"I like it when people say, 'How did it last so long?' I say, 'It's still going."
Updated Mar 04, 20254 Tactful Ways to Give Money as a Wedding Gift
It goes beyond stuffing cash in an envelope.
Photos: Getty Images,Design: Tiana Crispino
Article summary:
- Money is an increasingly popular wedding gift. The Knot 2026 Annual Registry Study* found that 75% of couples ask for cash for their wedding.
- Guests can use The Knot to safely and securely contribute to a couple's cash fund and give money as a wedding gift.
- Using a platform like The Knot Registry to donate to a cash fund is an easy and convenient way to give a wedding gift that fits your budget. Giving a monetary wedding gift also offers flexibility for the couple to use and enjoy your contribution in a way that fits their lifestyle.
If you're wondering how to give money as a wedding gift, you're in the right place—and you're certainly not alone. According to data from The Knot 2026 Annual Registry Study, 75% of couples ask for cash for their wedding, indicating it's one of the most popular presents for to-be-weds today. So, how do you tactfully give the wedding gift of money? And what's the safest way to deliver it? Read up on everything you need to know about giving a monetary gift for a wedding.
In this article:
How to Give Money as a Wedding Gift
Today, giving money as a wedding gift is incredibly common. In fact, it's one of the most desired presents among to-be-weds. But as wedding gift etiquette for cash indicates, there's more to it than stuffing a few 20 dollar bills in an envelope and leaving it at the reception. Learn about four easy (and gracious) ways to give a cash wedding gift.
1. Contribute to a Cash Fund on Their Registry
If the happy couple prefers cash instead of, or in addition to, physical gifts, they'll likely set up a cash fund on their registry. Whether they plan to put it toward a down payment on a new home or an excursion on their honeymoon, a cash fund gives them the flexibility to use the money however they see fit for their newlywed life. The best part? Donating to a cash fund is flexible for guests as well. Unlike traditional gifts with a fixed price, you can contribute an amount that fits comfortably within your budget.
The Knot is a popular, trustworthy platform to create a cash fund as a couple and donate to a cash fund as a guest. To find a couple's cash fund, search for their registry on The Knot or check their wedding website (here's how to find a couple on The Knot). If you're unable to find where they're registered, you can always ask their wedding party or family members to share additional gifting details.
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
2. Buy the Couple a Gift Card
The golden rule of wedding gift etiquette is to follow the couple's registry. And today, registering for gift cards is quite common. If a cash fund donation feels impersonal because you won't know how the couple uses it, a gift card can fill that gap. Couples who register with The Knot have lots of gift card options, so scan their wish list before picking something out independently. If you know they want to renovate their home, consider buying them a gift card for a furnishing brand to help them add stylish decor to their newlywed nest. Or, if you know they love to travel (and will embark on plenty of exploration trips post-honeymoon), get them a gift card for their go-to airline to cover their next flight.
3. Put the Cash or Check in a Thoughtful Card
When it comes to deciding how to present wedding gift money, slipping cash or a check into a card is a common method—but there are some etiquette rules to keep in mind. "If you're giving money as a wedding gift, it's a two-part play: Give both money and thoughtfulness," says Heather Wiese Alexander, etiquette expert and founder of Bell'INVITO. "A note with some genuinely thoughtful words should accompany the gift. Forget formality and write whatever is genuinely 'you.' Be funny, sentimental or witty—just write something they can keep and look back at fondly."
Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of proper etiquette for cash as a wedding gift. "Make sure there's a card and that it's very clear who the money is from and who it's for." She adds, "The card really helps deliver that and makes it more personal." (Check out our guide on what to write in a wedding card for more help.)
When should you give the couple a card full of money? There are two options. First, you can bring the card to the wedding reception. Look for a designated gift table or, if there isn't one, hand it to a member of the wedding party (like the MOH, best man or a parent of the couple) or their wedding planner. This ensures that the gift is less likely to be misplaced or lost, especially since the couple will be busy throughout the event. Secondly, you can mail it to the couple. If you choose to send money as a gift, be sure to track it for peace of mind.
4. Donate to the Couple's Favorite Charity
Sometimes, a couple may prefer charitable donations in lieu of wedding gifts. If the couple registered with The Knot, they may have connected a charity registry through GoFundMe, or created a cash fund specifically for donations. This offers a great alternative for to-be-weds who prefer giving back to their community instead of receiving physical gifts. If this is their preference, follow the instructions provided and donate any amount you feel comfortable with to the chosen organization in the couple's name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have more questions on how to give wedding gift money? Not sure what to write in the cash fund message box on The Knot Registry? Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about giving cash as a wedding gift here.
Will I be charged a fee for giving a cash gift online?
Any fees incurred for giving a cash wedding gift online depend on the registry platform and the form of payment. If the couple created a cash fund with The Knot, guests are given zero-fee checkout options through Venmo, including their linked debit card, bank or Venmo balance, which are conveniently available when paying from their mobile device.
If guests choose to contribute to a cash fund on The Knot using a credit card, a standard 2.5% processing fee applies to each contribution. This fee is required by credit card companies; The Knot does not charge or retain this fee. Couples receive 100% of the gift money that guests contribute to The Knot Cash Fund.
Is it safe to contribute to a cash fund on The Knot?
The Knot cash funds are legitimate and secure, making them safe for guests and couples to use. The Knot uses a standard 5-day processing timeline to ensure deposits are delivered to a couple's bank account. Bank information for guests and couples is encrypted and not retained by The Knot, ensuring those details remain private and protected.
Is giving just cash considered a complete wedding gift?
Cash can be considered a complete wedding gift. Data from The Knot indicates that money is one of the most-requested wedding gifts, as many couples prefer the flexibility that cash funds provide. Whether a guest contributes to a honeymoon fund, a date night fund, a home renovation fund or a general cash fund, it gives them the ability to donate a monetary amount that fits their budget with the confidence that it will be used efficiently (and greatly appreciated) by the couple. If you're looking for a specific dollar amount recommendation, learn more about how much to spend on a wedding gift here.
If I contribute to a cash fund on The Knot, will the couple know it's from me?
The Knot Registry makes it easy for couples to track all gifts from their guests. During the checkout process, a guest's name will be recorded alongside their monetary donation, meaning couples will know who contributed what. There's also an optional message box for guests to leave an additional note or wedding wish.
What should I write when contributing to a couple's cash fund on The Knot?
While you can find examples of what to write in a wedding card when giving money here, you may be looking for more specific guidance when contributing to their cash fund. The Knot conveniently allows guests to leave an optional message to accompany their cash fund donation during check-out. Your note can be short and sweet, like these examples:
- We hope our contribution to your honeymoon fund helps you relax and unwind during your trip to Jamaica. Have a few rum punches on us!
- Cheers to your wedding day! I hope this donation to your house renovation fund brings you one step closer to your dream home.
- Congratulations on your marriage. We hope this gift expresses the love and happiness we feel for you both.
- Here's to the beginning of a beautiful love story. We hope this gift helps you write many more chapters of happiness together.
*The 2026 The Knot Annual Registry study represents feedback from a quantitative survey sent via email to TKWW members with wedding dates between April 2025 and December 2026. Data collected in May 2026 with a total of n=1,759 respondents.
Emily Rumsey contributed to the reporting of this article.
