If I am going to attend a "Destination Wedding," what type of gift do I give?

Question

If I am forced to pay (like everyone else) for airfare and a hotel stay, do I still give them the same gift they gave me for my wedding? Do I give them half the amount? What should they expect from us? We were going to give them $200, but airfare and a hotel stay will cost us like $2,000, plus time off from work. Should the gift amount be the same as they gave us or will they understand that if we gave them less, it would understood that we had to pay a lot to attend their wedding?

My wife and I are part of the bridal party, so we are required to go...

Answer 1

for destination wedding the best thing to give would be a gift card or certificate. because you don't want to buy a large gift and having to carry it on the plane with the hassle and then for them to bring it back so your best bet is a gift card, and you can put what ever you want on it but let it come from the heart. never give to get give for a blessing.
make sure that you have fun.

Answer 2

Your attendance at the wedding is the gift. You need not give a gift if you are paying expenses to travel. Most people will likely still give a gift but none should be expected by the newlyweds. It would be appropriate to give a small gift such as crystal candlestick holders or a vase. Regardless, gifts are from the heart. Do what your heart tells you to do.

Answer 3

The amount of the gift isn't important but, as its a destination wedding it may be nice to find something from the area like a nice mirror or other local handicraft. They have chosen the area for a reason and a nice momento of their trip will be appreciated for years to come. Keep in mind after a wedding you have upto a year to gift the couple. So sending a first Christmas together ornament and Christmas wreath may be a nice idea.

Answer 4

I'm sure your friends understand that you are spending a great deal of money, and taking off of work, to be with them for the wedding. However, think of this...if you're already going to be spending $2k for everything, what is another $200??? Think of the trip as a mini-vacation and the wedding is just an added bonus.

Answer 5

why not give them the same that they gave for your wedding and just stay home and save the other money you'd be spending by going. it doesn't seem like you're all that excited about going with your choice of words... "forced to pay airfare & a hotel stay". no one is making you go...

Answer 6

You shouldn't feel "forced" to give them anything. You were "invited" to the destination wedding, not "obligated." It is your decision to attend the wedding and put forth the cost of a vacation/wedding. My friends and family all traveled out for my wedding and I didn't expect them to get me anything. I was just happy to have them all share in our special day.

Answer 7

I don't think people who decide to have destination weddings should expect a gift. If you are family or really colse friends then maybe I would. No it shouldnt be the same as what they gave you. Did they spend 2000 to go to your wedding????

Answer 8

My cousin got married and I too had to pay for accommodations and rental car, gas, insurance and accommodations. I took pictures of the ceremony with my digital camera-created a power point presentation and emailed the pics to the newlywed before the pro pictures got back. Then i put them on a disk and mailed them-relatively inexpensive and easy on the budget.

Answer 9

ooo that's tough. I don't think they would expect a big gift if you are sacrificing so much to attend the wedding. If they do then that's pretty selfish of them. Just do what you can afford and wish them the best. They won't mind.

Answer 10

I have to go to a destination wedding as well in a week. I'm not giving as big a gift cause we frankly can't afford it. I think they'd understand.