No gifts please - CA$H ONLY
Trends. Some remain and are embraced by society, while others are simply not accepted.
The most recent trend of requesting "gimme da money" instead of a gift is becoming more common. Deep inside, people feel a sense of uncertainty that flushes through the pit of their stomach as they begin writing, "Monetary gifts are appreciated" on the invitation. No sooner has the ink dried, they break out with an overflow of rationalizations.
Why not? Other people do it. We have everything we need. We'd be able to stay in a better hotel on our honeymoon. We could use it to upgrade our kitchen. It'll make up for the overpriced caterer. We can have a baby now...and the list goes on.
Perhaps asking for cold-hard cash seems a bit crass. Consider a website where guests (who choose to) can contribute towards a gift certificate for: dancing lessons, hot-air balloon ride, pre-paid meals at restaurants, beauty treatments, etc. This allows guests to go through the process of selecting a gift; they will also know where the cash was spent. Some couples even donate a small portion to their favorite charity.
The above primarily applies to wedding registries. What about graduations? Does the rule still apply? Yes. Graduation is slightly different as there aren't any registry sites available...yet. But if there were, here are a few ideas: (You heard it here first!)
- college tuition fund
- new car fund
- laptop
- books
- flights to come home for Thanksgiving
- party fund....
In most cases, guests give $$ to grads.
If you still want to rock "the etiquette boat," go ahead and include, "Monetary gifts are graciously accepted."
Do you remember the hearing, "It's the thought that counts?"
For your listening pleasure: For The Love of Money
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall is an etiquette consultant who owns Your Relationship Edge in which she teaches classes and presents workshops to a variety of audiences. She can be reached at rosalinda@yourrelationshipedge.com and her website is www.yourrelationshipedge.com. She can also be reached on Facebook.
