Nieces/'nephews vs. close friends? My husband and I argue all the time. What does it really depend on, who's paying for the wedding, where it's located, how much we have??
Help!!
2006-10-17 13:19:39 · 10 answers · asked by njsueb 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Rule of thumb is it's the cost of the meal, basically the cost of you being there so today it's normally $100 per person if you live on the east coast where wedding are normally $30,000. It doesn't matter who is paying for it or any of that jazz, just the cost of the meal.
I have learned after the years of giving to little or too much- carry the card in your purse and write the check when you get there. Also you can call ahead and lots of place will tell you how much the wedding is a head today- I guess a lot of people don't want to short change the bride or groom.
After the COST of the meal and it's a close relative- then you can add some more on if you please.
2006-10-17 16:36:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It really is the thought that counts. When I got married, we had couples give us anywhere from $20 to $1,000, but honestly, the gifts that mattered the most were the ones that weren't money. We had plenty of gifts and cards with money at our reception. For family and close friends, I would say a personal gift would be nicer, but for people you don't know as well or who have everything already, money is good.
And it does depend on where the wedding is, if you have to travel far and have a hotel and definitely, definitely, it depends on your budget!
2006-10-17 20:44:42 · answer #2 · answered by usmcwife722 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In my experience, I only give money if they are family and I know they need the cash. If friends or friends children, I have never given money. I usually give a personalized gift, such as wine glasses with the bride and grooms initials engraved on them along with the wedding date.
I saw a really cool idea for a wedding gift on TV recently where a plain silver platter was given and set up at the reception. With a diamond tip pen, guests signed it and made a unique and personnel gift for the new couple.
Good Luck.
2006-10-17 20:48:36 · answer #3 · answered by donamarie_1 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
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, or a set price per "head" attending, nor is it based on the cost of your dinner.)
I suggest getting them something from their registry if they have one, they registered for a reason, it is stuff they want and/or need.
If it is your family you may wish to give something more heartfelt and memorable.
A gift should be a token of affection, freely given, and a token of good-will; a gift 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.
2006-10-17 22:01:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It should be based on your income level, and just how close the couple getting married are to you.
If it's immediate family, then you would want to spend a bit more. If it is just an acquaintance, then base that on your budget.
You can always make your budget stretch a little more if you buy something on sale. Provided the item can be returned, in case there is a problem with the item.
For non family members, I would say, $50.00 is more than enough, less if it's a more casual relationship.
2006-10-17 20:32:29 · answer #5 · answered by johnb693 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
100+
2006-10-17 22:03:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have always heard that there are two rules of thumb here. First, try and give them what you think they might have paid for the two of you to eat and drink at the reception. Second, the closer the person is to you, the more you give. But never give more than you can afford to.
2006-10-17 22:54:40 · answer #7 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's determined solely by your own budget and your affection for the couple. Nothing else. The "cover-your-plate" thing is an etiquette MYTH.
Actually, by strict etiquette, money is a very impersonal gift and you should shop for something you feel they will enjoy. A wedding is not a fundraiser.
2006-10-17 20:23:57 · answer #8 · answered by Etiquette Gal 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Give what you feel you want to. Weddings are a blessing and you should share your happiness with the bride and groom. Don't break yourself broke...but help the happy couple out. :-)
2006-10-17 20:51:49 · answer #9 · answered by blueeyeskenai 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
ETIQUETTE GAL MAY BE CORRECT BY MISS MANNERS STANDARD BUT THINGS HAVE CHANGED...GIFTS ARE GIVEN AT THE SHOWER, $$$ AT THE RECEPTION. CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY , I GIVE A MINIMUM OF $150. I NEVER GIVE LESS THAN $100. THIS IS THE NORM IN MY CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY, SO YOUR AREA MAY BE DIFFERENT
2006-10-17 20:30:40 · answer #10 · answered by sammi girls mom 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋