Help in figuring out wedding gift....?

Question

My brother in-law is getting married (wife's brother..) and me, my wife and our 3 children (age 16, 14, and 11) are invited...what is an appropriate wedding gift?? Thank you for all serious answers.....

I figure we will give money as the gift, but how much??? I am sorry, I am just not Mr. Ettiquette when it comes to things like this....

Answer 1

I always go with the registry..... easy gift you know they want. For money- it's suppose to be the cost of the food- so if you figure it's a fancy wedding and you basically have 5 adults going- at $100 a head- it's $500.00......
Now hopefully it's not that pricey of a wedding....
My girlfriend Amy always had a a trick- put the card and blank check into your purse and wait until you see "how" much the plate is going to cost.... I am sure you can guess it- and then write out the check. She does this because being east coast weddings are normally $100 a head... and she wrote a check for a couple for $200 and they didn't serve dinner or drinks which means she should have given them like $50. Now, my friend is not cheap, but she works for the church and god so she doesn't make a lot of money. I thought it was a great idea though because I only gave a friend $100 for 2 people and then I found out the wedding was over $100 per person... so I was a little embarrassed. You can also look up where she is getting married online and find a price... you can call too and ask the hotel/catering hall... I have done it before. I think it's very common so you know what to give.

Answer 2

Choose something off of their registry that is in your price range. Evin if it's a little low, then it won't matter since they picked it out to begin with. Maybe get two or three little things instead of one big one if you can.

The rule of thumb for money gifts when it's a single person is enough to cover a dinner for the couple at a restaurant, but you're going as a family. So, it should cover the cost of your plates, at least. Figure that they are spending $30 to $50 per plate. If you know exactly what they are spending, then use it. Multiply the amount by people attending, 5. So you would give $150 to $250 for cash, gift card, check, etc...

Talk to your wife about what she feels comfortable giving. It should reflect your own budget, and the relationship, in this case siblings. So the gift should be nicer than what you would give a friend or more distant family member.

Answer 3

Always a legit question. (don't let anyone tell you different).

Look at these factors: how close are you to your brother in law, and how much you could put aside for a gift ( because you have to factor how much your new clothes will be, if you have travel expenses, etc.)

I've seen monetary gifts from $50-$500. ( See what I mean?) So, talk to your wife and set a price.

Gift registries are always the most convenient way to go, but if they don't have one and you'd rather not put a check or cash in a card-a gift card is a great alternative.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Answer 4

For five people at a wedding you want to give a more substantial gift of money. You want to figure that you will cover your plate at the wedding. The average price per plate around where I live is about fifty bucks. So you would want to give them $250-$300 as a gift. Also you may want to think of giving them a little more than that because it is your wife's brother. Its close family. So if you can afford it I would give $500. When my brother got married my husband and I gave them $300 bucks and it was just two people going.

Answer 5

WOW You all must be RICH!

Etiquette dictates this:
Contrary to popular belief, there is no calculable amount of money each person attending a wedding should spend on a wedding gift. It is not the amount of money spent on the reception divided by the number of guests. A gift should be a token of affection, and is not intended to pay for the wedding. Consider your budget and spend accordingly. It doesn't have to be large or expensive. By sending a gift you acknowledge the joyous occasion.
Also dont forget to ask if the couple is registered somewhere.... you could then get them something they want and not have to be saddled with a monetary unit.

Answer 6

This is always a tough question! I don't suggest a particular amount of money is mandatory. A gift is a token of love and no amount of money really can be placed on that. But I do understand your situation, I struggle with this as well! If it is your wife's brother, here is what I would say:

If you are close to him: $400.00-$500.00
If you are not particulalry close to him: $250.00

There are quite a few of you going but it's really all about what you can afford - not about any kind of etiquette. It is your sister's brother, though - not your neighbor's kid or something like that.

Answer 7

Generally, people give about $100 to $200 for each person attending. At the very least, you give write a check for $300-$400 since your children are attending as well.

However, this is your wife's brother and family members give tend to give more. Therefore, if you can afford to do so, I would recommend writing a check for $500+.

Answer 8

A good wedding gift will be buying stuff for their home like towels, or stuff for the kitchen that will be something good to give. I think when a couple gets married they always need the help they can get because they are getting started.

Answer 9

A bed in a bag set is always a great gift idea. If they aren't registered for one a gift card of $100 or more will be a perfect gift.

Answer 10

You want to know the best gift to get them. Board games. I know that does not sound like a wedding gift but we got that for our wedding and that is the most used gift that we got. We play with our kids and our friends when they come over. We have tons of fun.