In some cultures, it's a given that new couples will prefer receiving money to help them in their new life instead of a collection of random gifts, but here in the UK it's never easy to ask for cold, hard cash, and it's especially delicate if you're asking relatives and friends to cough up on a day of great sentimental significance. Some people might find the suggestion offensive, especially if they're already splurging on new clothes, travel expenses and overnight accommodation to attend your wedding. And in these days of recession and recycling, asking for money might be seen as a little greedy - after all, if you've already got enough toasters, tea sets, towels, etc, why do you need more purchasing power?

 

But if you would like your guests to contribute to your wedding without ending up with a heap of well-meant but misguided gifts, use a light touch and be extremely tactful. Humour helps. Perhaps, on the wedding invitations, you could insert a little poem hinting that the guest's presence, not a present, is desirable, but if they still wish to give, then a small contribution towards your honeymoon would be lovely. Leave it to them to respond or not to that suggestion.

 

Some well-organised couples charm their guests by making them feel part of some wonderful treat that friends and family are going to help to make possible. Guests might receive a wish list, whereby they can buy a champagne breakfast or a dinner for two for the honeymooners at their resort, or pay for a special excursion or water-skiing lessons.

 

                                                               

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A good way around the dilemma might be to ask your close friends and family to help fund the big day itself - by buying the flowers, hiring the wedding car, sorting out the cake - something small but important that they can then take ownership of. That's bound to make them happier than handing over an anonymous wad of cash, and will ensure that your financial burden is eased, and you don't add to your collection of toasters! 

 

For more hints and tips that will help take some of the stress out of organising your big day, check out our wedding information pages. They're an indispensable source of wedding planning tips and style advice for any bride to be and we are adding to them all the time so make sure you visit us again.

 

And don't forget to browse Henry Kaye's complete range of stunning bridal and bridesmaid shoes, stylish formal boyswear, gorgeous bridesmaid dresses, and exquisite wedding bags and wedding accessories.