I've posted something pretty similar to this already, but no one responded, so I'm posting again cuz I really need the help lol.

We plan on having an engagement party. Aside from the rehersal dinner, this will be the only pre-wedding celebration ~ no showers or bachelor/bachelorette parties. This party will be about a year before the actual wedding. As with anyone who has a normal wedding shower, we're really hoping to make a bit of money. That's actually the main reason why we'd like to have an engagement party, because we are on a very tight budget, and every little bit will help us.

I'm unsure on how to word the invitaitons. A friend suggested that we write something along the lines of - "Since we are not having a shower, we ask you to come and join us in celebration at our engagement party". She said people would most likely get the hint to give something, because you normally give gifts for a shower. But I'm just affraid some people won't get that hint lol. So, I was thinking of maybe writing, along the bottom of the invite, something like this - "Small gifts (or donations?) of money would be very much appreciated, but are not neccesary". Is that completely inappropriate to write in an invitation? What does everyone think I should do??