How To Politely Ask For No Wedding Gifts, Please
Not interested in receiving wedding gifts? There are so many reasons to not want them. Maybe you’ve been living together for many years and don’t feel like you need anything. Or, maybe you’re getting married for the second time and feel awkward about receiving more gifts.
No matter the reason, if you want to politely decline wedding gifts, we’re here with tips on how communicate your request. Here are a few etiquette-friendly options for communicating that you’d like to pass on the tradition.
Featured: Wild Botanical information card
1. Request "No Gifts, Please" on Your Wedding Invitation
You can use your wedding invitation suite to communicate you don’t want gifts. Some etiquette experts advise against it, but we don’t see a problem with mentioning it in a polite manner. Here are two ways to word your request:
No gifts please
Your presence is your present. Please, no gifts
We suggest adding this message on an information card. This handy card can also include extra details about accommodations and even list your wedding website. If your wedding invite is two-sided, the backside is also a perfect place to mention your request.
2. Add a Note on Your Wedding Website
Your wedding website is a fantastic spot to let your guests know to come to your wedding gift-free! Why? Guests will naturally go to your website to find your registry information. Instead of listing links to your registry, simple add a note like:
Please no gifts, we just want to celebrate with those we love most (that’s you!)
A Request from Henry and Max: Gift us only with the honor of your presence!
Your wishes for a happy life together are the only gifts that we wish to receive. Please, no gifts!
3. If Guests MUST Gift, Ask for a Donation to Charity
Sometimes, guests have a strong desire to gift something…anything…and won’t take no for an answer. In this case, we love the idea of asking guests to donate to charity.
Asking guests to donate to your favorite charity in lieu of wedding gifts, is easy. All you have to do is create some personalized note cards with the charity’s information and how to give. Then, place these cards at every table at your reception. You can even add a personal story if the charity is something near and dear to your heart.
Guests will love this alternative to bringing a traditional wedding gift and you’ll be able to raise a good chunk of money for your favorite cause.
And remember – just because you’ve said no gifts doesn’t mean you won’t get any. Chances are you will receive plenty of wedding cards and a few gifts despite your request. Accept whatever gifts you receive graciously, and don’t forget to send a heartfelt thank you card after your wedding.
We hope this checklist helps you as you begin to organize your big day! As always, we’re here to help with any questions you have as you customize your wedding invitations and other wedding stationery. Best wishes, brides and grooms!
