Asking for cash instead of traditional gifts

Is it taboo to ask for cash as a wedding gift? While it may be frowned upon by some, more couples are now doing this. Plenty of reasons come to mind: they probably have enough stuff for the household that giving another blender would just occupy space, or the couple plans to live in another country, or they may just want you to help them start their married life.

But how should you ask your guests that you'd prefer a monetary gift over a traditional one? A relative or a friend might take it the wrong way if you tell them outright.

When my husband and I were still halfway through the planning stage, we wanted to give hints to our guests that we would like to receive such gifts. My mom helped me out on this -- she spread the word to my relatives. "Gift is good, but they need cash." It came as a joke (half-meant, I would say) but it kinda worked: as 3/4 of the guests were my relatives, the total amount we received would have covered half of our wedding expenditures.

Another idea is to tell them through a poem, which you can write on the invitation. One such poem can be found over at TheFizz.co.uk:

If you were thinking of giving a gift, to help us on our way
A gift of cash towards our house, would really make our day.
However, if you prefer to purchase a gift, feel free to surprise us in your own way.

What I liked about this poem is that it sounded more of a request; it didn't require guests to give just cash. They can surprise the couple with anything they think the bride and groom would like.

There's also the wedding wishing well where guests can put in their monetary gifts as they enter the reception hall. You can tell your guests about it also via your invitation. Here's an example of a wedding wishing well poem from Mag.WeddingCentral.com.au:

To save you looking, shopping or buying
Here is an idea, we hope you like trying.
Come to our wedding, to wish us both well
And bring this small sack, to throw in our wishing well.
Fill it with paper all colours will do, gold is our favorite but silver will do.
Now that we have saved you, all of the fuss
We hope you will come, and celebrate with us.

It doesn't sound rude, right? Plus, it tells them that their presence matters, not because of the gift they would give, but because they are important to you.

Here are a few ideas you could use if you want to receive cash as wedding gifts. Not only is it beneficial to you, but it also helps remove the stress from your guests in searching for a great wedding gift for you. Just remember to ask nicely so it won't ruin your big day.

Inspiration board - Moroccan

I think one of the most stunning wedding themes is going Moroccan. It's often characterized by rich colors like shades of red, purple, blues, and orange, and often is a combination of those hues. Patterns are intricate yet festive, with inspirations from Arabic and Asian cultures. I would say having a Moroccan wedding theme is all about the details, from the decor to the invitations to favors.

While going for a Moroccan theme for your wedding would entail coordinating the details, it's not that hard. To start off, you could browse for pictures of Morocco and try recreating the look with what's available in the market. I've made an inspiration board for a Moroccan wedding theme, and I hope this will help get you started:
Top row, from left: Purple Floral Beaded Window Valance from SaffronMarigold.com; Stacked Wedding Cake from TraceysCakes.co.uk; Purple and Gold Scroll Invitation from MajesticInvites.com.

2nd row, from left: Belt details of Style W2322L from RayliaDesigns.com; Moroccan Tealight Candle Holders from FavorsAndFlowers.com; Purple Beaded A-Line Dress from Jovani.com; Cher wedding gown from Pronovias.com; Style AV9691 bridesmaid dress from JLMCouture.com; 17in Zaarni Organza Wrap Circles from Bellenza.com.

Bottom row, from left: Spectrum Chandelier from UrbanOutfitters.com; Wedding bouquet by Studio Sweet Pea, NYC from InstyleWeddings.com; Large Wedding Tent from HaremNights.co.uk.

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Intimate weddings

A colleague's sister is getting married this April. The catch? She and her fiance announced it just after New Year's. That means they have less than 4 months to prepare for the big day.

There are two other catches: first, they only have a budget of Php50,000 (around US$1,000), and second, they don't know where to start.

Weddings can cost so much today, and working on such a tight budget can be difficult. But it actually is possible to work around that budget if they go for an intimate wedding.

True, here in the Philippines having an intimate wedding is nearly impossible, with every second and third-degree relative, and even nosy neighbors, wanting to be witnesses to your union (or maybe just have a free meal). But you can, as long as the couple's decision is firm about limiting the guests to immediate family members only.

Some may get offended for not being invited, said my friend. And in our country, this may get tongues wagging. But do you have to care about it, really? It is your wedding, and the most important people there are the two of you and your families. So don't be hesitant in holding an intimate wedding, especially if you have a limited budget. It's the meaning of the union, and not the spectacle, that counts.

Photo credit: Stock Photo: Wedding Day 4 by bjearwicke from sxc.hu.