This week we talk: Asking for cash for gifts, sending late thank you cards vs not sending thank you cards and asking a male friend to be a bridesmaid... Keywords: Cash gifts, too late to send thank you cards, male bridesmaid
"Myself and my H2B have lived together for five years so we have all the kitchen appliances and photo frames we need. How do I tell my guests that we would prefer to receive money instead of wedding presents?"
You should never ask for a certain gift or for money, even if you would be okay with others asking you. The only way to let people know that you would like cash instead of gifts is to send the information through the grapevine. It is widely understood by the current generation that most couples would prefer ‘monetary donations’ to gifts and so most young people/couples will give money as a gift if they haven’t heard otherwise. Mention it to your parents or siblings however, so that if anybody asks they can gently nudge them in that direction.
>> See forums How much to give for cash wedding present
>> See forums How to ask for cash instead of wedding gift
The WOL Girls x
"We got married nearly 18 months ago and after all the excitement, the honeymoon, and getting settled into married life, I forgot to send Thank You cards! I feel like it’s too late now but I’m also mortified when I think about it, or when the wedding comes up in conversation with friends who attended. Should I just pretend I sent them?! Or should I bite the bullet and get them done now?"
This issue crops up again and again on the forums so rest assured you are not alone! By their nature, many people tend to put things ‘on the long finger’, and after a huge event like a wedding, it’s no wonder the last thing couples want to do is go back to stationery, wording, and excel sheets. Even if it’s just for yourself, to get it off your mind so that you can look people in the eye again without kicking yourself in the shin, get it done. Your friends and family will understand. Just have a one-liner in there like ‘Yes, we’ve finally settled!’ or ‘Wow, that was a fast few months!’
Tips
One way to encourage you to get this done is to use a photo from the wedding for your card, you’ll be so excited to share it with everyone that it will be easier to write up and send!
Make a list of your guests and as you receive your cards/gifts make a note of them, this will make it easier to personalise your thank you cards.
>> Check out our Guide to Writing Thank You Notes
The WOL Girls x
"I have two very close guy friends, and two very close girl friends, and I really want to have them all as my bridesmaids! I know it’s silly to ask about rules in weddings, but, can you have male bridesmaids in your wedding party? I spend most of my time with them and want them to be really involved in the day, as well as coming to my hen night etc..."
Go for it! There’s no rule that says your bridesmaids have to be female, so if you have a close male friend who you’d prefer to be on your side of the bridal party just ask them! (The way to get around this on the wedding program/bulletin is to use the term ‘Bride’s Attendants’) With regard to the hen night, you can of course have a whole mix of friends there, and if you and your fianc� share friends, why not meet up at some point in the day/night and have a few hours all together?
The WOL Girls x
Got any opinions or further information on what we've discussed this week? Leave a comment!
Main image by Leo Patrone Photography
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