How to Ask for Money for a Bridal Shower Gift

Most people frown upon couples who ask for money for bridal showers, weddings, etc. However, sometimes it's necessary: maybe the couple already has everything they need, or maybe they are moving and would rather not add to the list of things they need to pack into boxes. The latter was the case for this bridal shower invite I was asked to design. So, how do you ask for money for a bridal shower gift, and not sound cheap or rude?

After searching online and finding numerous poems about "money trees" and other ideas I felt to be a little too cliché, I decided to put my English degree and creative writing experience to good use. The design below is the result. 

Instead of tip-toeing around the issue, I cut straight to the chase and flat-out told the guests the reason for wanting gift-cards and money vs. gifts. People don't like to be lied to, or tricked, and I figured honesty is the best policy. One thing you might notice is that in no place do I actually use the words "money," or "cash," or allude to it with the color green or mention of "growing leaves on their 'money tree.'" This allusion to money (or flat out using the word), is what I felt made the poems I found online so cliché. 

By simply asking for gift-cards, there is no need to actually use the word "money." It is implied that the couple doesn't want gifts, and if someone doesn't want to go to the store for a gift card, they will realize money is the next best thing (and what the couple really wants). You get the same end result without actually asking for it, and without sounding cheap. 

"We gather to celebrate

a gal and a guy who tie 

The Knot soon

and move in July.

Boxes are heavy,

moving is tough,

the bride & groom said,

We have enough!

To keep the move simple

so they don't get lost in

piles of boxes & bins

on their way to Boston

Let's shower them with gift cards,

because they're so small

and won't take up room in

the packed-up U-Haul."

It's important to mention that the couple was not completely opposed to gifts. In fact, it was the shower hostess' that decided to throw a gift-card-and-money-shower vs. a traditional shower due to the move.

The couple was registered at a few different stores which I included on the invitation to give guests a clue as to where to buy gift cards from. I also figured that regardless of what the invitation said, some people will end up bringing gifts anyway; they just always do.