Dear Grace,

I have lived with my BF for over three years. We have everything we need and we don’t want to register for gifts. Honestly, we want to go to Hawaii for our honeymoon and we just want money to go towards that. How do we ask for money without being tacky?

From,

Poor in Manhattan

Dear Poor,

Unfortunately, there is no polite way to ask for money … on paper. Your best bet is to ask some family members to spread it around verbally so you don’t have to. However, I think the modern age would be a bit forgiving if you set up a website for your cause. However, I understand wanting to do something different, perhaps you can go the modern route and create a website all about your honeymoon to Hawaii? You can then explain your reasons for your request for cash gifts more clearly, and you can share photos from your trip!

Whatever the case may be, register! Even if you would prefer money you will receive gifts no matter what, so you might as well control the odds and register for things you want! Remember: you can register for gift cards, and you can even set up a registry on sites like www.myregistry.com that give you the option to add literally any item, from any online store to one universal registry.

Use your options! In the end, you may regret asking for money.

Good luck!

xoxo,

Grace

Do you have a question for that need answering? E-mail me at askgrace@proposalmagazine.com.

Just for fun: Check out what Lazy Susan has to say. But be warned, do NOT take her advice!

Today, Social Grace gave advice to a woman who wants money instead of gifts for her wedding. While Grace’s answer was full of tact and sensitivity, Lazy Susan insisted on weighing in too. So, with much reluctance, we bring you Lazy Susan’s response:

So you want money for your wedding. Well, money is one of my favorite things so I can definitely, help you there, lady.

Here’s four things you can do to get more money from your weddings guests:

1. Charge admission. Everyone’s dying to be at your shindig, right? Well, make them prove it by selling tickets. And if they want to sit in the front, let them know that they’re going to have to pay for it.

2. Be $ubtle. On your wedding invitation, replace all S’s with dollar signs. It’s $o $ubliminal, mo$t people won’t even notice thi$ hint!

3. Learn the return policy. In today’s world, every store accepts returns. Register for gifts as normal, but ask your guests to give you the receipts for your “scrapbook.” Then return all the gifts for cash!

4. Elope. Instead of trying to get money, focus on saving it instead. I bet the money you’d save on your dress, ceremony and reception would buy you at least two tickets to Hawaii.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Lazy Susan’s advice is purely for entertainment value. NEVER actually take her advice. For your best bet, see what Social Grace has to say!

Have a question for Social Grace (and Lazy Susan)? E-mail it to: askgrace@proposalmagazine.com.