My husband and I are attending a wedding at a resort in the Dominican Republic this summer. In our circle of friends/family it is customary (and expected) to give cash gifts, usually enough to cover your plate. This is between $100-$250 depending on the catering hall. Since we are traveling to this wedding and therefore spending on airfare/hotel do you think we should be as generous? How much do you think we should give? I believe weddings in the Carribean are not as expensive as in NYC where we live. They are also not spending extra money for a honeymoon since they'll already be there! It is my husband's coworker he has known for about 3 years.
2007-03-05 14:49:36 · 9 answers · asked by LLD 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
$100 will be perfect, close to a price for a nice dinner with your husband in the Carribean. I know you already spent a lot for the traveling but you also get a short vacation out of it.
2007-03-05 17:13:42 · answer #1 · answered by Speck Schnuck 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your circle of friends certainly has a mercenary mindset if you base your wedding gift on the cost of the wedding :(
However if that is your custom..in this case you're already 'paying for your plate' as most Dominican resorts are all-inclusive, and often offer wedding packages for free or close to it.
Why not do something totally unusual.. and actually give them a gift that they'll have forever instead of money that will just go for bills? You could even be REALLY old-fashioned and send it to the bride's home before the wedding :) You don't really want to start lugging stuff back and forth on the plane and paying for excess baggage.
2007-03-05 17:50:31 · answer #2 · answered by endorable 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For a wedding gift, my husband and I normally give $50-60, depending if we know the couple well or not.
In your situation I would definately not give more than that. You are already spending so much on the trip.
I have never known someone to give $100-250 for a wedding gift unless it is for a really close relative (son, brother). You must hang out with some high rollers.
Regardless of what gift you give, I'm sure (or I hope) the couple will be ever grateful for you just being able to attend the wedding.
Have a great time!
2007-03-05 16:22:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I would spend what you can. I'm usually all for giving what it costs for the bride and groom to have you at their wedding; however, this is an expensive trip. I would give about $100-150, if that is possible for you. If not, give what you can or buy off the registry.
I'm also from the NY area, so I'm very familiar with the custom of always giving cash at the actual wedding reception. But, like I said, this is a little less formal and less traditional then a formal wedding.
2007-03-05 15:25:38 · answer #4 · answered by Answer Girl 2007 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you given other people that the person knows money? If so, you should at least give this person the same amount. I base my monetary gift on the relationship that I have with the person. It would be tacky not to give them anything, just because they are having a destination wedding. I had a friend who had a destination wedding and I gave her $100. I didn't attend the wedding.
2007-03-05 15:02:34 · answer #5 · answered by Frances 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really have to give money, think about how much you'd usually spend for people that you'd buy a present for and then consider how much you have spent to get to the wedding. If you think that it's ok to give them $50 as a gift, so be it. If you think more than that good on you. Have you thought about finding someone else that is going to wedding that you know and going halves so you can give them a little more?
2007-03-05 22:14:59 · answer #6 · answered by pink_shoe1980 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how close you are with the couple. I assume you are close, seeing that you are traveling overseas to their wedding. I say give what you feel in your heart. NO less than $50.
2007-03-05 15:23:38 · answer #7 · answered by pretty_as_me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would give them $80
2007-03-05 17:18:50 · answer #8 · answered by tailsnnails 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since when do you have to give a gift to go to a wedding? Couldn't your presence be enough if the couple haven't seen you in a long time? Do really know them enough to even give a gift?
One isn't obliged to give gifts to such occasions, but if you have to, give what you can if it doesn't break you.
2007-03-05 14:58:19 · answer #9 · answered by grumpyfiend 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋