Weddings are a joyous occasion that bring families and friends together to celebrate love and commitment. With the rising cost of weddings, many couples are opting for cash registries to help offset the cost of their special day. A cash registry allows you to ask for monetary gifts from your guests, rather than traditional gifts. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of a wedding cash registry and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create one.
Why a cash registry?
A cash registry is a type of wedding registry where guests can give money as a gift instead of traditional physical gifts. There are several reasons why couples might choose a cash registry:
- Offset wedding expenses: Weddings can be expensive, and a cash registry allows you to ask for contributions to help cover the cost.
- Flexibility: With a cash registry, you have the freedom to use the gifts as you see fit, whether it’s for your honeymoon, first home deposit, or other expenses.
- Convenience: Cash registries are easy to set up and manage, and the gifts are deposited directly into your account.
- Personalisation: You can personalise your cash registry by choosing a fund type, such as a honeymoon fund or down payment fund, and add a personal message to explain why you’re asking for cash gifts.
However, it’s important to note that a cash registry also has some disadvantages, such as fees charged by the platform and limitations on how the funds can be used. It’s important to weigh the benefits and disadvantages before deciding whether a cash registry is a right choice for your wedding.
How to set up a cash registry for wedding
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up a cash registry for your wedding:
Step 1: Choose a Platform
There are several online platforms that offer cash registry services, such as Zola, Honeyfund, and Prezola. Each platform has different fees, features, and options, so it’s important to compare them to find the one that best fits your needs. Consider factors such as fees, customisation options, and payment methods when making your choice.
Step 2: Set Up Your Registry
Once you’ve chosen a platform, it’s time to set up your registry. This typically involves creating a profile, adding your wedding details, and customising your registry. Some platforms may also allow you to add a personal message to your registry to explain why you’re asking for cash gifts. Make sure to preview your registry before sharing it to ensure it looks the way you want it to.
Step 3: Share Your Registry
The next step is to share your registry with your guests. You can do this through email, social media, or by including a registry card in your wedding invitations. Make sure to be clear about your registry and make it easy for your guests to access.
Step 4: Receive and Manage Gifts
Finally, you’ll need to receive and manage the gifts you receive. Most cash registry platforms will deposit the gifts directly into your account, making it easy for you to keep track of your gifts and manage your wedding expenses.
How to ask for cash gifts
Asking for money instead of traditional gifts can be a sensitive topic, but there are several ways to do it politely:
- Be clear and direct. Let your guests know that you would prefer cash gifts instead of traditional gifts.
- Be considerate of your guests. Don’t make it seem like you’re only interested in receiving gifts for your own benefit.
- Provide options. Offer suggestions for how your guests can contribute, such as a cash fund, honeymoon fund, or home deposit fund.
How do you word a cash fund for a wedding?
Here are a few examples of wording for a cash fund for a wedding:
“In lieu of traditional gifts, we would be honoured to receive contributions towards our [insert fund type, such as honeymoon or home down payment]. Your generosity will help us start our journey together with a strong foundation. Thank you for being a part of our special day.”
“We are grateful for your love and support as we begin our lives together. If you’re looking for a way to contribute to our future, we would be thrilled to receive gifts in the form of [insert fund type]. Thank you for being a part of our story.”
“Your presence on our special day is all we could ask for, but if you would like to contribute to our future, we have set up a [insert fund type]. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated and help us build a happy home together.”
“As we start our journey together, we would be grateful for any contributions towards our [insert fund type]. Your kindness and generosity will help us create a lifetime of memories. Thank you for being a part of our big day.”
“Your presence at our wedding is the best gift of all, but for those who would like to give a little something extra, a contribution to our future together would be greatly appreciated.”
Can I ask for bank transfers instead of using a cash registry platform?
Absolutely, you can ask for bank transfers instead of using a cash registry platform. Direct bank transfers allow you to receive money directly into your bank account, without any fees or restrictions. This option can be particularly appealing if you want to have more control over how you use the funds and don’t want to pay any additional fees. Some platforms also charge guests a fee, which can be extremely frustrating for them.
To ask for bank transfers, you can include information about your bank account on your wedding website or invitation. You can also share the information with your guests directly, either in person or via email or phone.
Ultimately, the choice between a cash registry platform and direct bank transfers will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each before making a decision.
