Is it acceptable to accept cash in lieu of gifts?

Traditional wedding etiquette actually says that it’s impolite to ask for any specific gifts from your guests, monetary or otherwise. If guests are curious about what to get you, they'll ask someone close to you what you want and the word will spread that you prefer cash gifts. When writing thank-you notes, do let the giver know how you intend to spend the money.

If you decide to set up an account because monetary gifts would benefit you more than a traditional wedding registry, or simply want your guests to know that you'd prefer checks -- let your parents, close relatives and friends, and wedding-party members know that when guests ask, they can tell them that. But don't completely forgo some sort of traditional wedding registry. Give guests a choice -- some may really want to give you something material, rather than just writing you a check.

If a traditional wedding registry isn’t your style, consider setting up a charity registry, a honeymoon registry, or a lifestyle registry. These programs are all great alternatives to the normal wedding registry.