Creative Ways to Give Cash as a Wedding Gift

Gone are the days when it was considered taboo to simply give newlyweds some cash as a gift. In fact, more couples these days are beginning to specifically opt for it! However, there are some creative ways to give cash as a wedding gift that make it feel less tacky and more special. Here are just a few!

1. Make physical cash fun and personal
2. Give cash as a gift card
3. Make it virtual

1. Make physical cash fun and personal

Giving physical cash doesn’t have to be boring (or tacky)! There are some creative ways to give cash as a wedding gift that can be way more personal and fun than just stuffing it in an envelope and handing it over.

One of the most basic ways to make a gift of physical cash more personal is to pair it with a meaningful card. A well-chosen card with the addition of a heartfelt, personalized message of well-wishes, advice, and counsel can make a useful gift of cash one of the most meaningful gifts a couple can receive. And the card can be saved and kept as a lasting memory of support and friendship in the years to come. 

Another way to make physical cash seem more significant as a gift is to give it inside of an insightful book about marriage or relationships (or recipes!) that you think the couple should read (or cook!) together. Or you could compile a book of suggestions for future date-night ideas you think the couple might enjoy. And even recommend they use the monetary gift for that purpose. Fun items to put cash into include:

• Books
• CD case of the newlywed’s song
• Chocolate box
• Jewelry box
• Balloons they have to pop
• Christmas stockings (or seasonal item)
• Candy jar
• And many more!

If you’re handy with crafts and DIY projects, there are also some really fun ways to fold and display physical cash to present this helpful gift in a more special and surprising way. With some creativity and a few tricks, you can turn your dollar bills of any value into:

• “Pizza” box money gift
• Money tree
• Kleenex box of cash
• Money lei, bracelet, or crown
• Transformed “chocolate” box of cash
• Various origami shapes such as roses, bowties, etc.
• “Fortune cookies” with supportive messages
• And so many more!

2. Give cash as a gift card

There are also some ways to give cash as a wedding gift that don’t involve having to take physical dollar bills out of an ATM.

Giving gift cards as a wedding gift is great because there are always little things that really add up that newlyweds need to create a home together that don’t make it on the registry list. If you aren’t as familiar with the couple’s personal tastes when it comes to home goods, this can be an efficient way to contribute without the worry of being unsure of picking something out yourself. 

Even within registry items, there’s always the chance a couple of people might end up purchasing and gifting the same or similar items, giving the newlyweds the added chore of gift returns. Gift cards empower the couple to get exactly the things they want without the hassle of returns or exchanges!

You can give gift cards from credit card companies that can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted. Or if you know the couple well and know they have a favorite store, you can make sure they appropriate your cash gift towards something fun for themselves rather than boring necessities with a store-specific gift card. 

You can also help contribute to the support of local businesses and restaurants by purchasing gift cards to restaurants you know the couple loves to help fund future date nights.

3. Make it virtual

Are you trying to avoid having to wrap a physical gift? Or unable to attend the wedding and don’t want to bother with sending a package? There are plenty of virtual ways to give cash as a wedding gift that are efficient and very appreciated.

Direct money transfers on the wedding day using online platforms and apps such as Apple Pay, Google Pay,  Zelle, Venmo, or Paypal are all easy options for getting funds to the couple to help celebrate their big day. Add a personal message or choose to attach an e-card if there is an option to do so to make it even more special!

It is becoming more popular for online wedding registries to include options for donating to specific funds such as for the honeymoon, downpayment on a new home, new car, future baby expenses, etc. This is an excellent way to easily support the couple with a cash gift, but also know you are contributing to an actual gift or experience the couple specifically wants or needs.

If the newlyweds are more of the philanthropic type, they might also choose the celebration of their marriage to help raise funds for those less fortunate or for a cause they like to support together. They might already have a charity or fund on their registry to donate to. Or you might surprise them with a donation in their honor. Sometimes there’s nothing better than knowing your love is spreading love to others. 

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