How do I propose “no gifts” for a destination wedding?

genuinecaligurl: How do I say, “no gifts” for a destination wedding?
I am having a destination wedding this fall. The trip will be quite expensive for the guests and we do not want the people attending the wedding to get us gifts. Although we invited our families we expect many people will not be able to come and will want to get us gifts. Following appropriate wedding etiquette, how do we tell people attending not to send gifts, but still give the option of gifts for people who are not attending? We are planning on registering for gifts.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Pal
You put it in the wording of the invitation and then let people decide how they want to handle it. Something on the order of “The gift of your attendance at our nuptuals is gift enough” at the bottom line and then let the mother-in-laws know where you have registered so they can pass the word to the family members who cannot afford to attend but will send a gift.

Answer by Vanessa
just announce it in the invitation card

Answer by inmonttc
I agree leave a small note with the invite..

Answer by Perse
You can’t really say no gifts because this assumes an expectation of gifts in the first place. What you can do is stress through word of mouth that you’re just really excited to be married and to celebrate it with family and friends. And, of course, if people ask, insist you just want their attendance.

Answer by NinaPina
I do not believe in having different invitations. I suggest that when you have your final tally of the guests you spread by word of mouth that you do not want them to buy you a gift. Do not be surprised if many get you a gift anyway. Many people feel awkward about not giving a gift at a wedding. Best wishes!

Answer by Deedee Newell
Proper etiquette dictates you never mention gifts either way, as it shows an expectation of gifts, which would be rude. Also, please remember NOT to put the registration information in your invite, that is a HUGE no-no. (registration cards or info should only go in a shower invite or word of mouth).

Answer by Rahul Kumar
You can put it in the invitation

Answer by fizzy stuff
Strictly speaking, gifts should not be mentioned in writing anywhere in the invitation contents — whether that is to encourage or discourage gifts.

And I think thats a good rule to follow. Because you wont be putting your registry info in the invitation, either. So if people want to inquire about your registry (either with a phone call or by emailing you), THEN you are allowed to make your wishes known: “We really dont want anything, just delighted you are coming.”

Thats about all you can do. If attending guests still come with a gift, accept graciously. People who want to gift you because they love you, cannot be deterred– and it would be rude to continuously refuse.

Answer by truefirstedition
So you don’t want people attending to give you gifts, but the people who can’t go are expected to send you something as a consolation prize? No, not cool.

Either decide that you really don’t need any gifts, don’t register, and when anyone asks say “We are so lucky to have everything we need.” Or register and when anyone asks say “We’re registered at Target – it’s sweet of you to ask.” But don’t split your guests up into a “no gifts” and a “yes gifts” group.

Answer by salanie s
you can modify one of the online poems but if its destination people will understand no gifts.
use an insert to say so in a cheery manner