Cash Wedding Gifts Could Get Newlyweds Accused of Fraud

Cash-filled envelopes — a long-standing wedding tradition — may now raise red flags under new EU anti-money laundering regulations. Even newlyweds aren’t exempt from financial scrutiny, and Cypriot banks are urging couples to notify them in advance if they expect to receive money as gifts.

Experts from the Association of Cyprus Banks have advised that newlyweds should inform their bank before the wedding about any incoming cash deposits linked to wedding gifts.

To ensure full transparency, couples are now expected to submit their marriage certificate after the wedding when making such deposits. Simply walking into a bank with a stack of cash and saying, “We just got married!” is no longer enough.

Banks are looking for proof that the money didn’t just appear from under a mattress or come from suspicious sources.

This puts Cyprus — known for its lavish weddings and cash gift traditions — in an awkward position.

Without prior declaration, traditional cash gifts could now appear suspicious or even illegal under the new rules.

In short, if you don’t notify your bank about your wedding, you could technically end up facing fraud allegations.