What would be an appropriate amount for a gift card as a wedding present for friends we met about a year ago?

Question

The couple would like a gift card from Home Depot and we met them about 10 months ago. Their wedding is casual.

Answer 1

I'D SAY ANYWHERE BETWEEN $25.00 AND $50.00

Answer 2

The fact that you know them for 10 months is not the most important, but how close you feel to them and/or like them as also what are your finances like. In general, you don't have to give an expensive gift because you are rich, but people will never call you cheap if you are poor and give a cheaper gift, but might do it if you are filthy rich.

A $50 seems like a pretty reasonable amount, but you might want to check Home Depot's web site and check out some gifts you would actually buy them if you were to go there and pick something and then figure out the amount you feel is appropriate.

Answer 3

Depends on how close you are to the people and what your financial situation is. Etiquette guides would tell you that your gift should be at least the amount of the cost the bride and groom incurred to invite you (ex. $60/person = $120 gift if you and a guest go). With weddings becoming more and more extravaggant this may not be possible. I think if you're good friends with them (see them once a week) I would spend $150, if less I would spend $100.

Again I don't know your financial situation but if your close to them they'll probably really appreciate it. If your close to them and they know you can't afford that much, they may feel akward you spent so much. If all else fails, find out what some of their other friends are spending and spend $25 more :)

Answer 4

Wow! that got me $100 is a lot for a not so close friend!! I give close family members that much but not a friend/acquaintance. Generally, if I go to the wedding, I give about $40 - $50 for your type of friendship. If they are a close friend, I would give $75-100 but don't feel obligated. Don't be set up to give more than is appropriate - my husband and I tend to be invited to many more weddings by family friends - who don't invite others in my family (as if I am the only one they know) because I have a better job than some in my family - often the rest of the family feels slighted. A few weddings back my neighbor asked another neighbor why the rest of my family wasn't invited to their son's wedding when we all grew up together and they said, "because we are putting out a very expensive spread and we didn't think the rest of the family could afford to help us recoup our costs like (we) could"....Get Out of Town! I wanted my friends at my wedding not benefactors!!! Give from the heart, but use your head. I say under 50$ Okay - to amend, after reading all the "it should be dependent on how expensive the meal is / what time of day----- OMG!!! are you kidding me? if someone wants to put on airs and have a $200 a plate dinner - that's on them, I have have so much more respect for couples that had a 12$ chicken dinner at a nice reception hall with the basics than I do for someone who has to go so deep into debit for one day, while expecting ME to pay for it??? NO< NO < NO that is SO wrong. You should plan a wedding on what you can afford, not on what you THINK you will get for a gift! Besides, if we are to pay for our meal (X2 as one reply says) what happens to the 50$ Crystal Vase that's purchased - from a friend - and her guest - for the $200 meals X2 = $400? - hardly seems fair does it now? and the meal isn't remotely paid for.

Answer 5

I would say $50. I don't think $25 is enough (most people give this amount for birthdays) And since it is a casual wedding I feel that $100 is too much (we only received $100 from family for our wedding). $50 is a good in between, enough to purchase an item that they may need or want.

Answer 6

About $30 to $50 dollars seems like a good amount. It they need to buy something big then they can use all of the gift cards that they get toward their purchase. You really haven't known them that long to be cleaning out your wallet.

Answer 7

You have known them for less than a year?

I would say a gift card between $25 and $50.

Have fun at the wedding.

Answer 8

50$

Answer 9

It is my belief that the wedding present should match or exceed the couples cost per person for the wedding. It doesn't matter if it is a casual wedding or formal they all cost.

Answer 10

$30-$50

Answer 11

If it was me, I'd cover the cost of your plate (and your date's) plus a little extra.

So if it's at a really posh hall and dinner/drinks are $100 pp, I'd give $250. ($100 x 2 + $50)

If it's in their backyard and catering is costing $25 pp then say $100 ($25 x 2 + $50)

The way I figure it is if you are going to feed me and give me booze then I don't want you to loose money inviting me.

If that's outside of your budget don't worry about it just give what you can, they invited you because they want you to attend not because they want your money. (at least I hope not)