invitation wording question

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

My sister-in-law is getting married next fall. She wants the invitations to state no gifts please. Is there a proper way to do this? Both her and her Dfiance are in their 30's and have stuff they need. She doesn't even want a bridal shower. But, she's always been a little different in doing things anyway.....nothing wrong with that, just saying. Thanks for your help!

 

[IrishCinderella]

My fiance and I were in this situation for our engagement party last summer.

I made our invitations myself...at the bottom, they said, "Please make your presence your only gift!"

It worked, mostly. Very few people brought gifts, and those who did, kept them relatively small.

Hope this helps!

 

[Snow_White]

Although I think the proper etiquette is to not refer to gifts at all on the invite, I personally would include this information on the reception card, and not the invitation itself.

Jennifer

 

[Ember]

You properly don't include any mention of gifts at all on an invitation. The etiquette error is in the assumption that you're expecting gifts in the first place. And while it's generally a safe bet that people will bring gifts there is no polite way to direct people how to spend their money, or in this case, not spend it. (This is also why you don't include registry info.) Your sister is (obviously) not concerned with gifts and would rather just have the people she loves there with her. It's very refreshing, so many people get hung up on the presents. I'm with her, I'd rather have the people I love with me and I don't really want gifts at all.

The only proper way to get this info out to people is by word of mouth. Or, if she has a wedding website, the info may be posted there. If it's really important and she doesn't care about "proper" then I agree with another poster that this information should be included a seperate instert than then invite.

There are going to be people who bring gifts regardless. They want to express their happiness for your sister, and a gift is a natural way to do so. Best of luck!!

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

Thanks for the help. I agree that is sounds like you are assuming people were planning on giving you a gift already. Putting it on the reception card sounds like it might work...if she does one. I have no idea how this is all going to turn out. If I have heard everything correctly we are eating first, wedding at 7 then dance. She wants the later wedding because she plans on having lots of candles lit around the church. I'll have to talk to her more about it, for some reason she decided that I am the one that can come up with the wording for it!

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

My mom's best friend just had her second wedding and at the bottom of the reception card it stated "Your presence will be a wonderful gift to us" or "Your presence in itself will be a wonderful gift" I can't remember exactly which one. I thought it was appropriate and didn't think it was tacky... listing your registry locations on you reception cards on the other hand I think is a little different.

 

[Snow_White]

My mom's best friend just had her second wedding and at the bottom of the reception card it stated "Your presence will be a wonderful gift to us" or "Your presence in itself will be a wonderful gift" I can't remember exactly which one. I thought it was appropriate and didn't think it was tacky... listing your registry locations on you reception cards on the other hand I think is a little different.

I think Ashley is right...putting "Your presence in itself will be a wonderful gift" on the reception card sounds great to me too, not tacky at all. Good luck

Jennifer

 

[Aurora63]

"Your presence is your present." On the reception card, of course, not the invite!

 

[mc'smommy]

You properly don't include any mention of gifts at all on an invitation. The etiquette error is in the assumption that you're expecting gifts in the first place. And while it's generally a safe bet that people will bring gifts there is no polite way to direct people how to spend their money, or in this case, not spend it. (This is also why you don't include registry info.) Your sister is (obviously) not concerned with gifts and would rather just have the people she loves there with her. It's very refreshing, so many people get hung up on the presents. I'm with her, I'd rather have the people I love with me and I don't really want gifts at all.

The only proper way to get this info out to people is by word of mouth. Or, if she has a wedding website, the info may be posted there. If it's really important and she doesn't care about "proper" then I agree with another poster that this information should be included a seperate instert than then invite. There are going to be people who bring gifts regardless. They want to express their happiness for your sister, and a gift is a natural way to do so. Best of luck!!

The way this was worded was like I wrote it myself.. LOL
I was in the same position about 12 yrs ago.. And what we did was have another card about the same size as the reply card printed that said basically BEST Wishes Only ! It kinda had a rhyme to it. The lady at the flower shop worded it for us. It worked out wonderfully.... Only about a handful of people brought gifts.

I have never heard of anyone actually being successful in asking for no gifts. LOL
Good Luck and congrats to your sister..