How much for wedding gift?

StewieG · August 2010

I am going to a wedding in a few weeks of a couple who did not register anywhere, so I am wondering what your thoughts are on the appropriate amount for a wedding gift.

It is the bride's second marriage, but groom's first. Been friends with the bride for about 10 years. Never super close friends, but friends who keep in touch and see each other a few times a year.

I was just going to give the couple some money since they didn't register. How much would you give?

ChelseaNelson · August 2010

I would give them $50. $25 per person. I am only 24 though and while we have extra money every month, we still dont have alot...if I was better off I would likly give more. If I buy a gift I go anywhere from $45-$80 depending on what is left on the registry.

blondie424 · August 2010

I always wondered this same question too and never knew if I was gifting too much/too little until our wedding this past April. Pretty much across the board, the standard gift was $50 (both for cash and giftcards). We obviously had some that were less than that and some that were more. We also only invited close friends and family, which might have made a difference...I know I personally tend to give a little less than $50 if it's a long lost relative we never talk to or someone we're not super close with. HTH!

huwehotaling · August 2010

$30-50

StewieG · August 2010

Thanks everyone. I was thinking $50ish, but didn't know if that was too cheap. Sounds about right.

thedutchgirl · August 2010

I give more than has been suggested in this poll, but I'm probably a bit older/further along in my career than others. (Generally $150-$250 depending on closeness to couple.) Also, I haven't actually been to a MN wedding. (Moved here 3 years ago.) Give what you are able, and that is sufficient.

marcylth · August 2010

I guess I'm the outlier here. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable giving cash unless I could give something more substantial than $50. We were tight on cash last month because of booking an October vacation and I had a wedding where the couple didn't register. I took my time and picked out something very special at the Bibelot that I knew they'd love. It only cost me $30 - and I didn't feel bad because I really took care to pick something special.

The bride later emailed me and told me how special it was to her and how much it meant that I would take the time to pick something out that fit them so well.

So - long story short - in this situation, I'd buy a gift instead of cash.

bmcapra · August 2010

Honestly, give what you can. When we were opening cards for our wedding we were just greatful for the gift, we did not judge anyone on how much they gave us.

With that said we usually give $50 and if we are in the wedding party we give more.

Kimee13 · August 2010

Anywhere between $30 - $75 for an acquaintance and $50 and up for close friends/family. I think most people would prefer $20 in cash or gift card rather than a random trinket you pick up - then again I'm biased, I find most trinkets cheesy.