Is it okay for bridal couple to ask for cash instead of standard registry gifts?

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Forget the china, picture frames and candle holders.

Times are tough and weddings are expensive so a growing number of couples are asking for what they really need – cash.

“Times are changing and we have seen that from the '20s and '30s to the '40s and '50s. They were all different as to how they did their weddings,” said Lynn Henderson, a wedding coordinator with Above and Beyond Weddings.

With the average cost of a wedding around $30,000 many couples say money is the best gift of all.

Kansas City bride-to-be Brittany Huffman is getting married in July.

While she will probably register for gifts, her good friend who is also tying the knot is asking for cash.

“They do not need the pots and the pans and the gifts. He is in the military and they are doing a lot of traveling based on his job so they need help financially. They wrote a nice little note informing all their guests ahead of time,” said Huffman.

Kallie Merrit-Jones was recently married and found a creative way to ask guests for financial contributions.

“We actually came up with a list of things we wanted to do on our honeymoon. Scuba diving, deep sea fishing, whatever it was, we put the prices out there for it and people could actually contribute to honeymoon activities if they wanted to,” said Jones.

There are also a number of cash registry websites.

On the site Deposit A Gift , you can create a registry list of the dreams and experiences you want people to contribute money to.

All this is still very new and wedding etiquette experts say some friends and family may not like the idea.

“I think for many who are in their 40s and 50s age bracket it depends on whether they feel comfortable. Especially if they can see a price tag, you know, how much so and so donated for our wedding. Some may still feel a little uncomfortable with that,” said Henderson.

Etiquette experts said it may also put a little pressure on your guests to contribute more money than what they were planning.

“I could definitely see how it would put pressure because I am a sales person. If I find something on sale that's what I buy so I understand. But then again, the bride and groom know their guests and I feel like they know what they can give,” said Huffman.

These days, if a bride and groom ask for money don't be surprised.

Our experts said as wedding trends change, so does wedding etiquette.

What do you think? Is it "okay" for a bride and groom to ask for cash? Leave a comment below.