Moneybag v. Cage

What I plan to do

I plan to re-create on of these hat boxes:
www.showermegifts.com

I am going to keep it under my table, out of sight and use it after people have handed me cards. I will not display an area for people to leave their gifts or cards for me. I want to thank each person when they hand me the card. Some people I know, had guests put their cards into the cage or mailbox and never say Goodbye to them. I am going to avoid that problem. Also be careful with cards just left on a table.

I will have the event manager bring any boxes (gifts) to my bridal suite instead of displaying them.
I hope this helps.

Moneybag v Cage * yes But

I see your point, but as Angie3 mentioned you may want to safeguard the cards in some way. We were very surprised by the amount of cash we received, we always give checks. I felt better knowing that everything was in one place and that our guests were comfortable knowing we received thier gift.

what we plan to do

I think we are going to wrap a box to look like a gift with a small slit underneath a bow. This way as we receive cards we can discretely put them into the box and people won't feel like they have to just deposte their card. We will probable have a tabel for gifts near ours or our parents table so that we can keep an eye on it or we may put it in our bridal suite or stick it under the table. Either way the box will be disguised as a gift so people won't know.

applesfla

That is a great idea! Thanks.

Mailbox here

I like the mailbox, I plan on making one there is a slit and it can be locked for safety which is unfortunately important, I dont want anyone to have to sit and guard it and not have fun. I dont know where i will put it, possibly next to us so people can come up and give it with us right there or not, it leaves the option. I plan on taking part of my cocktail hour so hopefully some people might give it then, and if not at least I said hello and thank you for coming at the beginning if Im still on the dance floor when they leave, just my bit, i have apporx 200 guests just seems like alot of people to have line up and time consuming out of an only 5 hour time of your life.

Probably the mailbox too (long)...

One of my friends told me not to get anything, because she is making me something - and I know she loves the idea of the mailbox...

I just don't see how the mailbox, birdcage OR moneybag are 'tacky'. Just like at a birthday party, a gift table is set up, well it's the same for a wedding. Maybe you won't have an actual gift table, but it's the same principle. A gift table at any type of party is set up in anticipation of receiving gifts. Well, a bag, mailbox or cage are set up somewhere for the same reason. I dont think anyone would walk in and say 'I can't believe they did that' no matter what you choose. Is it rude NOT to have a gift table for those guests who don't feel that it is customary to give a money gift, and bring a boxed gift instead?

I think that everyone will make a point to greet their guests during the night, either during cocktail hour, or walking around to each table during the reception. And we all know we are not doing it to receive gifts or to thank people for the gifts, but to say hello and to thank everyone for joining you for your very special day. So a bag, cage or box won't change that.

I do agree, that whatever is done, the envelopes should be locked up somehow. As hard as it is to believe, they can and may be stolen (not necessarily from guests, but possibly employees). I left a card on my table once, went for a dance, and when I returned it was gone (luckily it was a check). I had to explain to the bride and groom what had happened, so they didn't think we came empty handed. Of course, I mailed them a check the next day!

I really like threads like this, because it shows how differently people perceive things. It really is a matter of opinion. Just my 2 cents...Good luck to everyone, whatever you decide...

Probably the mailbox too (long)...

Ladies Wake up..after doing this for so long (Catering) I have seen people walk off w/ the envelopes & swear it was not them..So now that I am marrying a locksmith our wedding will have a WHITE SAFE that the gas stations use to drop $$ into..

why blondebride

Do you think a mailbox isnt safe enough? i think youll be ok,...cute as well with your future hubbys work and all!