Is it appropriate to ask for gift cards to places like home dept & lowes instead of registering for our weddin

Question

My fiance and I already have all house hold goods that could be needed. What we want to do is paint the interior and do some mild updates but because we are paying for most of our wedding out of pocket these things have taken a back burner. I'd rather not register to receive gifts, but would like to maybe receive gift cards to places like Lowes or Home Depot so that we may go and purchase the new paint, or faucets etc. My problem is, how tacky is that and second of all if it's not that uncommon, how do you present that to your guests?

Answer 1

You can set up registries at Home Depot and such places so you can register for paint, supplies, etc. Be sure to check store policy about how the registry works so you don't end up with 40 gallons of blue paint with no way to exchange it.

Asking for gift cards themselves - no... not unless there's a way to indicate a preference for them on the registry itself along with the list of other items you'd like to receive. Most places do that these days so just ask the store.

How to get the word out? The same way you would for any other gifts... word of mouth through family and friends. If you have a wedding website set up, you can list your registry locations on the registry page. But to avoid looking greedy, don't say anything about gift cards or cash. Just be sure the store registry indicates "gift cards welcome" on it - that's pretty common at most stores and is OK etiquette-wise.

Best wishes for your wedding and your home projects!

Answer 2

Dude, you're going about it all wrong.

Didn't you learn to write instructions on how you're fiance should do everything?

Hello...

Gosh, am I the only person who knows this?

Apparently so.

When you send out the measly invitations make sure you include exactly what you want.

Ha...

Example:

1. We need a brand new bedroom set. Note: we do not need  generic plywood neither. Cherry preferably. Nothing from Ikea. I wouldn't want to build it, or for my furniture to fall apart.

2. "I" want, since I will do the cooking, a beautiful plate set.Yeah Note: Square shaped plates only with a crazy freaking design. No walmart specials. That is so tacky. Got it?

3. A custom built pool with a humongous painting on the bottom. Note: "I" need for the painting to be exotic with a hot chic (maybe a mermaid) holding booze, flowers around (vines) and snakes. If not, then don't bother with this gift.

Oh, and "I" want salt water with tropical fish in it and a diving board.

4.Kid Rock needs to be at the wedding to, with Pamela.

5.Someone has to, because "I" want us (the odd couple) to have matching tattoos, pay for them. Note: 2,000 dollars "cash only" will be sufficient.

6. Oh, I almost forgot. Someone needs to give a Maserati. Suicide doors. Black rims and two fifteens.

7. If you do not purchase anything from our petty gift list, don't even bother coming to our wedding.

The end.

Answer 3

I know that Lowe's has a gift registry, why not just make one there.

Answer 4

ASK THEM! Tell your guests the truth be honest with them, tell them you don't need any of the common gifts that you would recieve, that you want to paint, and such, and that it would be wonderful if they would just get you and your husband gift cards from those various places, and then tell them the places you would like the cards to go to, that way you won't have to take it back, and you won't offend anyone, and these you'll be able to use. Just be honest with your guests, you'll see it will fine. I don't believe its tacky, I believe its just common sense, this way no one will be offended, and you can paint, and get new faucets,CONGATULATIONS FROM ME(granny 5).

Answer 5

sure its appropriate. if people ask u what you want for your wedding an dthats what you want.. tell 'em . thats a great idea. why would u say u need a toaster if u already have one? u dont need 2... unless u toast a lot of bread. lol. i say its appropriate to ask for whatever u need on ur special day! CONGRATS!

Answer 6

It's inappropriate to request any type of gift from your guests.  If you don't want gifty gifts then don't register.  But the registry is just a tool that guests can use IF THEY WANT TO.  

So here's what you do: tell your mom, his mom, blabbermouth Aunt Bertha, etc. that you want gift cards to do a little sprucing up.  It'll get around.  And be happy and gracious about the gifty gifts, someday you'll show them to your kids and say, "we got this for our wedding".

Answer 7

Yes, I've seen it done many times. Some people will buy you gifts no matter what. But the last wedding had a wishing well to put the cards/cash in.

Answer 8

here's what you do, make a SMALL registery for people who don't like giving gift cards and money.  Then pass the word around yourself that this is what you'd prefer.  Telling grand-parents/cousins/aunts/siblings etc.  getting the word around.  I did get an invite onvce that said "seeing as we've been living on our own for a few years we would prefer gift cards for groceries/gas etc"  not the exact wording,but you get the point.  I don't think it's inappropriate. it's what you want? why would people pretend it isnt?

But if you would like to go the most "appropriate" way start the registry and try registering for things you would buy with the gift card anyways,  Then pass along the information yourself.

Answer 9

It's tacky. Basically, you are telling your guests what they are allowed to buy for you as a gift.  However, there is no reason why you can't register there.

My suggestion is to have it listed as a registry item on your wedding site page.  Especially good, because there you can list  stuff at various places or really generic. For instance, a wedding I'm attending, the bride listed "bath towel set - any kind, any brand, in blue".   Can't do that at a regular registry.

Answer 10

Sorry, it's not appropriate.

If you don't put a registry in the invitation then it's automatically assumed you'd prefer cash. Then you can do what you like with the cash. Use word of mouth instead of anything formal or written.

Answer 11

I do not think it is inappropriate.  It is becoming more common to do this as couples live together before marriage, have second marriages and marry later in life after they are established.

Answer 12

It's not tacky. Why don't you just do a wedding gift registry through Lowe's (I know they have one, I used to work there) and I'm sure Home Depot has one too. Even if you only add a few items to each of the registries, your guests will get the idea that you want something from those stores and you'll more than likely end up with gift cards to both of them.

Answer 13

It's not tacky and is not uncommon. I've seen it done and it didn't offend me at all.

I beleive that you can actually register for gift cards there.

Good luck and congratulations

EDIT TO ADD: Yes, you can:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stor...

Answer 14

I think that is more than appropriate.  it also shows that you are thinking about the future and that you're not frivolous.

Answer 15

I think that is a great idea!! But I would be asking a tasteful way to present that to your guests as well... I would just ask whoever is doing your invites to suggest something. I guess you would just put home depot or lowes on the invites instead of crate and barrel or wherever else people usually register??

Answer 16

I makde a registry at whattogive.com and asked for gift cards.  It may not be the "right" thing to do but its all family and close friends so there isa  different set of rules I think!

Answer 17

You can actually register at one of the two (pretty sure it's Lowes) and many will get you gift certificates if you do. Or you could actually do a shower where people come and help you do home improvement stuff (if you don't mind random people building your decks, that is).