We are invited to a wedding. How much is appropriate to give to a cousin?

Question

I plan on just giving money rather than buying a gift. Thanks.

Oh yes, another similar question....our neighbors are finally getting married. We aren't invited to a wedding, but I'd still like to give them something, how much do you think is appropriate? Thanks!

I'm not at all close to the cousin: It's my husband's cousin. I just was wondering how much would be good. I was thinking 80 dollars.

Answer 1

Base the gift on a combination of how close you feel to the people getting married and how much you can afford.

For your neighbors, since you weren't invited to the wedding, I'd give something of a token gift. This isn't because I think you should be 'cheap', but because it might embarrass them to receive a fancy or expensive gift from someone they couldn't invite to the wedding. Maybe a gift certificate to a local restaurant that covers dinner and dessert? A small fruit basket? A nice bottle of wine? In this case, though, I wouldn't give cash.

Just please don't get caught up in the 'cover your plate' nonsense! Weddings are not about making money or even breaking even; they're about creating a family. Whether you give a check for five hundred dollars or a crisp one dollar bill in a money card, it's a gift and it's up to the happy couple to be gracious about it.

Answer 2

This question cannot be answered in general - how much would you spend on a gift? Take that as a guideline and maybe round it up a little to make the figure looking better.
Neighbours: No money especially if you are not invited. A nice card and/or some flowers would be more personal.
If you think they are that poor that they need some money find another way to support them.

Answer 3

For your cousin, it depends on how close you are to them.

For your neighbor, it'd be nice to get them a gift card (say for $25 with a congratulations card) to a place like Lowe's, Home Depot, Linens N Things, or some other place like that. It's the thought that counts, especially since you aren't invited to the wedding.

Answer 4

It depends on where you live, how elaborate the reception is. Try to cover the estimated cost of you plates and add at least $25.

As for the neighbor, a gift card to a home improvement store, or a nice yard decoration would be good.

Answer 5

I think a gift of $80 is very generous. You give what you can afford. Please do not buy into the wedding industry idea that you need to "cover your plate" or anything like that. The best gift you can give someone starting out with their married life is your sincere wishes for happiness.

Answer 6

A lot depends on how close you are to the couple getting married and your financial situation.

I believe the general rule of thumb is to try to give at least enough to cover the cost of your meal at the reception.

Answer 7

its all your choice. its up to your comfort. my big gift is $200 small is $50. wats yours? who knows? it also depend on where is the invitation held. $50 for a high class hotel? then you better dun go.

Answer 8

$100 is good. For your neighbor, since you weren't invited, a nice picture frame ought to do!

http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchResultsView?Ntt=wedding+frame&Nty=1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&N=35&Ntk=all_fields&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&RPP=12&SBQ=yes

Answer 9

whatever you can afford.....weddings are too much about material things these days instead of about the joining of two lives. I am sure you cousin will appriciate whatever you can give.

Answer 10

my uncle got $2000 from his Boss during his wedding last December, and a few cheques (and they are only friends). I did the counting, IT WAS ALOT. . .

but it really depends on how close you are to you cousin.

Be generous if need be.