How do you ask for money instead of presents?

In one plain line, or a short verse, on a separate card: "If you were thinking of a gift, we would be most grateful for a contribution towards our honeymoon."

Can you put your gift list in with the invitation?

Yes, on a separate card or on the information card. It does not go on the invitation itself.

Is a money poem acceptable?

A short, kind verse is a common way to ask in the UK, and some guests find it gentler than a sentence. Others prefer a plain line. Both are correct.

Should evening guests get the gift wording too?

Yes, the same card as the day guests.

Can we ask for charity donations?

Yes. Name the charity and give a web address.

Wedding gift wording

Wedding gift wording for a gift list, a contribution to the honeymoon, no presents or a charity. Kind, plain and the same for every guest. Free.

Gift wording is the hardest card to write kindly. In the UK a gift list on a separate card is normal, and a short, plain line, or a gentle verse, is the usual way to ask for money. Pick the kind below and add your details.

Whatever you choose, send exactly the same card to day and evening guests, so nobody feels second-tier.

Which card?

A gift list, money, a verse or no presents.

Your card

Formal wording. The date and time are spelled out where the country does that.

Gift list

Our gift list is at [web address].

There is no need to give anything at all. Your company is what we are looking forward to.

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Why this wording

A gift list goes on a separate card, not the invitation itself. Day and evening guests get the same words.

A quick look

Worth a lookOne detail is still to fill in.

Your details

Only what this card needs. Everything stays as you type it, accents and hyphens included.

One more line, if you want one

Adults only, a small ceremony, phones away. Kind and short is best.

What to say

A gift list goes on a separate card. Send day and evening guests the same one.

Kind

Web address

How to word a wedding gift list or ask for money

Pick the kind. A gift list, a contribution to the honeymoon, a honeymoon fund, no presents, or a donation to charity.
Add a web address. For a gift list, a fund or a charity.
Choose a tone. A plain line, or a short verse for a relaxed wedding.
Put it on its own card. A gift list does not go on the invitation itself. An information card or a separate enclosure is the place.
Send the same card to everyone. Day and evening guests should receive exactly the same words.

Examples, by situation

The examples for this page are being read through before we publish them. The builder, the notes and the guide on this page work now.

Where it goes

On a separate card or an information card, never in the middle of the invitation. A gift list belongs on an enclosure. Money is asked for in one plain line, or in a short verse, and asking for a contribution to the honeymoon reads better than asking for cash outright.

Kind and short

Say what you would like, once, and say there is no need to give anything. A long explanation of why you do not need a toaster makes the request sound larger than it is.

No presents, or a charity

"No gifts, please. We would just like to celebrate with you." is complete. A donation to a charity is a kind alternative.

Questions people ask

How do you ask for money instead of presents?: In one plain line, or a short verse, on a separate card: "If you were thinking of a gift, we would be most grateful for a contribution towards our honeymoon."
Can you put your gift list in with the invitation?: Yes, on a separate card or on the information card. It does not go on the invitation itself.
Is a money poem acceptable?: A short, kind verse is a common way to ask in the UK, and some guests find it gentler than a sentence. Others prefer a plain line. Both are correct.
Should evening guests get the gift wording too?: Yes, the same card as the day guests.
How do you say no presents?: "No gifts, please. We would just like to celebrate with you."
Can we ask for charity donations?: Yes. Name the charity and give a web address.

Wedding ChecklistWhen to send each of these, in order.
Wedding Guest ListWho is invited to what, and the seats on each reply card.
Thank-you listWho gave what, the wording for each thank-you, and who is left to thank.
Speeches and VowsYour vows, and a speech for everyone who is speaking.