WEDDING GIFTS

[miriama59]

Well, Bill's brother and wife to be had just about everything including money. And we hadn't really seen his brother but once in years. We gave them that Nissan picnic backpack from a testdrive but put a really nice bottle of wine from out here in it. That way they got something from the NW and they were thrilled. They backpack a lot and had never seen anything like the one that we gave them. I also got them a beautiful Dreamsicles wedding picture frame. It was adorable. I remember getting cash at my wedding and it was spent and then I didn't really have anything left to remember, ya know? But the wedding album I got, the food processor (big deal for me at the time LOL) the personal gifts, those are the things that I remember the most.

[jersey_girl227]

You give what you can give. That's it.

You know, the whole wedding thing ticks me off because I am single and may very well be for the rest of my life. So when the **** do I get a party? When do people write ME checks?

Sorry to rant there. My last single friend just got engaged and dateless me since 1995 has been feeling a little lonely lately.

I definitely wouldn't give over $100. $175 is absolitely insane!

[Brittwoman]

Here in NY the avarage gift is between $150.00 - $200.00 per couple for a gift. So called "tradition" up here in NY says your gift should cover the cost of your meal at the reception. For most receptions up here the going rate is between $75.00 -$100.00 a plate... hence the large gift. Also...most wedding are formal and you also have to spend a fortune on the outfit you're going to be wearing to that reception!

[Tiggers Lady]

My first impression is WOW!!!!!

My usual gift would be $75-$100 but again depending on the relationship.

$175 or more - WOW!

But, this would not be for a single person at all.

My comment here is that you give what you are comfortable giving, nothing more. You do what you feel is right in your heart and that is all that matters.

I have found from my own wedding and friends, that the people that really have the $$, give less;

The people who don't have the money give more, and they shouldn't have....

And the best part is that no matter what everyone give you - you never recoup the cost incurred for the wedding!!!

Just like everything else in life - the focus of what's important has been lost....for me it was not about getting the money - it was about sharing a wonderful happy occasion of my life with those close to me - the gifts were secondary.

jersey_girl227 - I know it can be very frustrating, everyone around me was getting married and there I was - but remember, I wasn't willing to settle for second best - too me awhile, but I found him, or did he find me? LOL, hang in there.....

PHReD - what an absolutely fun and awsome idea!

ftmom - Don't ever give and then feel angry - you have minimized your gift of $50 when that was not the actual gift - you have given far more - looks to me like over $800 and climbing - so be comfortable in what you have done and if it bothers her, that would be her problem, wouldn't it?? Sit back - smile and realize just how generous you have been

And, with that - I have nothing more to say! Well, for now!!!! LOL

[jshallow01]

Wow! Can all of you come to my wedding this fall! I live in the midwest and I could not imagine getting that much money from someone ($100 or $175).

I know that my fiance's Eastern relatives have been giving $200 (from one family) and $150 (from another family) to some recent family weddings.

I think what people give in the Midwest is about $50 (and if you are a younger couple, like us -- in our 20's) you usually don't get that much from your friends (they just can't afford it).

[sushiosushi]

Originally posted by jshallow01
Wow! Can all of you come to my wedding this fall! I live in the midwest and I could not imagine getting that much money from someone ($100 or $175).

Got any cute female friends?

[violet326]

Shoot, I'm getting married in November, and if someone wrapped me up a frozen pizza all nice and pretty, I would be pretty darned excited. Of course, I am easily amused, so this $175 minimum thing sounds like a LOT of pizza to me. Incredible. Of course, on the bright side, if there truly is a minimum wedding gift, we'll make out like bandits. We're both from large families

But I would say, give what you are comfortable with. Putting a "minimum" on monetary gifts is right up there with making guests fill out popularity polls. Both are just a bit ridiculous, if you ask me. Of course, what do I know...I'm the one who would be happy getting the frozen pizza!!!

[kat]

Minimum on wedding gifts?? Hmmm.. I've never heard of a minimum - you should give what you can afford & what feels right (a bigger gift for those you know better is fine, as is a small heartfelt gift if that is all your budget allows).

Three of my daughter's friends are getting married this summer and all of the gifts she's planning on giving have cost her less than $20 (due to lots of looking online & using coupons, etc.) I don't think anything was originally less than $50 and they will probably be some of the larger presents that her friend receives. One of her best friends got married right out of school last year & the average cash gift was around $50.

Personally, if this was my dh's second cousin (I think we know his about as well as you know yours ), I'd go ahead and get them something online. Amazon has some great buys in their clearance area (my daughter picked up a blender/food processor for one friend at the Friday sale when it first started for less than $2 after applying a gift certificate from Vividence ) If you're at a total loss as to what they want/need and live out of the area so you can't check a bridal registry, then call one of the parents to ask. Then buy it online for far less and don't feel bad about saving some cash - you can always add a "little extra" inside of the box