Wedding Thread: How Much To Gift?

[DisneylandFreak2013]

One of my close friends is getting married at the end of July. We grew up together, but now she lives in a different state so we don't see each other as often. I am a MOH in her wedding, have gone on several wedding events (bach in Nashville, wedding dress shopping, venue hunting, etc). I wanted to see what the "average" for a wedding gift is in different areas. I was planning on maybe $1,000 from myself and my husband with a bottle of nice champagne we purchased in France on our trip about 2 years ago but not sure if that is on point or too small? I figure the $$$$ I've spent to be there (about $2200 including flights, food, hotels, shopping, dress, etc) has to count for something, but I don't want to cheap out on the gift. Besides myself, she is the second in our group of friends to get married so haven't had much experience with knowing what is just right.

Curious to know the average around different geographic areas. For reference, she is just outside of Houston in a suburb called Hunters Creek. It's in a bit more of a "southern uppity" area than where we're at (Los Altos) if that makes a difference lol

 

[MillauFr]

We give $100.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Maybe here?

https://money.usnews.com/money/pers...much-money-should-you-give-for-a-wedding-gift

I wish I had you at our weddjng!

 

[ronandannette]

Wow, that's...a lot. Here nobody other than parents/grandparents would probably give that size a gift. Especially when they're already thousands of dollars into just the wedding plans. But if you can easily afford it, and love this couple, let the sky-be-the-limit to your generosity. Don't worry about what anybody else does.

 

[Disneylover99]

$1000 seems very generous.
I doubt anyone would say that’s not enough.
I was thinking $500.
But if you feel comfortable giving $1000, go for it!

 

[Toolulu22]

I just saw a news piece about how expensive weddings and all the festivities around them have become. Some of my colleagues are in the same situation- traveling to multiple events and buying gifts, clothes, plus activities.

I am usually unsure of whether or not we have given “enough” of a gift. The number you throw out is scary- something I’d give my very close nieces and nephews. Can you check in with the other bridesmaids? If you were recently married, you have as reference the gifts you received.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Wow yes, that sounds VERY generous.

 

[RedAngie]

Just be sure to “cover your plate.”

 

[pezgirlroy]

That is extremely generous. We do between $100-$250 depending on different factors.

 

[mjkacmom]

Just attended a wedding in MA, it was really a NYC metro area wedding as the groom is from NY, bride NJ, living in Boston. We’ve known the bride since birth, parents for 30/40+ years. We probably spent $1000 on the weekend, gifted $500. You probably should’ve posted this on the controversial topic board.

The couple didn’t pay anything for the wedding, I doubt our plates were covered (there was also a brunch the next morning). We had a great time!

 

[holden]

Around here (suburb of Philly) $500 would be a standard gift.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

To me, that sounds extremely generous. Then again, I live in the Houston area and Hunters Creek is a VERY nice area. It's well above the Houston average. So, $1,000 may be more appropriate in light of the residential area.

 

[antmaril]

I think your gift is generous and perfect. You are obviously very close to this woman. I love the idea of including the French champagne.

Have fun at the wedding!

 

[Travel60]

Depending on a variety of factors (including closeness, other related expenses, and location) we generally give $150-$300. That's usually after a shower gift in the $50-100 range.

People have the weddings they want - I feel no obligation to pay for their choices.

 

[TippyThomas]

The weddings I went to as a kid and younger adult involved gifts that were made. Furniture, clothing, household items were all standard gifts for the new couple. I never saw money given as a gift for a wedding.

 

[mjkacmom]

The weddings I went to as a kid and younger adult involved gifts that were made. Furniture, clothing, household items were all standard gifts for the new couple. I never saw money given as a gift for a wedding.

I’ve never seen an actual gift given at a wedding, just a receptacle for cards. Last shower I went to was gift free, every gift was sent directly to the couple.

 

[KPeterso]

I am gifting $150 for the wedding I am attending tomorrow. I assume my parents will give a similar amount. We did gift the bride (a niece) the Kitchen Aid mixer that was on her registry and then a few utensils to use with it. So she did get a very nice gift from us already.

 

[QueenIsabella]

Just attended a wedding in MA, it was really a NYC metro area wedding as the groom is from NY, bride NJ, living in Boston. We’ve known the bride since birth, parents for 30/40+ years. We probably spent $1000 on the weekend, gifted $500. You probably should’ve posted this on the controversial topic board.

The couple didn’t pay anything for the wedding, I doubt our plates were covered (there was also a brunch the next morning). We had a great time!

Whereabouts in MA? I'm curious because my DD28 is getting married in Holyoke next year. She lives in Boston, but found the prices there to be outrageous, the second you say "wedding reception".

As to the question, for close friends/family, we give $500. Occasionally, we throw in a couple bottles of good wine that we get shipped direct from Italy (a vineyard we visited). We'll be giving DD28 $5k, but that's a little different.

 

[_19disnA]

The 'how much to gift?' wedding threads usually result in arguments. There is no right/wrong answer that applies to everyone. It mostly depends on your financial means and perhaps how close of a friend/relative is getting married. If you have travel costs to attend (airfare/hotels/etc.) that might also be a consideration. Whether you choose to give cash vs picking something off their registry is a matter of personal preference.

 

[mjkacmom]

Whereabouts in MA? I'm curious because my DD28 is getting married in Holyoke next year. She lives in Boston, but found the prices there to be outrageous, the second you say "wedding reception".

As to the question, for close friends/family, we give $500. Occasionally, we throw in a couple bottles of good wine that we get shipped direct from Italy (a vineyard we visited). We'll be giving DD28 $5k, but that's a little different.

https://www.beauporthotel.com/ It seemed like there were several weddings that weekend, but besides ocean front ceremonies the weddings had privacy. Everything was great, it was very apparent that weddings are their thing, the timing of everything was amazing.