To give the newly weds exactly what their invite requests?

[BeeFreeForTea]

I've been invited to a wedding (family). They've requested people don't give cash or gifts, but put in a scratch card.

AIBU to just put a £5 scratch card in?

I'm really not sure. They've asked for it, after all. I usually give wedding couples £50 or £100 to close friends and family.

I'm not sure I'm comfortable putting £50 worth of scratch cards in... Says she who religiously plays the lottery twice a week

fochit I like that thinking. I trust they will also notice those who look glum if they win !

I wouldn't really do the gambling charity. If I didnt know them that well (and tbh I wouldn't be likely to), I'd probably put 25 worth of scratchcards in an envelope and hand them over with a big smile and an inward shudder.

Perhaps scratch cards mean something to them.

On the one hand I think it's a good idea and settles a lot of fret over gifts etc - I just don't like the idea of pouring all that money into gambling. Gambling companies are REALLY going to want this to catch on aren't they

...... and those shuddering HeronLanyon 😂

I think this is a rather nice way of saying - "We want YOU at our wedding! Don't worry if you feel you can't afford much of a gift, or a new outfit or anything else - just come as you are and have a great time helping us celebrate!"

I think it's very refreshing when you hear what some of the people on MN have been asked to buy/donate for weddings.

I'd do as someone else suggested - £5 scratch card and a donation to a charity.

I would imagine they don't expect you to spend as much on scratch cards as you might have felt obliged to spend on a present. If they specified 'a scratch card' then that's all they will expect, which is in stark contrast to people with completely over the top wedding lists and expectations. I'd buy maybe 20 or 30 quids worth.

Gambling companies are REALLY going to want this to catch on aren't they

Yep, and judging by this thread they've done most of the work already!

If I asked for a scratch card I'd be annoyed with people purchasing multiple scratch cards because it completely defeats the object. Their intention is that people don't feel the need to spend much money and nobody is feeling guilty over whether they've spent enough.

I just don't like the idea of pouring all that money into gambling

Is it any worse than pouring the same money and more into booze though? Given that bottles of wine are popular wedding gifts for the same reason (inexpensive, not wasteful household crap)?

Gambling is very similar to alcohol in my eyes in that they cause big issues for some people (who need to stay away). Whereas others can have a bit of fun with them without getting into trouble.

If you’re in the latter category, I don’t see the issue.

I think it's a fab idea. Stick a £10 selection in and cross your fingers for them.

Buying people crap they don’t want that’s going to sit in the attic gathering dust forever is far more wasteful than this.

Oh didn't realise it was an 'either/or)

I don’t do the lottery but doesn’t some of the money go to charity anyway?

My mil sent the kids scratch cards this xmas totalling £50.. what a bloody waste of money they are . No one won anything so she basically threw her money away .. her money so I don't care but completely pointless !!

Oh didn't realise it was an 'either/or

Well, what would you feel comfortable giving?

Cash?

I genuinely want to get the couple something they want, which is why traditional wedding lists are my preferred option. But also why I'd grit my teeth and buy the scratchcards. Although as this thread has proved, do you spend 5 or 50?

I've never bought a bottle of wine as a wedding gift, wine is for dinner parties.

One friend of mine had a list of trees and plants you could buy which seemed a lovely idea.

My mil sent the kids scratch cards this xmas totalling £50.. what a bloody waste of money they are

Complete waste and I'm sure the dcs would have rather had cash. I'd feel quite angry if someone did this.

dSwas recently given a great wodge of scratch cards as a birthday present from some friends. He got too bored to even complete scratching them and it made a filthy mess. He couldn’t be bothered to go and collect the few quid in winnings either.

I’d buy one for £5 as a guest and consider making a charity donation to a charity which supports something important to them.

One friend of mine had a list of trees and plants you could buy which seemed a lovely idea.

Lovely if the B&G are into into plants. Utterly pointless if they’re not.

Traditional wedding lists are just impractical for most people in this day and age. And people are valuing ‘stuff’ less and less.

The present is about the B&G, not you. They’ve been considerate enough to tell you what they want. Why not just do it with good grace (I.e. no inward shuddering’ )

I think this is a good idea.
In one of our locals shops every week, you put £1 on the number you think may be the Bonus one in the lottery. The winner receives scratchcards to the amount paid in by customers. I've only won once but made just shy of £100.
It's just a bit of fun and I'm sure that's why the newly weds are doing it too.

Although as this thread has proved, do you spend 5 or 50?

Well as the invite says a scratch card you'd buy one scratch card

What is the difference between buying £50 worth of scratch cards and giving them £50 which they could then spend on scratch cards?
You have a much better chance of getting something with the straight £50.

Just remembered I did buy my late ma a scratch card for a silly laugh (neither of us had ever bought one). Just day before her (unrelated in any way!) death. She won £7 and was over the moon as first ever gamble in her long quite ‘puritanical’ life. Later I found an envelope with £3.50 in for me in her kitchen. Really made me sob and now a bit later it’s such a lovely silly memory.
Hey ho.

Oh Heron

That is so touching - I nearly broke down myself when I read that.

Later I found an envelope with £3.50 in for me in her kitchen

Aw, that’s so sweet