At the reception, there’s going to be a decorated box where wedding guests can leave greeting cards and gift cards for the bride and groom. What’s the proper wording for the sign that explains what the box is for? Thanks for your advice!

Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites

I couldn’t really offer any wording for this gift box since it is not proper etiquette.

I understand that in some areas and cultures it is customary to bring monetary gifts to the wedding, but having a gift depository set up wouldn’t really be proper since, technically, the bridal couple is not supposed to be expecting gifts. In most areas of the US, etiquette dictates that wedding gifts should be sent to the home of the bride before the wedding. The reasons for this have been mentioned in many past posts in this topic. Each guest should be greeted personally by the bride and groom during the reception and any cards can be given to the bridal couple at that time – discreetly. The bride and groom should determine, in advance of the wedding, a safe place to keep the cards so they are not lost or stolen.

Jodi R R Smith, The Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting
Author

I completely concur. If the venue has a bride’s room or other safe spot, I would place the box there as an easy repository should guests bring cards to the reception. Otherwise, the bride and groom should choose a well-trusted other (such as the father of the bride) to be the keeper of the cards. A box, no matter how lovely or elegantly it is presented, is an explicit request for gifts and is not appropriate at a wedding.

Rebecca Black, Etiquette By Rebecca

I agree. This box would, most likely, be viewed as a “wishing well”. Wishing wells are not viewed as polite by most. I agree that it is best for someone (many times it is the father of the bride or best man) to hold onto any cards that are given to the couple by guests. But, these should never be expected.