"I had to interject....THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH ASKING FOR MONETARY GIFTS FOR YOUR WEDDING. This celebration is about you and your fiance' not the person who bring a gift. What is the difference in your going to a registry to pick out a gift and simply asking for cash. Money is still required. Different nationalities WILL NOT do a registry. For instance Chaldeans ALWAYS get envelopes with thousands of dollars in them. It isn't what you do but how you do it. Below I have provided a subtle way to ask for monetary gifts. Feel free to customize to your liking:
We have enough dishes and towels for two,
So we have a special favor to ask of you.
To save you shopping and buying a present
A financial blessing would really be pleasant.
No matter how big, no matter how small
It's the thought that counts, we recognize it all.
We truly hope our request is ok,
For this would truly make our day
So when we decide to buy something new,
We can say it was all thanks to you!!!
May I add that this was the invite to a high profile personality.... I hope this helps and CONGRATS!"
Really, no. It's not ok, even a cheesy little poem doesn't make it okay.