As more and more couples are shouldering the costs of their wedding now a days, it is easy to think that they prefer cash for a wedding gift than any other items. But how to send a message to the guests that you prefer cash over household gifts without appearing rude and ill-mannered, remains a dilemma.
It is widely considered that asking gifts from guests is very inappropriate and highly impolite, putting it on the wedding invitation is even worst. So what is the most appropriate gesture?
It is widely considered that asking gifts from guests is very inappropriate and highly impolite, putting it on the wedding invitation is even worst. So what is the most appropriate gesture?
While it is not compulsory for guests to give the newlyweds some gifts, there are some who are generous enough to share a little amount to the couple as a send-off token for their new life together.
In a typical Filipino wedding, there’s what we call a prosperity dance or “sibay” in a local dialect, but there are few couples who find this tradition so ancient and gone with the ages (I myself consider it tacky and I don’t want to practice it when it’s time for me to get hitched) that they want to scrap it from the program at the reception and create something different as a replacement.
In a typical Filipino wedding, there’s what we call a prosperity dance or “sibay” in a local dialect, but there are few couples who find this tradition so ancient and gone with the ages (I myself consider it tacky and I don’t want to practice it when it’s time for me to get hitched) that they want to scrap it from the program at the reception and create something different as a replacement.
Since extending generosity to the couple is still part of the long-cherished wedding traditions, monetary gifts seem to be the most ideal wedding present and the most preferred among the newlyweds.
If you are wary of waltzing and dancing at the reception, there are lots of creative alternatives to be organized.
If you are wary of waltzing and dancing at the reception, there are lots of creative alternatives to be organized.
Here are some Ideas how to reinvent the prosperity dance or “sibay”:
WEDDING SHOP
Putting a wedding shop in one corner of the reception area is the newest trend. This will allow guests to share their monetary gifts at the reception without sending them a wrong impression of blatantly asking for a financial help.
You may set-up a table near the entrance area of the venue, decorate it with some ornaments and fabric which reflect your motif. Put a bold sign that it is your wedding shop. You can put wedding memorabilia here, example a story book of your romance, a CD compilation of songs that best describe your romantic story, a personalized box, decorated cupcakes and other significant items to mark your big day.
But please do not put a price tag on each item, it is downright boorish and vulgar having tags on the items displayed, allow your guests to leave a certain amount of their choice. You may put several white envelopes (make it stylish by putting the logo of your wedding invitation) in a separate box.
WEDDING WISHING WELL
This becomes very popular recently, more couples choose this alternative as they don’t need to create any personalized items anymore. This is another acceptable practice of having money as a wedding gift from your guests. You may placed the wedding wishing well anywhere at the reception venue, put something creative on the wishing well like flowers, wedding motif or anything. You may provide an envelope beside the well so that your guests can slip it inside.
A wishing well can be very romantic, you can put some special wedding quotes in it too. You may choose to create your own wishing well or have it order somewhere else. Put a separate box containing envelopes on top of the wishing well.
Though you have any of these creative alternatives in your mind before the wedding ceremony, never put it in the invitation that you are preparing a wedding shop or a wishing well at the reception, doing this may attract annoyance from your guests with a message that you are directly asking them to give gifts. It is always impolite and suggests bad manner.
If you prefer to receive monetary gifts than any household items or appliances on your wedding day, you may post the message in your wedding website but be careful with your “words or message”, maintain propriety and politeness so as not to offend guests and send a wrong signal of rudeness.
HOW TO WRITE A POLITE MESSAGE
So how will you send a message to your guests that you prefer cash over household items or appliances without appearing boorish? Here is a sample message which you can publish in your wedding website. Remember: Never, never include this in your wedding invitation.
“It will be a great pleasure to see you on our wedding day to share the joy and excitement as we begin our new life as husband and wife. We will be preparing a wedding shop (or a wedding wishing well) displaying some personalized wedding memorabilia at the reception venue where you may extend your generosity. We will always be grateful to have your presence on that day.Thank you very much”
You can put a little drama on the wishing well by including a message on the area:
“The wishing well is here today, you may extend your sincere generosity to help us begin a new life, take an envelope, make a wish and please drop it inside. Thank you very much”
Or a simple message in your wedding shop:
“Personalized items for you to remember our wedding day. Thank you very much for your generosity”
You can think of any alternatives for this portion, lots of unique and creative ideas are there for you to explore just expand your imagination and pick the most suitable alternative. Remember to be polite and courteous all the time.
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