Should couples ask for cash as a wedding present?

Giving big is back in vogue after the lean years and couples are now expecting their guests to flash the cash and dig deep when they tie the knot, writes Arlene Harris

There was a time when humble weddings were the norm, then, for a few years the entire country lost the run of itself and not only were lavish receptions being thrown with all in sundry on the guest list, but said guests were also expected to cough up with an appropriately extravagant gift.

Then came ‘The Downturn’ and we were all back to basics with thoughtful presents the order of the day. However, ifreports are to be believed, expensive gestures are on the rise again and anyone receiving an invite to a wedding this year, should get ready to splash out on a costly gift or a cash donation for the happy couple.