{"id":44861,"date":"2016-06-14T10:18:31","date_gmt":"2016-06-14T14:18:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/?p=44861"},"modified":"2021-02-03T13:48:04","modified_gmt":"2021-02-03T18:48:04","slug":"invited-money-shower-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/uncategorized\/invited-money-shower-now","title":{"rendered":"Invited to a \u201cMoney Shower\u201d \u2014 Now What?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Kim asks: I received an invitation to a \u201cmoney shower,\u201d and I\u2019d like to know how to present my gift.<\/strong>Because the money shower (or money tree shower) is still a little esoteric and brings up a slew of thorny issues, we\u2019re going to answer a few more questions Kim didn\u2019t ask: What\u2019s the proper etiquette for monetary gifts? Is it ever appropriate to ask for them? Are \u201cmoney trees\u201d and \u201cmoney showers\u201d considered in bad taste?<\/p>\n

Asking for Monetary Gifts at a Shower<\/h2>\n

You\u2019re planning a bridal shower, and let\u2019s face it \u2014 the bride and groom have been living together for three years, already accumulating at least two blenders and a toaster oven. What they could really use is some extra cash (they\u2019ve been dying to remodel their 70s-era bathroom).<\/p>\n

However, blatantly asking for specific gifts \u2014 monetary or otherwise \u2014 is in poor taste. Just imagine an invitation that reads: \u201cI could really use some new shoes \u2014 please send me some strappy sandals.\u201d (Just because Carrie Bradshaw got away with it does not make it okay!)<\/p>\n

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photo credit: peasap<\/a> via photopin<\/a> cc<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

What you can <\/em>do is let guests know (if they ask) that the bride prefers cash gifts. Send shower invites without registry<\/a> information; inquiring guests will ask where the couple is registered, presenting a perfect opportunity to respond with the bride\u2019s preference. Some guests will still prefer to give a tangible gift, so the couple should register for a few items.<\/p>\n

Avoid drawing attention to the cash with a \u201cmoney tree,\u201d or other cash-displaying gimmick, so guests bringing tangible gifts don\u2019t feel awkward. Simply display all cards and gifts together for the bride to open and acknowledge. The happy bride-to-be should always remember to feel privileged, not entitled.<\/p>\n

What If I\u2019m Asked to Bring a Monetary Gift?<\/h3>\n

You\u2019re sorting through your mail, and to your dismay discover a shower invitation with a cutesy rhyme such as \u2014<\/p>\n

To make it easy for you
\nand avoid a shopping spree
\nWe thought that we would have instead,
\na little money tree<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Although this presents a clear breach of etiquette, it also doesn\u2019t justify an uprising of the etiquette police. Pointing out another\u2019s faux pas<\/i> is just as rude as the original blunder. Here are your options:<\/p>\n

Bringing a Monetary Gift<\/h3>\n

If you choose to participate with a cash donation, give whatever you feel comfortable giving. The shower host will start the tree off for guests by tying a bill or small envelope on the tree, and guests will follow suit. There\u2019s usually no way to tell who gave what amount. In this instance, bring a card separate from the cash for the bride.<\/p>\n

Bringing a Tangible Gift<\/h3>\n

I say this with caution, because you don\u2019t want to appear as if you\u2019re protesting the shower theme. That said, if you\u2019ve put a lot of thought into selecting something memorable for the bride, take pride in presenting her with a thoughtful gift to acknowledge her upcoming nuptials.<\/p>\n

The Expert<\/h4>\n
Cori Russell is editor-in-chief for Elegala Magazine<\/a>. Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding vendors, with the planning tips to keep brides in the know on today\u2019s wedding trends and styles. For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit http:\/\/www.elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource.<\/div>\n<\/section>\n