How can I specify no gifts are expected when giving a wedding invite?

I have recently re-connected with some cousins, and I would like to invite them to my wedding. However, since we had been out of touch for so long, I don't expect them to get us a wedding gift, but I think they would feel obligated when they receive the invitation. I know it's tacky to make any mention of gifts on an invitation, so I don't know if I should email them or something? That might be tacky, too. Any ideas? Thanks for any help!

How can I specify no gifts are expected when giving a wedding invite?
But you can.





"The only presents required is your presence."
Reply:Wow thanks for your question as I am sick of people on this site trying to figure out how to ask for money gifts. How very refreshing. You might find that they will want to give you a gift since you sound so nice. If you are only wanting to exempt these cousins but not the rest of the guests, I would call them or write a separate note saying to them how you realize you havent been in touch so would nt expect a gift but that their presence would mean so much.
Reply:I personally think it is tacky..either way. I think that if it says 'No Gifts" people will feel weird and probably will give a gift anyway.





If I got an invite that said "no gifts" I would be uneasy about what to do. B/c ppl do it anyway.
Reply:I think you could call them, email them, whatever. This is family, even though you haven't seen them for awhile. You can even just slip a handwritten note in with the invitation if you're mailing them one. Just tell them you're glad you guys have gotten back in touch in time for them to be there, but you want to make sure they didn't feel like they were obligated to buy a gift; just having them there will be gift enough.
Reply:bestadvi had it right......i had a similar situation and wrote at the bottom of the invite, "your presence will be a great present!"





Wedding etiquette states it's a definate no-no.........but I felt it was necessary for similar reasons.
Reply:I say include a note in the invitation or in a separate envelope telling them that you're so glad to be reconnected with your family after all this time, and that their presence is more than enough to make your happy day all that much better, so don't even think about gifts!





"The gift of you joining us on the most special day of our lives is more than enough for us, so please bring yourselves and that will be the best gift of all!"





Something like that :-P
Reply:NEVER in writing.





Call them up, tell them that you would like to see them again and that the honor of their presence is the gift that you will cherish the most.





Good luck
Reply:You could either note "no gifts, please" or just don't mention anytihng at all. I'd bring a gift no matter what the invite said. It's a formal event, and I think gifts are appropriate.
Reply:Yes, it's considered tacky to put anything about gifts on the invitation. We went through this too because we didn't need anything, or donations would be OK. But we found out that people just like to bring things to a wedding, so just leave it to them. You could tell one of them and ask them to pass it along, but they might still want to get you something, and that's up to them.
Reply:The best way to phrase this is "monitary gifts only please". I am not sure of the exact spelling of monitary, but this is what my cousin is going to be doing and people tend to understand... especially when you have already been living on your own for awhile. Another way to make it kinda known is not registering at any shops, so when they ask you or your parents can say they would prefer to have monitary gifts.





Best of luck
Reply:I have received wedding invitations that simply stated one of the following at the bottom:





No gifts please.


Your presence is gift enough.
Reply:Well, you either have to put a mention like this:





"Your presence is our gift"





Or you can't mention it at all. If you want to single out just the cousins and you are fairly close, then I guess emailing them will work.
Reply:it wouldnt be tacky if you put in the invites please no gifts
Reply:theres no point in writing "no gifts expected"...they will think you are saying they cant afford it or something?...best leave it as a plain invite...you can always sell off!...the toasters anyway?...
Reply:put a personal note in the invitation saying that you are really happy that you have been able to reconnect with them after so long. It would mean a lot if they could celebrate your wedding day with you and that their presence is the only gift you want. It won't be directly on the invitation and they will be able to tell it came from your heart if you hand write to each of them "Dear........, I am so happy that we have been able to reconnect after so long...etc"