The “No Box Gift” is a part of Pakistani/Indian wedding culture and it’s a way to set the couple up for their financial future. So no box gifts mean cash or vouchers. Many hosts use this phrase to politely asking for no household items.
There are many ways you can ask for No Boxed Gifts that include using the phrase in the invitation card, use poems instead of the direct “No Boxed Gifts” phrase, or directly talk with the guests. It’s a Pakistani/Indian cultural thing because they tend to give cash at weddings.
The Appropriate Way to Ask for No Boxed Gifts
So, if you are wondering how to ask for No Boxed Gifts then below are some proven and appropriate ways to ask for No Boxed Gifts.
“No Boxed Gifts” Wording in the Invitation Card
If you are sending an invitation card then you can include “No Boxed Gifts” wording in the invitation card. An invitation card contains important information like the date of the occasion, the time, the place, etc. So you can give specific instructions on the invitation card like a request for a monetary gift instead of other types of gifts. It’s best to add the request to the bottom of the invitation. You can also add a separate column to include customized messages if you want. Here are some examples of customized messages –
- The Bride and Groom Kindly Request “No Boxed Gifts”
- We Kindly Request “No Boxed Gifts”
- While we appreciate your love and prayers above all, we kindly request “No Boxed Gifts”
Include Wedding Money Poems in the Invitation Card
This is a great way to ask for money instead of gifts and it will work as an alternative to the “No Boxed Gifts” phrase. Here are some wedding money poems that you can include in your wedding invitations:
Example 1
“If you were thinking of giving a gift to help us on our way,
A gift of money in a card would really make our day!”
Example 2
“We’ve been together for a few years now;
We have pots and pans and linen and towels;
We have glasses and toasters, really quite a few;
So instead of more gifts, we suggest this to you;
If it doesn’t offend and it makes you feel funny;
But what we would really appreciate is quite simply money;
We know choosing gifts can be such a pain;
And this way there is no chance of anyone bringing the same!”
Example 3
“We don’t want to offend but we have it all,
All household goods and so much more
To save you shopping, sit back and rest,
A gift of currency is our request.
Don’t go overboard or rob any banks,
Any little thing will make us smile with thanks.”
Example 4
“So what do you get for the bride and groom
Whose house needs nothing in any room?
When shopping for a present, please don’t be rash
As there is always the option to just give cash!
We hope you don’t find our request to be funny
But we really would appreciate a gift of money.”
Example 5
“We are sending out this invitation
I hope you will join a celebration
But if a gift is your intention
May we take this opportunity to mention
We have already got a kettle and toaster
Crockery, dinner mats, and matching coasters
So rather than something we’ve already got
We would appreciate money for our honeymoon pot
But most importantly we request
That you come to our wedding as our guest.”
Example 6
“We do not have a gift list
Our house is set with nothing missed
We’d like to go on a honeymoon
A place for us as bride and groom
We’re asking for a cash donation
To send us to our dream location”
Example 7
“We know it’s traditional to write a list
But in this case, there is a slight twist
Our home is complete with the usual stuff
And the things that we have are good enough
Our dream is to honeymoon in a foreign land
And walk along with the beach hand in hand
We hope you don’t think of us as being rude
And that our request is not misconstrued
But a contribution to our honeymoon pot
Would be appreciated such a lot
But the most important thing to say
Is that you are there to celebrate our day!”
Avoid Rude Phrases on Invitation Card
When you are mentioning the “No Boxed Gifts”; you have to make sure that you don’t use any harsh or rude phrases that might hurt the feelings of your guest. So make sure you avoid strong phrases and statements when writing invitation cards. Remember, asking for “No Boxed Gifts” is not rude but it might look impolite if you don’t get the wording right. Here are some words that you should avoid when writing invitation cards:
- This is a “No Boxed Gifts” party
- No regular gifts, hosting a “No Boxed Gifts” party
- No Boxed Gifts, only accepting cash
- Come without gifts or with gift cards
You have to keep in mind that your main goal is to let your guests know you are hosting a No Boxed Gifts party but not forcing them to give you money as a gift. This way you will avoid creating any misunderstanding between you and your guest.
An Explanation
An explanation of why you don’t want box gifts can reduce the chance of creating a misunderstanding between you and the guest. Directly saying “No Boxed Gifts” will be rude and it will offend the guests. So you can add a side note to your invitation and include an explanation of the “No Boxed Gifts” party. Here is an example –
“Your presence at our wedding and prayers for our future is all that we wish for. If you would like to give a gift, we would be grateful for a small donation towards our new future”
Final Thought
I hope the above information has helped you figure out how you can ask for “No Boxed Gifts.” Is there anything or any tip that you want me to add to this article? Let me know in the comment section.