>>So giving cash or a check is proper...but an account number isn't...Funny people those Americans...maybe we're more straightforward....
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>>Checks is so 70ties to us ;)
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>Giving cash or a check or a lovely vase :) is an option that invited guest has. Telling them, beforehand, that you want money in your account is "improper" (again, IMHO). I am sure there is a better word to describe it (than 'improper') but I can't think of any.
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>I agree that electronic payments is so much better. I pay 98% of all my bills electronically. But there is still a place for checks.

I agree with Dmitry - you can not tell your guests that you want them to pay. For weddings and baby showers the common practice is to create a registry and people will pick up a gift from that registry.