Woman Giving Wedding Gift Despite Couple Asking for Money Sparks Anger

A wedding guest has sparked fury online after opting to defy the bride and groom's request that attendees provide money in place of a gift.

While it's something of a wedding tradition for guests to give the happy couple a present that will serve as a lasting memory of their big day, according to Chenai Bukutu, founder and creative lead at By Chenai Weddings, times are changing.

"Couples are now leaning more towards cash contributions for honeymoons as a wedding gift," Bukutu told Good Housekeeping. "It's common for couples to even set a specific figure to ensure that the contribution is affordable for everyone—in this case gifting the amount as specified will suffice."

However, one woman has decided to go against the express wishes of her "best friend" and her groom by buying them a gift rather than hand over cold hard cash.

Writing on Mumsnet under the handle WhatsHoppening, she explained that she opted to defy their request after finding a "gorgeous gift" she is convinced they both "would love."

Though she said she has "no hate" for anyone asking for money at their wedding, she is convinced she is doing the right thing.

She said that when she got married, they received "a few lovely homeware items" that she loves using even now because they "bring back fond memories." Despite their request for money, she is hopeful her gift will "do the same."

Many on social media disagreed.

"They've been clear in what they'd like and also prefer," Quincythequince wrote. "Why would you not want to provide this for them, rather than your idea of what you think she'd love?"

"I think it's a bit odd to deliberately go against the express request of the couple but if you think you know what they want better than they do then go ahead," another user, AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair, commented. "Personally a homemade item would mean nothing to me but obviously I have no clue how your friend would feel."

ArtVandalay said: "Much as I loathe demands for money as it's the height of vulgarity, if they've asked for cash, you're sort of obliged," with Libertaire commenting: "Give them what they asked for and stop making this about what you think they should want."

CapMarvel was inclined to agree, writing: "Just give them money. Don't give them an ugly vase or something that they'll need to stick a cupboard and bring out when you are visiting," while PlasticineMeg said: "Just give her money like she's asked for."

Despite the backlash, some were keen to defend the woman's decision. Hattie43 commented: "I understand her sentiment because just giving cash feels like a business transaction, no more personal than paying a bill."

Nelliephant1 recommended she just be honest with the bride. "Why not just tell her that you've seen something that you think she'd love and would she mind if you got her that instead of cash, but if she'd really prefer the cash then that's ok?," they said. "You don't have to tell her what the gift is, just ask in principle."

Newsweek has contacted WhatsHoppening for comment.