wedding gifts

[JAM113]

I know it differs by region, but wondering what the going rate is for cash wedding gifts these years, per couple.

 

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

We give $200.00.

 

[mjkacmom]

$300, although it's been a long time since I attended a wedding. I live in an area with generous wedding gifts, though.

 

[wishesuponastar]

We give between $150 and $200 for the two of us to attend.

 

[goofyintoronto]

$300, although it's been a long time since I attended a wedding. I live in an area with generous wedding gifts, though.

Same here. Anywhere from $200-$300 is the standard cash gift.

 

[aprilgail2]

300-400 per couple

 

[jdb in AZ]

Wow. Where were all you people when DH and I got married?

I guess we have cheapo friends and family. When DD got married 12 years ago the "going rate" was about $25. Even with inflation factored in, I doubt any of them would cough up more than $50.

 

[aprilgail2]

Wow. Where were all you people when DH and I got married?

I guess we have cheapo friends and family. When DD got married 12 years ago the "going rate" was about $25. Even with inflation factored in, I doubt any of them would cough up more than $50.

wow- I remember a wedding I was in back in 1983 and the going rate was 75-100 back then!

 

[wishesuponastar]

My side of the family gave us $35, DH single cousins without a date gave us $100 each. That was 17 years ago.

 

[LJSquishy]

A lot more than region factors into wedding gift value.

For us it depends on the relationship we have with the couple marrying first of all. We don't give a huge gift to someone we aren't close with, of course we aren't likely to attend their wedding either.

Our budget is also a major factor in purchasing a gift. When my sister got married, we spent about $150 on their gift. When my brother-in-laws got married we spent about $75 on one and only $40 on the other...we give what we can afford at the time.

Call me a bad guest, but I never factor in what the wedding couple is spending on their wedding (venue, plate per person cost, etc)...that is their choice. I give what I can but I'm not going to cut necessities out of my budget to buy a more expensive gift. I always purchase from their registries, though.

We try to avoid most weddings.

 

[Bluestars]

$100, unless it's a close relative, then I will spend maybe $150 or $200. I don't know anyone who spends $300 on a wedding gift for friends. I guess I hang out in low places. I've also never been to a wedding where I was expected to cover my plate. That sounds more like a business transaction.

 

[Pikester]

I'm from NH. If you invite me to your wedding I'm assuming it's because you like me enough to want me included in your special day . I have no control over how much you spend on your wedding so if you can't afford what you have planned then why should I be giving you cash to cover costs. We tend to give $50 to cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends depending on how close we are to them. We give more if we are closer and can afford to.

I researched this very thing a few years ago when invited to a cousin's wedding on Long Island. According to a wedding gift calculator I was suppose to give them close to $300. Not to mention the cost for a hotel room, the gas for the drive down, appropriate clothing and meals that we had to eat out. We gave what we could and if it was a problem then too darn bad.

 

[mjkacmom]

$100, unless it's a close relative, then I will spend maybe $150 or $200. I don't know anyone who spends $300 on a wedding gift for friends. I guess I hang out in low places. I've also never been to a wedding where I was expected to cover my plate. That sounds more like a business transaction.

It's really isn't cover your plate - it's just what the majority give here. Most will give a $25 gift for a child's birthday, $100 for a Baptism or First Communion, $300 for a wedding. I also gave $200 to my friend's dd for her Bat Mitzvah (and we're Catholic).

It seems like most people have a certain idea of what they will give in any gift-giving occassion. Depending upon region, these amounts will be different - I don't know why anyone gets insulted that we're really quite generous in the NYC area. Keep in mind, the average salary here is also a lot higher than other areas. With the COL, $300 here does not equal $300 in other areas.

I don't think there are any right or wrong amounts. I know brides and grooms here DON'T care what anyone gives them. I'm sure it's the same with couples around the country.

 

[krcit]

It's really isn't cover your plate - it's just what the majority give here. Most will give a $25 gift for a child's birthday, $100 for a Baptism or First Communion, $300 for a wedding. I also gave $200 to my friend's dd for her Bat Mitzvah (and we're Catholic).

It seems like most people have a certain idea of what they will give in any gift-giving occassion. Depending upon region, these amounts will be different - I don't know why anyone gets insulted that we're really quite generous in the NYC area. Keep in mind, the average salary here is also a lot higher than other areas. With the COL, $300 here does not equal $300 in other areas.

I don't think there are any right or wrong amounts. I know brides and grooms here DON'T care what anyone gives them. I'm sure it's the same with couples around the country.

Well said.

 

[leebee]

Depends on what we can afford at the time, but usually about $100 for family. If I want to give them something more, I might couple it with a gift (that I can charge) but not a huge gift; maybe a picture frame or a bottle of champagne or something like that.

We have friends who gave DD $300 for high school graduation! I was floored… DH and I only spent about $100 on her gift. These folks are DEFINITELY invited to the wedding when DD gets married! (joking… although they would be invited, but for reasons other than the anticipated cash gift!)

 

[kimblebee]

I'm getting married in December and if people give us $50 I will be very happy. We are having a lunch time wedding in a hall with a JP and 40 of our closest friends and family and will be serving sandwiches and cheeses, meats, pickles, dainties, etc.

I can almost hear the pearl clutching going on right now. Given my health concerns and our finances, this is what we can afford and what will cause the least stress. If you think this is tacky, you wouldn't be invited in the first place.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

What are dainties?

 

[kimblebee]

Dainties are desserts like cookies and slices and small pieces of cakes. Tarts too. Dainties..you know?

 

[okeydokey]

$50 - $100 depending on the relationship. Regardless of what kind of wedding or how much the couple paid for the wedding.

 

[okeydokey]

I'm getting married in December and if people give us $50 I will be very happy. We are having a lunch time wedding in a hall with a JP and 40 of our closest friends and family and will be serving sandwiches and cheeses, meats, pickles, dainties, etc.

I can almost hear the pearl clutching going on right now. Given my health concerns and our finances, this is what we can afford and what will cause the least stress. If you think this is tacky, you wouldn't be invited in the first place.

Sounds lovely. Congratulations.