What is an appropriate amount to give a cousin at her wedding?

Question

My cousin is getting married this weekend. She and her fiance are both 24 and just getting out of graduate school and have asked for cash in lieu of gifts so that they can make a downpayment on a home. I am flying to Cleveland and spending a night in a hotel to attend the wedding (spending about $450). My family is pretty close and I can afford to give whatever I decide (within reason), but I have no idea what the appropriate amount to give in a situation like this.

Are there any rules or guidelines to go by? How much would you give?

Answer 1

call the place where the reception will be- or visit the website. you wont know exactlly what package the couple has or exactly what they will be paying but you can get an approx price per person.

Answer 2

Since you're already spending money to attend the wedding, I'd just give $50 to $100. Most of my friends that have gotten married have gotten gifts that cost around $30-50. I live in a small town though and the weddings are small church w/ a buffett for lunch/dinner. I did spend $100 on my best friend and since I had the maid of honor duties (her 12 year-old sister got the title, I got the duties), I also probably spent a few hundred on her bridal shower.

Answer 3

With out any details other than what you got; I'll offer my opinion as to one possibility to as to how to handle it.

If your cousins are so considerated to share their desires as to how you should pay homage to them;

It would be more than appopriate for all of you in turn, as there now newly installed power brokers, to pull this off for them "within reason" by asking them to provide the documentation from the lending institution as to their required percentage (like 10-15%) amount of the down payment and any related closing fees that it would take.

Let them know that your little family group would love and will do this(pay it) for them with the understanding that it does not go over a set amount determined by you all as a family who are trying to help them.

If this is not enough tell them you will keep it on hold until "they make up the additioanal difference.

If they can't do that or they are not willing to do that then i would suggeat that you go and get a "Hallmark Moment" condolence card for $5.00 for them.

Either way its a done deal and no one really gets hurt and the group of you as supporting family members can go home with a clear conscience.

I would not do anything less than this. If there is any negative feed back from them "ever" they can't attack one without attacking the whole supportive group.

Just my thought on the matter. The best to you and them.

Ed

Answer 4

My family is mostly blue collar working folks and a lot of retirees. For a cousin, niece, or nephew, $25-$100 would be the norm, depending on how close they are, and how much the giver could afford.

Answer 5

The typical amount is $50 - $100

Answer 6

I'm actually going to a wedding this weekend and wondering the same thing.. But I'm probably going to give about $75-$100

Answer 7

Well you are already spending $$ on having your daughter in the wedding. $50-$100 would be fine. Or make a nice basket and it looks more then what you spend!

Answer 8

How close are you to the cousin?

$50 is always a good number.

Its up to you though, if $50 will break you, make it less. If $50 is chump change and they are close, then give them more.

Answer 9

Friends and family 300-400

all others 100-200

Answer 10

at least the amount to cover the dinner plate and $50-$100 for a gift.