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Debate on Wedding Gift Etiquette: To Gift Cash or Not?

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Celebrity weddings often draw public interest. But when actress AnnaLynne McCord and her fiancé, Danny Cipriani, set up a wedding registry asking guests to fund their nuptials, it sparked debate. The platform Honeyfund helped them identify their wedding costs, from marriage licenses to floral arrangements, ranging from $100 to $600.

Etiquette Expert’s Take

Diane Gottsman, a Texas-based etiquette expert, shared her views with Fox News Digital. She remarked that directly requesting money from guests is considered impolite. ‘A gift shouldn’t be a ticket to your wedding,’ she stated. Gottsman explained that although registries help guide guests, demanding cash alone sets an inappropriate tone. Cash options can be included, but guests should have the liberty to select traditional gifts if they prefer.

AnnaLynne McCord at an event
Actress AnnaLynne McCord at an event in San Francisco. (Photo Credit: Rich Polk/Getty Images)

The Modern Trend in Wedding Registries

Online forums discuss this evolving trend. Some Reddit users see cash registries as modern and widely accepted. A user noted that most weddings they’ve attended recently were cash-focused. Gottsman believes offering a cash possibility is fine. However, asking guests to pay for the wedding costs perceived as “off-putting.”

“A Redditor identifying as Asian mentioned that cash gifts are cultural tradition,” Gottsman pointed out.

American Cultural Views on Cash Gifts

In some cultures, money serves as the traditional gift. A user questioned why the U.S. views monetary gifts negatively. Another user said American culture generally shies away from discussing money openly—leading to the perception that asking for money as a gift is inappropriate.

Other users echoed these feelings. One changed her mind after getting advice. She decided to include cash as an option without omitting other gift choices. Gottsman suggested that couples should host weddings within their means.

If guests choose not to contribute financially, they should respond politely. ‘Say, “I have something else in mind,”‘ recommended Gottsman.

Final Thoughts on Gift Giving

A thoughtful gift remains timeless, according to Gottsman. Giving something sentimental or valuable that is exchangeable, with a gift receipt, is advisable.

Teresa Mull is a freelance writer with Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team.

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