First, it’s okay for wedding couple to ask for cash only. The correct way is to include a little note in invitation that reads something like. Because we are saving for [insert item] we would appreciate cash donations in lieu of gifts. Thanks so much! It’s simple and to point and these days people understand. For many it’s much easier than trying to figure out what you need.

If you are blending two households that are financially set, and you don’t want any gifts or cash, then make a note of this on your invitation. Some people will feel uncomfortable with not providing a gift. So you could include a note that reads. We would like to decline any gifts. If you would like to give, please donate to our favorite charity [insert here]. Many thanks! Or, you can indicate they can donate to their favorite charity.

If you are going to be accepting gifts, then do your guests a favor and have several wedding gift registries set up at various stores. This will alleviate a lot of stress for your guests and insure you receive items you really need or want.

My daughter’s wedding is coming up shortly. Her and her fiancée are planning to take a 6 month backpacking trip into South America, right after wedding. So their gift registry is made up of camping supplies they will need. Be creative! Fine tune your gift registry to what “you” want and need. It will please your guests to know they are spending their hard earned money on something you will actually use.

These days, anything goes. The only big tip about wedding gift etiquette is to be polite in your requests. You’ll feel better and so will your guests!

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

Now you can get those creative juices flowing. Your wedding should fit both your style and your fiancée’s style. Will it be a trendy wedding, traditional, beach, park?? Get ideas from bridal magazines, books, and internet which has a wealth of free information available. Start a scrap book. Add items and ideas you like to scrap book. Then you can use your scrap book for reference as you start to fine tune.

The more organized you are easier it will be to plan and less stressful it will be. Keep a day timer of what you’ve done and what needs to be done on or before specific dates. Make to do lists and as you complete tasks scratch them off your list. Be sure to keep your list up current. You might want to buy a wedding management software package or print style. There are some great choices available!

Your wedding is beginning of a whole new adventure in life. Make planning an enjoyable part of that planning by being prepared.

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.