[paula3859]

I am hosting a wedding reception here in the US for my daughter and her new husband, who will be living overseas. Because of the huge expense of shipping items overseas, it would be nice if guests knew to bring monetary gifts. Is there any way that I can include this in the invitation?

[Chery]

I'm not Ann Landers, but am a former military wife who had to move overseas a lot.
The electrical currents and outlets in most other countries differ from those in the US and there are not always built-in kitchens, closets or even standard cabinets under the sinks there.
If you can find a way to explain this to the guests and respectfully request that they consider these differences and give cash gifts for a good start, I see nothing wrong with that. It's either that, or suggest the new couple store their gifts in the US until they come back.


My best wishes to you and the new couple!

[jillianleab]

Don't put it on the invitation. If you want to make sure all guests are aware of this preference, have the bride and groom send out a letter to all guests after the invites go out saying how excited they are, activities to do in the area, hotels (if you have out-of-towners) and work it in there somewhere. If it's a smaller wedding, consider spreading the message by word of mouth.

[LearningAsIGo]

You have good intentions, but etiquette states you should not put anything about preferred gifts on an invitation. Spread it by word-of-mouth and assume most people will be wise enough to bring checks/money.

If worse comes to worse, the gifts could be quietly returned for money without the giver knowing.