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Guest Engagement & Memory Sharing

How to Politely Ask for Cash Instead of Wedding Gifts

July 31, 2025

For generations, wedding gifts meant wrapped boxes and registry scanners. But today’s couples are thinking differently. Many already live together, have the basics covered, or are focused on saving for future goals, such as travel, buying a home, or starting a family. That’s why more and more engaged couples are asking for cash gifts instead of traditional presents.
Still, even in 2025, asking for money can feel awkward.
Here’s how to ask for cash for your wedding in a way that’s thoughtful, polite, and stress-free, plus a simple tool to make it all easier for you and your guests.

Know it's Okay to Ask for Cash

First, release the guilt. Today, most guests expect some form of cash gifting option. In fact, a Zola survey found that over 75% of guests are happy to give cash or contribute to a fund. As long as your tone is warm, and your intention is shared sincerely, you're in the clear.

Choose Your Wording Carefully

It’s all about how you say it. Instead of bluntly writing “We prefer cash,” opt for something softer and more heartfelt. You’re not asking for money, you’re inviting loved ones to support your next chapter and dreams.

Wording ideas guests respond well to:

  • "Your presence is the greatest gift, but if you’d like to contribute to our future, a monetary gift would be truly appreciated."
  • "We’re lucky to already have a home full of everything we need. If you would like to honor us with a gift, we’d love your help starting our next chapter."
  • "We’re saving for our honeymoon/new home/future, and would be so grateful for your contribution."
  • "Your presence at our wedding means the world to us. If you would like to honor us with a gift, we would be truly grateful for a contribution toward our honeymoon/new home/future."

Tailor Your Message to Your Guests

Every guest is different—some will be excited to send a digital gift in seconds, while others may be more sentimental or prefer a traditional approach. Rather than using one-size-fits-all language, think about what would resonate with your guests personally.
Consider referencing your journey or shared experiences:

“As many of you know, we’ve been building our home together for a few years now. If you’d like to help us take the next step, we’d be so grateful for a contribution to our future.”

This approach feels more meaningful and tailored than simply linking a registry. It shows your guests that this isn’t just about convenience, but about connection.

Don't Mention It on Your Invitation

According to traditional etiquette, it’s best to avoid mentioning gifts, especially cash, on your physical wedding invitations. Instead, guide guests to your wedding website or Gathergram app where you can share this info naturally and beautifully.

Make It Easy for Guests to Contribute

This is where Gathergram comes in. It’s a modern digital wedding page that helps you do more than list your event details.
Here's it's ideal for cash gifts:
  • The cash gifts feature allows guests to contribute securely and quickly, without the need for third-party apps or confusion.
  • You can personalize your message and even label specific funds, such as “Honeymoon Fund” or “Home Down Payment.”
  • Everything—from your love story to guest photos to trivia—is in one place, making it engaging and memorable.

Encourage Guests to Explore Your Page Early

Help your guests feel at ease with the format by inviting them to visit your Gathergram profile before the wedding. They can enjoy reading your story, playing trivia games, and, if they choose, contributing a gift, without pressure.

Share it in your save-the-dates or group chats with a message like: “We’ve put together a fun wedding page where you can follow along, play games, and send us a message or gift if you’d like!”

Say Thank You With Heart

Even though your gifts may be digital, your gratitude shouldn’t be. A heartfelt “thank you” goes a long way in making your guests feel appreciated and connected to your celebration.
Take the time to personalize your thank you, whether it’s a handwritten card, a warm email, or even a short video message shared through your Gathergram post. A sincere message like “Thank you for helping us start this next chapter. It truly means the world to us” helps guests feel their gesture was meaningful and appreciated.
“Thank you for helping us start this next chapter. It truly means the world to us” helps guests feel their gesture was meaningful and appreciated.
If you're unsure what to say, here are a few simple templates to guide you:

“Thank you” for a cash gift toward your honeymoon:

“Thank you so much for your generous gift! We are using it toward our honeymoon in Italy, and we will be thinking of you when we sip wine in Tuscany. Your support means the world to us.”

“Thank you” for a general contribution:

“We are so grateful for your thoughtful gift and for celebrating with us. Your kindness and generosity will help us start this new chapter with so much love and support around us.”

“Thank you” for a gift toward a home or future plans:

“Thank you for contributing to our future together! We are putting your gift toward furnishing our first home, and it is a beautiful feeling to know you were part of that milestone.”

Video “thank you” idea using GatherGram:

Record a short message together and post it to Gathergram:

“Hey everyone! We just wanted to say a huge “thank you” for your gift. It helped us book the couple’s spa day we had been dreaming of and it was amazing. We love you and hope to see you soon!”

And remember, with GatherGram you can keep your “thank you” messages in the same place guests shared your big day. It is personal, meaningful, and beautifully connected.

Make It Easy. Make It Meaningful. Use GatherGram.

Your wedding should reflect your values, your dreams, and your future, not outdated expectations. GatherGram makes it easy to share your story, celebrate your way, and receive cash gifts in a meaningful, secure, and fun way.
Create your GatherGram today and give your guests an experience that is as memorable as your big day!

July 31, 2025

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