just type up a simple letter on regular paper or fancy paper stating that due to finanical problems you will be post poning the wedding until further notice.
208692
Have friends and family help where they can and search on the internet there are so many awesome ideas out there. Get crafty and make as many things as you can.  \n\nYou can have a beautiful wedding without spending a fortune. \n\nHere is a good list to start with...\nhttp://www.buffalobride.com/to-do_list.h...\nhttp://www.weddingchannel.com/ \nwww.michaels.com \nfor flower and other ideas
88758
Your best bet is to make a payment plan with the irs. This way you can still go to your friends wedding, and won't get charge a pently for not filing.Make sure you change your W4 and get more taxes taking out.
249034
Darlin', going into hock to put on a wedding is a terrible way to start a marriage...plan the wedding you can afford, or wait until you're in a bit better shape financially. You can always plan as bang up, all out festive a party as you want to for your anniversaries, or do up the "wedding of your dreams" to renew your vows ten years down the road... Celebrating your love and having a festive, memorable wedding does not have to mean spending a fortune.\nPlease consider doing something a bit less costly so you don't spend the first years of your marriage trying to pay for the wedding.
430441
Gift Certificates are always nice...\n\nBut my favorite wedding present that I got was a crystal vase from friends of my grandparents, whom I had never met.\n\nGet them something nice they can put on their mantle... or a nice antique mantle clock.
597590
I'D SAY MOST PEOPLE GIVE $50.00-$100.00 ON AVERAGE..BUT MOSTLY IT'S WHATEVER YOU CAN AFFORD TO GIVE...I THINK THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE PROBABLY JUST HAPPY YOU SHOWED UP AT THE WEDDING SO ANY GIFT WILL MAKE THEM FEEL BLESSED I'M SURE...IT'S ALWAYS THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS ANYWAYS...
825408
I would start with a budget. There are a ton of sites out there (theknot.com probably being the most popular) that offer budget planners. Figure out what is important to you...you should get to spoil yourself just a little on your wedding day! \n\nAlso dont be afraid to ask friends and family with special skills if they wouldnt mind lending a hand. For example, my brothers girlfriend's sister went to culinary school, Ive only met her a few times, but she is happy to make my cake (more as a favor to her sisters boyfriend, but Ill take what I can get!) \n\nI just made my hopefully all-inclusive budget, here are the things I included:\n\nReception Dinner - if you have it at a relatives house or hall, you might be able to have family prepare the meals and save money on the site and food costs.\n\nReception Alcohol- limit it to beer and wine and see if you can provide the alcohol yourself if you have it at a restaurant or inn.\n\nRehearsal dinner- try bbq or pot luck\n\nwedding rings\n\ndress, alterations, & accessories- try a consignment shop, or if youre a size 6ish try sample gown sales.\n\nphotography- try posting bulletins at local colleges for photography majors and ask to see their portfolios\n\nDJ- I have heard people hooking ipods up to stereo systems, although I dont know how well that would work\n\nInvitations- you can get pretty basic ones from target/walmart/kmart/etc for cheap that arent bad\n\ncake- have a small one for show, and buy sheet cake from a grocery store to serve\n\nCake Accessories- you can register for the cake topper and knives and hope to get them for your bridal shower, or use your parents or grandparents and they will have added meaning!\n\nwedding party gifts\n\ncenterpieces- Im thinking of ordering bulk flowers from sams club or costco, and getting a friend to take care of it to cut costs\n\ntransportation- if a family member has a nice car opt for that over the ridiculously priced limo\n\ngrooms attire- go for a suit over a tux\n\nHoney Moon- go somewhere close enough to drive to\n\nmarriage license- usually around $50\n\nwedding favors- these are optional any way, but if you want to have them donate a small amount to charity and let the guests know that you have made a donation to charity in their names in leiu of a wedding favor (no one has to know how much, and Im sure you local fire dept or animal shelter would appreciate even a $50-100 donation)\n\npostage- for save the dates (optional), invites, rsvp, and thank you (you may be able to cut costs by asking guests to rsvp online)\n\ninsurance- YES YOU NEED THIS! if someone gets into an accident after driving home drunk from your wedding guess who they will sue! everyone! the bartender, the restaurant, and you! plus, its good if something unexpected happens, i.e. the electricity goes out at the reception site, etc. its only about $100, see if you can get it through your home owners policy, or look online, Im sure there are sites.\n\nHope that's helpful and not overwhelming! Good luck and congratulations!