Nice little poem received with a wedding invitation which I would like to share:-
"We are sending out this invitation,
And hope you'll join our celebration.
If sending gifts is your intention,
In modesty we'd like to mention,
We've already got kettles and toasters
Crockery, dinner mats and coasters
But most importantly, we request,
Your presence as our wedding guest."
I am with Boo on this one. I do not think anyone should ask for money as a present at any time. It is very crude and polite people should not even ask for it.
Oh For Funks Sake, L4afette - the ceremony will be of suitable gravitas as will the meal afterwards. However, the party in the evening will be a booze laden affair. Thankfully, I don't know anyone who who get drunk and fight and end up in large pool of vomit. An awful shame that you clearly have such experience.