How much cash to give as a wedding gift?

[Heidict]

Dh and I are attending a wedding tomorrow for a good friend of his. It is a casual wedding that is taking place in the backyard of the bride's mother's backyard. The reception will be there also.

I don't know if it is catered or it is more of a family cooked meal type of reception.

It has been a while since we have been to a wedding so I don't know what is normal or average to give as a monetary gift. My DH thinks that $50 is sufficient for a gift but I'm thinking that's cheap and it should be more.

Normally I would try to figure out the cost per plate if it was held at a reception hall, but since it's in the backyard I'm stumped.

HELP!

 

[dizzy99]

For a good friend, I would give more than $50 for myself and DH.

 

[krcit]

Honestly, I give the same whether a wedding is in a catering hall or a backyard. I haven't been to a wedding in a while but last one I gave $300 but keep in mind I'm in NY so the average gift here is probably higher than other parts of the country.

 

[PattnFmly]

We usually give $50 to $75 per person. So if both DH and I go, we'd give $100 or $150. Depends on whose wedding it is and how close we are to them. It wouldn't depend on catered vs. backyard bbq though, just how close we are to those getting married.

 

[trip]

We usually give $50 to $75 per person. So if both DH and I go, we'd give $100 or $150. Depends on whose wedding it is and how close we are to them. It wouldn't depend on catered vs. backyard bbq though, just how close we are to those getting married.

Bolding is mine. I don't care if it's a fancy sit-down dinner or punch and cake at the church, it's about how close I am the the bride and groom. (and what my bank account can afford)

 

[FireDancer]

Bolding is mine. I don't care if it's a fancy sit-down dinner or punch and cake at the church, it's about how close I am the the bride and groom. (and what my bank account can afford)

This is exactly the measuring rod I use. If a close friend is having a wedding in the back yard and a more distant friend is renting out all of Disney for their wedding the closer friend gets the bigger gift. The cost or location of the wedding has zero bearing on what I give, only how close I am to the people getting married.

 

[foolishmortal]

I gave my best friend and his new wife a brand new wii.....lol

 

[disneyjunkie]

I wouldn't give less than $150.

 

[AustinTink]

I only give money to family, especially younger family members just starting out. Otherwise, I buy a gift.

 

[bballmom56]

It seems to be a regional thing as to how much or what to give for wedding gifts. This northeast region is pretty pricey, but of course, you don't HAVE to go by that. We have been to several weddings recently and have given between $200 and $300 depending on our relationship and "closeness" to the couple.

 

[Nancyg56]

Honestly, I give the same whether a wedding is in a catering hall or a backyard.

This is what we do. I really do not feel that I need to pay for the plate if the couple chooses a facility that is way above my means and I never hold money back if the wedding is a buffet in the yard. If there is no shower I add some to the wedding gift and never give less than $150. If the wedding couple is a close relative I will give more but this is the norm for friends.

 

[whogirl'smom]

I would give a gift if it was a good friend. It seems like most monetary gifts around here come from family. I see you're in CT, though, so I'm sure it's different than TN!

 

[RadioNate]

I wouldn't give less than $100. I got married over 10 years ago & no one gave under $100 then. If I'm not attending the wedding & we aren't close to the couple, I give $50.

 

[Art 1]

50 to 100.

 

[mommasita]

Honestly, I give the same whether a wedding is in a catering hall or a backyard. I haven't been to a wedding in a while but last one I gave $300 but keep in mind I'm in NY so the average gift here is probably higher than other parts of the country.

Ditto for us.

 

[Heidict]

For a good friend, I would give more than $50 for myself and DH.

That is part of my argument. Per person, we can work with, but total. Nah, just not enough for a good friend or in this day and age.

Honestly, I give the same whether a wedding is in a catering hall or a backyard. I haven't been to a wedding in a while but last one I gave $300 but keep in mind I'm in NY so the average gift here is probably higher than other parts of the country.

Oh honey, you aren't just NY, you are Long Island. That is a whole other animal there.

Bolding is mine. I don't care if it's a fancy sit-down dinner or punch and cake at the church, it's about how close I am the the bride and groom. (and what my bank account can afford)

Bolding mine. That is always important.

I would give a gift if it was a good friend. It seems like most monetary gifts around here come from family. I see you're in CT, though, so I'm sure it's different than TN!

They have been together for about 6 years and living together for about 5 years and I think they are all set with household stuff and so they didn't register for anything.

 

[ICF]

Give what ever YOU feel is appropriate and can afford.

You'll get a wide range of answers and know that some people feel the gift is more / less based on the cost of the reception and that the couple that spends more on the party should get a better gift.

I dont agree with that way of figuring though, and give based on my relationship with the bride/groom and couldnt care less if they spent $200 or $20000 on the reception.

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

Like others have stated...What we give depends on how close we are to the couple & our pocketbook...& I usually give a gift not cash.

We get quite a few invites to weddings & in our circle nobody gives gifts of a huge $ amount. Some problary spend $15 to $20 on a gift, others a hundred...but some have the means to do so & others don't.

If $50. feels right go for it - if they are like the friends we have they'll be happy for the gift & even happier that you came to celebrate with them.

 

[JaneBanks]

We gave $400 to close friends. Again, it's regional. Do what you feel comfortable with!

 

[GJM]

Originally Posted by krcit View Post
Honestly, I give the same whether a wedding is in a catering hall or a backyard. I haven't been to a wedding in a while but last one I gave $300 but keep in mind I'm in NY so the average gift here is probably higher than other parts of the country.

I would be the same way - but I am from NJ and it is also higher plus for weddings it is usually money that is given as a gift.