when you go to a wedding how much of a gift do you give?

Question

are you suppose to give what the plate cost or should you go by how close you are with the coupple, im going to a wedding and thier spending 200 dollars on a plate. thats what most people gave me when i got married two years ago.

Answer 1

Who the hell in their right mind spends $200/plate? Sheesh.
IMO $100 is more than enough, unless she is like your best friend (which I doubt since you didn't mention anything about being in the wedding party). Spending what they spent on the plate is a nice idea, but let's be realistic. Not everyone can afford to spend $200 on a wedding gift.

Answer 2

They are spending $200.00 per plate? Wow! If I spent that I would be paying $50,000.00 just on the meal - never mind limos, photographer, attire, etc. Yikes! :) Hope it's a good meal!

Anyway, I don't really think the rule of "paying for your meal" applies any longer. I don't follow that rule. I believe that you give what you can afford and give based upon your relationship with the couple getting married. If you are close to them, then give the most that you can afford. If you are close to the couple then perhaps $200.00 as a total gift (for you and a guest) is appropriate. It also depends on whether or not you are traveling and need to pay for overnight accommodations. I don't believe the gift needs to be as extravagant if you also have to pay $150+ for a hotel room because you must travel a distance.

Just give what you can afford and what you are comfortable giving. When I get married, if I get a card with a nice personalized Christmas Ornament I will be thrilled. It's not about the money and gifts.

Answer 3

it depends on how much you make, and how close you are to them. I Have had two close friends get married and they know that i am broke and I gave them both gifts that were less than $100. Give what you can. They will be happy to get it. And at $200 a plate it sounds like they have some money so I am sure that a lot of there friends and family have money and they will be getting a lot of nice gifts!

Answer 4

I think it depends - do you think the $200 a person is an exaggerated figure? I mean that seems like a pretty hefty price.

First factor how much you can afford to spend. If you can only spend $50 then only spend that. Don't put yourself in a bad financial position just to buy a gift. Plus you can get them an actualy gift rather then a gift certificate - that way they may not know exactly how much you spent.

Answer 5

It depends on how close I am to the couple. A lot of times just your presence sharing the special moment is more than enough. A gift is given as a token. If you can afford it, give more but if budget is tight.... im sure they will understand it does not have to be a huge amount.

Answer 6

I never go by price at all. That does not mean that our finances are unlimited - it also changes with our circumstances at the time. It depends upon the relationship with the couple - family, friends, or acquaintances. I try to match the gift to the couple and their personalities. Why in the world would you match it to how much the dinner cost? That's nuts!

Answer 7

I spend on the gift depending on my closeness to the couple, I usually give them something that I find in their registry, but depending on my connection to them I choose a regular gift or a special one.

Answer 8

Use common sense. Give what you feel is the appropriate gift based upon the relationship -- not the cost of the event.

Answer 9

You're supposed to pay for your plate, and then give the bride and groom something after that. I think $125 is reasonable, depending on how well you know the couple.

Answer 10

Did you get to get to take the plate home.