Alternate wedding gift ideas

Many couples are marrying later in life and already have established households. They have little need for traditional wedding gifts like toaster, blenders, pots and pans and those other kitchen gadgets. This places the couple in an awkward position. Many couples end up registering at popular department store chains for things they may use someday because they feel obligated to give their wedding guests traditional gift ideas. In reality the couple would really prefer "cold hard cash". Perhaps the couple is saving for a home, a special honeymoon, a car or they simply need help to offset their wedding expenses. So, how does a couple ask for cash without violating the perceived wedding etiquette? Here are some ideas you may wish to consider to break from the traditional wedding gifts.

1. TheKnot.com offers a bridal registry that has a "Create-a-Gift" option.. This allows the couple to ask for money in the form of American Express gift checks that can be used for virtually anything the couple desires; their honeymoon, a big ticket item like a piece of furniture, a night on the town or a weekend get-away. This registry is available to anyone with internet access.
2. Some lending institutions now offer bridal registries for down payments on homes. This is a terrific way to invest in the couples future. You will have to do some leg-work if you wish to consider this option since not all lending institutions offer this type of registry.
3. Some photographers now offer gift certificates the couple can use to purchase prints and albums. This is a terrific way to help the couple cherish their wedding memories for years to come.

So how do you clue in your guest to your preferences without being perceived as rude or tacky? Talk to a few close friends and your immediate family. Ask them to politely spread the word to your guests. Remember to show your guests you appreciate their gifts by promptly sending them thank you notes. Consider personalizing your thank you note with details on how their gift of cash was used. This will help your guests feel like they truly gave you a gift rather than cash.