Wedding gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Some are chosen from the gift registry the happy couple have put together at a couple local (or online) stores. Others aren’t, and are something the gift giver thinks (or hopes) the couple will like and use. Sometimes the gift isn’t something that comes in a prettily wrapped box, but in the form of cash or a check in an envelope.
Earlier today I read an article that was questioning giving a monetary gift instead of one that is purchased, wrapped, and tied up with a pretty bow. No, the article wasn’t about asking for money instead of a present being wrong, but whether giving money instead of a present is wrong.
While the article didn’t come up with an end all/be all answer, no definitive right or wrong, it did give some food for thought to help determine wrapped present vs money.
It mentioned some pros and cons – such as “a physical gift will be remembered and cherished for a long time. Cash is appreciated in the short term,” and that “some couples also don’t want any gifts . . . and would prefer that a donation be made to their favorite charities or organizations.”
A wonderful tip the writer offers regarding giving money is to “write something meaningful in the card about how you hope they spend it . . . so that they don’t think you just stopped at an ATM on the way to the ceremony.”
But to suggest or make someone think that giving money is wrong . . .
I mean, a gift is a gift. The giver can give whatever he/she wants to.
Did the couple register? Even if they did, giving money, (or giving something not on the list) is the givers choice. After all, a gift registry is not a list of the only options that the giver can choose. Instead, it is a list of items the couple would like to have.
So, would it be nice, would it be a good idea to choose something from the registry, instead of going rogue? Well, yes, because the giver knows that the couple will in fact like and use the item.
But, what is given, be it a boxed, wrapped present, or a card with money, remains the choice of the giver, not of the receiver.
So what are your thoughts on giving money vs a wrapped present? Let me know in the comments below.
Check out the article here Faux Pas Or Not: Money As A Gift.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Need wedding planning tips and ideas? Contact me at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net or at 937-581-3647!