by Johanna Osborne

Gifts are a very significant part of a wedding. Of course it may not seem that way to you, the blushing bride and giddy groom, but for those attending your wedding it’s the next biggest thing apart from what they are going to wear.

Everyone wants to give the happy couple something they desire, so when there’s a wedding register or a wish list, it makes everyone’s life so much easier. Simply put, it’s a very effective and fantastic way to get exactly what you want and need. But what if there’s no need for one? What if you and your guy have been living together for eons and you have more salad bowls, platters and wine glasses than you can shake a stick at? What can people do that will tickle your fancy whilst being useful at the same time? Well there’s always a honeymoon fund that your guests can donate to. Most travel agents will be happy to assist you in organising this, and it’s a wonderful way for your friends and family to contribute to something special, the memories of which you will treasure forever.

However, what if it’s just plain and simple cash that would help you the most? After all, as a young married couple putting extra dollars towards your home, car or future in general wouldn’t be such a bad thing… So why is there such a stigma around asking for money instead of gifts? We live in the age of freedom of speech, where all sorts of living arrangements and couplings are perfectly acceptable, so it seems odd to feel so shy about saying what you really want. I know I for one would be more than happy to give a couple cash as a gift, if that’s what they preferred. And if you are in the same boat and think a little monetary injection would really skyrocket the piggy bank, then you could always try a couple of the below poems to help you along. Another way to personalise the gift would be to tell each person what it is you bought with the money when you write the thank you notes… that way the giver will feel very much part of the process. Whatever you decide, remember your guests are your friends and family, and if you ask nicely then they are bound to want to make you happy with whatever it is that would suit you best as a couple. After all a gift is not about the buyer, but about the receiver…and who wouldn’t want to put a smile on your face?! Of course it’s a matter of personal choice and preference, and we completely understand that this might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The below are simply some options for those that would like to consider this route.

We hunted high and low and here are a few of the best poems we came across on the great big world wide web… (we are unable to reference them as so many different people have cited them, but please be aware we have not written these ourselves…)

More than just kisses so far we’ve shared,
Our home has been made with Love and Care,
Most things we need we’ve already got,
And in our home we can’t fit a lot!
A wishing well we thought would be great,
(But only if you wish to participate),
A gift of money is placed in the well,
Then make a wish… but shhh don’t tell!
Once we’ve replaced the old with the new,
We can look back and say it was thanks to you!
And in return for the kindness, we’re sure
That one day soon you will get what you wished for.

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Please find within this poem
Information just for you,
With some rules and regulations
That we both would like you do.

So if your thoughts were on a gift
Your presence will suffice,
But if you truly wish to give
Then money would be nice

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When thinking of a gift for us
We ask if you’d please consider
Contributing to our honeymoon
to make it all the sweeter.
Our house is full of all the things
a couple could require,
and so a holiday away
is what we most desire.
Then while we’re relaxing on the beach
or by the pool so blue
we’ll sit back and know
that it is truly thanks to you!

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We’ve been together for 6 years
And we are not alone
We have 3 gorgeous children
And a lovely family home
We have a toaster, kettle, microwave
We’re all set you see
There is nothing for our home that we really need.
So please don’t be offended
And please don’t think us brash
But if you’re thoughts were on a gift
We’d much prefer the cash!
But it’s really up to you
And we would like to say
We hope you come, have lots of fun
And help us celebrate!