My boyfriend and I are going to the wedding of one of my work colleague's. I've known him for two years and we've hung out a few times outside of work. We're not super close, but I would consider him more than just an aquaintence. We want to give money and a card as a gift at the reception. How much is appropriate for my boyfriend and I to give them? Is $100 too much or too little? It's a big and expensive wedding. Does that make a difference?
Any help is much appreciated!
2006-10-13 06:12:56 · 24 answers · asked by Edict Help 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
I would first have to ask if you have given any other type of gift -- bridal shower gift, engagement gift, etc.
Have you attended any of the pre-wedding parties?
If the answer to the first question is yes, then $100 from the 2 of you is a nice gift. Not too much but not cheap.
If you have also attended the pre-wedding parties, I might up the amount to $200.
If you didn't do either, I would say in the ballpart of $75-100.
Remember this, even though THEY are having the big & expensive wedding, it was there decision, and the amount of the cost of your dinner, dancing, dessert, etc. costs is not the right way to determine the amount of your gift.
2006-10-13 07:24:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would agree that $50-$100 would probably work. I'd say closer to $100 if you can afford it. You did state that he's a bit more than an acquaintance but not a close friend necessarily.
I do think, to some extent, the expense of the wedding is a consideration. If they're doing a small affair in a rest. that's one thing. If they're throwing a big shin-dig at a hall/hotel, that's going to cost much more. So at least covering much of your food/drink/entertainment etc. would be nice.
2006-10-13 13:24:22 · answer #2 · answered by dapixelator 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have read in etiquette books that you should give what the couple paid per plate, as a rule of thumb. So say the bride and groom paid approx. $100 per person for their wedding, then your gift should be around $200 (since the gift is from 2 of you). Now, I have been to wedding where its been 100 a plate, but I just can't afford a 200 dollar gift (especially when I have had several weddings in several months to attend). So I usually give 125. I feel this way I put more thought into it than giving the standard 100 dollars...
2006-10-13 13:28:33 · answer #3 · answered by TP 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
$100 is a very acceptable gift. It definately won't come off as being cheap. I am sure that they would appreciate any gift. Just an idea, I went to a wedding this past weekend and I found Etched crystal Mikasa bar glasses at Macys.com on sale. I bought 3 beautiful sets of glasses for $100. I thought that it would be a really nice keepsake gift.
2006-10-13 13:21:53 · answer #4 · answered by Brutally Honest 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the $100 level is fine.
You cannot be expected to adjust your gift giving based on the expense of the wedding. For example, if you were invited to, say, Donald Trump's wedding, would you be expected to give a car? Of course not. And you wouldn't go lower if it were a wedding of two people without means.
Give a tasteful, thoughful gift, along the lines of what you suggested. A reasonable person could not ask for more!
2006-10-13 13:21:56 · answer #5 · answered by Coffeyvillian 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
$50 to $100 is standard if you can afford it. Usually only family gives the higher amounts. Again it's what you can afford. No friend would expect anything more of you. And the expense of the wedding doesn't make a difference.
2006-10-13 13:19:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Appox $100-$125. It all depends on where you live. Big cities like Chicago & NYC I assume you give appox $150-$200 for a couple. If you know its expensive then you have to pay. If its a buffet then maybe you and your boyfriend shoulg give $50 total. These people are shelling out tons of $$ for music, food, pics, and its there wedding. If your strap for cash I say $100-$125. Don't forget to invite them to your wedding.
2006-10-13 13:23:31 · answer #7 · answered by Hunter 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think $100 for a couple attending a wedding is fine. It doesn't matter how big or fancy the wedding is, as long as you are there to share their special day. So don't worry, just get a nice card, and go enjoy the party!!!
2006-10-13 16:24:04 · answer #8 · answered by tiggerluv252000 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give the $100.00 and a coupon for a free cheeseburger too. You give $100.00 if you aren't going to attend. I would suggest $175.00 at least. I do not know where you or any of these other people live but if you know/knew before hand that you were going to be invited to a wedding and worried that you couldn't afford it, instead of buying coffee, lunch or anything else that you couldn't bring from home or had to buy as a luxury...save your money instead.
If any of these people invite you to their wedding..give them $20.00 and they will understand that is all you are able to afford.
2006-10-13 13:26:37 · answer #9 · answered by MVAC 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Is it appropriate to give more than you can afford?
You should give what you feel the need to give and what you can afford to give. If your friendship is dependent on how much of a wedding gift you can give then why bother going?
2006-10-13 13:17:18 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋