Recently, I had to deal with an etiquette question about whether no kids allowed at a wedding was cool or uncool.

I received another invitation in the mail – this time to a bridal shower.

At the bottom of the invite, in capital letters, it reads:

MONETARY GIFTS PREFERRED

Doh!  Isn’t there a bridal registry or something?  Register at The Bay or Sears for God’s sake.  I’m supposed to come and hand over money?

What’s even appropriate these days?  Will $100 cut it?

But if I decide to ignore the bride’s request for cash and bring a gift, will I be given dirty looks?  Will the bride-to-be not appreciate my thoughtful gesture?

In our family/culture, gifts are for engagement parties and bridal showers. Cash is usually what one gives as a gift at the wedding, and most often one tries to cover the cost of their dinner which usually runs around $100 a person.

But for a shower?

The bridal shower is designated to “shower” the couple with items they will need to establish their new home together. If the couple is already living together, or a house already bought and furnished, then  they don’t need a bridal shower.

According to etiquette “experts”, it is tacky on any invite to ask for gifts of money. If many people who the family knows ask what the bride and groom might need, the mom, future mother-in-law, bridesmaids, etc.. can let those people know what you need – ie. money.

How do you feel about “money showers”?