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 the 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:
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.
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.
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.
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 it’s mandatory or that 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?
These days, it’s quite the norm for couples to ask for money as wedding gifts, but some still wonder if they need to use a special cash registry. But here’s the thing: there’s no reason why you couldn’t ask your guests to send you money directly to your bank account. It’s a straightforward way to get the cash, and the best part is that there are no fees involved for you or your guests. That’s a big win because some of those cash registry platforms charge fees, which can be annoying for your guests.
If you want to go the bank transfer route, you can simply share your bank account details on your wedding website or in your invitations.
In the end, whether you choose a cash registry platform or direct bank transfers depends on what works best for you. Each option has its own pros and cons, so take some time to think about which one suits your situation and preferences before you decide.
Conclusion
Many couples are now using cash registries to help with the rising costs of weddings. These registries allow guests to give money instead of traditional gifts, offering flexibility in how couples use the funds. Setting up a cash registry is simple with various online platforms to choose from. However, it’s important to be mindful of potential fees. You can also opt for bank transfers directly if you prefer to avoid these fees. Ultimately, the choice between a cash registry platform and direct bank transfers depends on your preferences and circumstances.
