Sorry - I haven't been to a wedding in a long time, and am unsure of how much is appropriate for a cash weddign gift. This is for my niece. I would say we are fairly close with her and her husband to be.
If it has any bearing, there are 5 of us attending the wedding (my wife, myself, and three kids age 8 - 10). Don't not if it matters, but we are in the North East U.S.
Any thoughts?
2007-10-12 04:53:19 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
I'd say our family is middle class / average income / etc. I was thinking $200 or maybe $250, but really have no idea what's expected. I'd say the niece's mother (my sister) and I are pretty close if that matters.
2007-10-12 05:03:37 · update #1
thanks - answers are looking good so far. The thing that's kinda throwing me off is the fact that the 3 kids are coming. I'd be pretty comfortable giving 200 or 250 if just my wife and I were attending. I know the kids are getting "kid's meals", but I believe that'll be around $100 for the 3.
2007-10-12 05:46:14 · update #2
$250. She's family, you're in the NE, you're close, you're bringing 5 people.
2007-10-12 05:02:10 · answer #1 · answered by melouofs 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The appropriate amount of a wedding gift (whether a cash gift or the value of an actual gift) is very much dependent on a number of factors, mainly, your relationship with the couple, your social circle, and (most important) your own financial situation.
However, it's possible to share some generalities about gift size, which I hope will be of some help to you.
In the West, I would say that at the average middle income wedding, the average gift for a niece/nephew/godchild or similar relationship probably averages about 30 to 75 dollars.
For upper income social circles, the numbers are probably more like $75 - 100. (This is per person.)
In eastern and southern US cities, the average amounts seem to be a bit higher. Also, the general gift-giving etiquette appears to be bit more strict.
A special relationship between you and the bride or groom might suggest a slightly higher gift amount. Also, a general habit of giving larger gifts would also need to be considered.
For example, if you are the kind of person who would give $20 for a birthday or graduation gift for a person with whom you have a similar relationship, then for a wedding, you would probably want to spend
closer to $50 than $20. A wedding, since it's a "one-time-only" event and such an important rite of passage, usually merits a slightly more elaborate gift than some other events.
Hope this helps. Best wishes to you, and to the bride and groom.
I think what you are planning to give sounds reasonable. This is your close sister's daughter. Be generous.
2007-10-12 05:30:46 · answer #2 · answered by chipper 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A lot depends on your means, the needs of the couple, and the closeness of the relationship. I gave my nephew, whom I love dearly $500, and my wife gave them an heirloom family Hummel with a value of $1600. Since they are young and both pursuing medical education where they're working their way through I didn't consider this ostentatious. There are other family members with far more means than I that I consider a $20 bill in a card an appropriate gift. A couple gave my daughters $5000. It's all a matter of means, needs, and ability. You can't put a dollar amount on love.
Paying for the meal is somewhat gross. These receptions and catered affairs are becoming an expected thing which is totally unnecessary . Get MacDonald's on the way home. The gift is a gift, not a meal ticket.
2007-10-12 05:56:27 · answer #3 · answered by Fr. Al 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
II was married 3 1/2 years ago and I believe my Aunt and Uncle on both sides gave about $500. One was a party of 2, the other 3 adults. I think children are 1/2 price, if covering you plates is a concern. I was married in NJ.
If it was a friend I would say $250 would be adequate, but for a close niece $500 if you can afford it.
2007-10-12 08:41:48 · answer #4 · answered by no_frills 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
$100
2007-10-12 04:56:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
$200-250 sounds fine. I don't like giving cash gifts. It's so impersonal, but sometimes it helps a young couple get a start.
2007-10-12 06:17:53 · answer #6 · answered by Zelda Hunter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends mostly on your finances. If you're living paycheck to paycheck, then $50 is fine; but if you're financially stable or affluent, then consider a couple hundred. How much would you spend on a fancy dinner for your whole family?
Personally, I think it's always better to err on the side of generosity.
2007-10-12 04:58:14 · answer #7 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Give however much you can afford without being stuck for cash.
There is no prerequisite for how much to give.
Personally if I'm related (sister or daughter, etc) I'd give more, if I were a cousin or other relative or friend I wouldn't give as much unless I were VERY close to them.
$150 sounds good to me. But it can be however much YOU want to give.
2007-10-13 11:08:04 · answer #8 · answered by Terri 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What ever you can afford and would like to give. I've seen everything between $25 and $2500. I think the most standard amounts I have seen are $50, $100, and $250.
I'm sure whatever you chose will be highly appreciated.
2007-10-12 04:58:06 · answer #9 · answered by SS109 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rule of thumb I use is 100, but to close relatives I will give 200
2007-10-12 05:01:31 · answer #10 · answered by mike o 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The general rule of thumb is enough to pay for your meal and then a little more. Since you have 5 people attending that rule would cost you a lot of money so I would say $100-200 if you are able.
2007-10-12 05:01:53 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋