What's the most polite way to tell family and friends that my fiance and I are registered for gifts somewhere?
490610
The most polite way is spread by word of mouth through close family and friends - i.e. mothers, maid of honor, bridesmaids, siblings.\n\nThe next is through a website - The Knot is free.  Then put the website on the save-the-date.\n\nThe next is in the bridal shower invitation.\n\nIt is not at all appropriate to put it in the wedding invitation envelope at all.
1028626
The wedding gift is for the couple.  If a couple has registered, then yes, it's best to buy the gift from the registry.  I registered, didn't get half of the stuff on my list, but also got 5 (count them 5) sets of crystal wine glasses that weren't on my list.  It's really annoying.  If the couple have taken the time to register, have the decency to buy from the list.  Most places now update the lists, as people buy from them, so when you go in, you'll know what's still available to be bought, and your choice will be removed from the list after you've bought it.  That way your friend and her fiance will get exactly what they want/need, without having copies.  And should there be any problems with anything, they will know where to go if they need to exchange or return it.\n\nAs a bridesmaid though, I do think it would be appropriate (and really nice) for you to buy a gift for the bride personally, that could be something entirely of your choosing.  It's very nice of you to consider something personal for your friend.  :o)
113468
A clue.You would not want her to accept an unwanted gift out of obligation.Maybe ask her this question to see what she says.Then you'll know for sure.
675579
What about little white boxes or tiny pails of chocolate hearts or other candy, with a little note saying with love from (you & your partner)? (The Conversation Wedding Hearts look like a fun thing to wrap.) Or a white candle wrapped in gold or whatever color theme you have chosen? \n\nYou could put one at each place-setting at dinner, or you could send them out after the wedding with the thank-you cards - easier to organise than distributing them when you are trying to get away yourselves! \n\nThere are some great ideas on the links below, BTW, like personalised wedding-cookies.
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.
901731
YES....you're not going out, so, cut back on the personalized spontaneous gifts.  Be nice, just without all of the other stuff.  Nice guys are hard to find.  Godloveya.
764194
You're worried the printed notecards are impersonal, but you're willing to send a form letter?\n\nEnclose a personal note if you want to, but it's not expected. Announcements like that are just fishing for gifts anyway, so save your personal notes for the thank you cards.
900449
If you have enough funding to buy holiday cards (no more than 10 dollars for a box of 24), you could give one to each person listed.\n\nOn a separate piece of paper, you could write (or print in a script font) a special note that shows you have the best intentions  (for example:  "although I have no means for a material gift this year, in my heart is the best of all wishes sending you holiday cheer").\n\nPut the note inside the card and write a personal note or just sign your name (a personal note would go further).   Put it in the envelope.  Wrap it and tie a bow around it.  Yes, remember that "packaging" stands out and you don't have to spend a mint on it.  Of course, they might think there is a gift card inside, but at least you took the time to "pretty it up."\n\nYour friends and family will understand your financial plight.  After all, its not about the gifts, its what's in your heart.\n\nHappy holidays!\n\nP.S.  I did this myself one year - I had just had the twins the month before Christmas and could not afford to spend anything on anyone.  Only one greedy person on my list was not happy with the card and my note, but that person wasn't included on my list the next year when I did have funds!
668300
You could take out a classified ad in USA Today, that would \nreach many people. Perhaps an advertisement on CNN, worldwide coverage there. Time magazine, People, Peking News,\nlots of possibilities.\n\nAs far as a gift, he has you.....what more could he want.\n\nGood luck to you both.
982716
Yeah Christmas is only around 6 weeks away, yikes! Well teenagers want gift certificates a lot. Everytime I ask my cousin what she wants for any gift giving occasion I get that reply. So, thats what I get her. Its better than waisting my money on something she'll dismiss in her pigsty of a room. 8)
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.
1127120
Since you are a girl and you sending it to a girl, you cannot say congrats, you have to say best wishes, its a silly etiquette rule. Also, write something along the lines of :\n\nDear Cousin (Name),\n\nThe first thing I want to say is Best Wishes! Marriage is a huge step in life, and I am glad that you are taking the leap. Marriage comes with a new beginning and I hope that this new chapter in your life is full of love, joy, and all the happiness that you deserve. And I hope your marriage grows continuously, with love, understanding, compassion,friendship, trust and honesty. I want to wish you all the joys of wedded bliss, and I hope that as you embark on this new journey you won't forget the one's that love you and will always be here for you.\n\nLove Always,\nYour Cousin (Name)
356983
Did they register somewhere?  If so, pick out something from their registry.  That way you know you are getting them something will want/need.  \n\nI have given things like: flannel sheets, a bottle of champagne and a pair of candles, gift certificates.
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.
554667
The wedding-industrial complex, or some nutso etiquette expert. Etiquette books were written for wealthy northeastern families to show off their wealth.\n\nFavors should reflect the couple in some way, be affordable, and should be one for every guest or couple attending. Some ideas:\n* CDs (burn your own) with the couple's favorite songs. A CD with labeling kit and print cartridges will run about 45 cents per CD and five minutes of time.\n* Picture frames (large enough to hold a 3x5).\n* candies wrapped in toole (get high-quality candies like toblerone or girardelli, not the generic m&m's without lettering)\n* flowers, either potted, or in bulb form.\n* candles with frosted glass votive.\n\nPeople go nuts over weddings anyway. Try having a wedding, it's suddenly like everything in your life is your family's business. I'm a big fan of marriage, but weddings are just a royal pain and a way to spend lots of money.\n\nWeddings invite intrusiveness on a par second only to having children. It's fun reminding your parents that you don't need approval for your children's names, nor when nor how many children you have.
417279
This friend obviously shares a special connection with you, but the focus of a wedding present should be the couple in question. This gift isn't the time to express your gratitude, that should wait for another moment the two of you can share. If this person has helped you alot, take time out to honor this separately like with a dinner, balloons, or flowers with thank-you gift certificates. For a wedding present, try to think of something the two of them can share or won't realize they need until later. Spa treatments together are wonderful and come in different price ranges; I found that my favorite wedding gift was a good set of sharpened (not serated)kitchen knives; or you can be inventive and give them a special plant cutting or "wedding tree" for their garden.Good Luck:)
921704
I've been in this exact same situation recently. The bride was my best friend from college, so I still bought something that they could use but that wasn't super expensive. Buy something off of their registry but pick something that you think relates more to whichever party you are closest too. i.e. if you are great friends with the bride buy something you know that she would like but that the groom could care less about and vice versa. I know it sounds a little harsh but if it should happen not to work out then your friend or relative is more likely to get to keep your gift.