How much money do you give as a wedding gift?

I was wondering if anyone has any advice or formula on how much money to give as a wedding gift? I have 3 friends getting married within a month not to mention trying to save for our own and pay bills. I did my own formula were i caculated the cost of our wedding with everything including reception, church all vendors, and favors are costing us and came out with a number where they would make a little money. Is this fair, i don't want to be cheap at all i want to give a fair amount. Does anyone have any advice?

Re: How much money do you give as a wedding gift?

It depends how close you are to these people. We are going to a wedding in november and are planning on giving $250 since we are not that close to them if you are very close i would give $350 (but i always give more i should)

Re: How much money do you give as a wedding gift?

During the tough times saving for a wedding, people should understand that you might not be able to give what you'd like to. In the past, we'd at least try to cover our plates (around $200-$250). Closer friends would get more. But at this point, anyone I know getting married is $hit outta luck

Re: How much money do you give as a wedding gift?

One of FH's friends got married and had the reception in resturant, we felt very generous giving 300 from the two of us.

Depending on the venue I would give more, to help cover my plate.

Re: How much money do you give as a wedding gift?

I generally give $250 - 300 and if I am close to them I give more.

Re: How much money do you give as a wedding gift?

JMO: well, usually in the northeast.. esp NY... the 'unspoken rule' is that people try to give a gift that would approximately equal the plate charge (if they can) I try to give $250-$300 as a couple b/c I know that most weddings are costing $100-$150 pp.
I went to 2 weddings at Oheka Castle and by no means was I covering the expenses they incurred there. I gave my best friend $400 that day but I know others gave less and that's ok too.

some people find it offensive to talk about covering the plate.. but I just think its a starting point to an appropriate gift along with what you can afford (more or less $)

there is no way you can factor in all the other expenses of a wedding into a gift... and it's not neccessary. The amount the B/G spend on flowers should have no bearing on my gift. KWIM.

Re: How much money do you give as a wedding gift?

FH and I stick to about 250-300 as well... if we are super close or it's family then we'll give more. Everyone will understand that you ARE planning your wedding...so if you can't afford that much, for ALL the weddings...give what you can and then tell them that you would like to take them out for dinner...our to putt-putt... that you'll help them move ...
FH and I went to a wedding 2 months ago in which we could only afford 200...litarlly...and we are sooo close with them...so we enclused little coupons printed out ni ely.... helping them move.... babysiting their daughther. It's priceless but it helps out...and they are still turning them in to us... We had to treat them to dinner two night ago... Just a thought if you can't afford to give what you want...only to the ones that are real close...HOpe not to confuse anyone...HAHA... And it really does depend on your relationship with the bride/groom...

Re: How much money do you give as a wedding gift?

I think about 300 is average to put in an envelope. If they are close to you 350-400. We also have 4 weddings coming up in the next two months, they are all good friends of ours and we have to stay at a hotel bc they are all the way out east (we are from Queens).....FH jokes that we're gonna take $ out of the envelope to pay for the hotel....

Re: How much money do you give as a wedding gift?

it really depends on who they are. We had close college friends getting married 2 weeks before us, but they are not from the east coast. DH insisted that we buy them a registry gift and not give money, because that's what is considered 'proper ettiquette' out there, but we gave a pretty generous gift (their wusthof knife set). i had a 25% off coupon and with shipping it came out to ~ $300. (if they were from NY I would have given more, esp since DH was in the bridal party, but he assured me that for that region of the country it would be a very generous gift)

Friends here? It would depend on who they are and how close we are... and I'll probably take into consideration what they gave us too.

Re: How much money do you give as a wedding gift?

It really depends on who's wedding it is but I never give less than $150. For family and really close friends I try to give more if my finances can allow it.

Re: How much money do you give as a wedding gift?

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Posted by fashiondiva

JMO: well, usually in the northeast.. esp NY... the 'unspoken rule' is that people try to give a gift that would approximately equal the plate charge (if they can) I try to give $250-$300 as a couple b/c I know that most weddings are costing $100-$150 pp.
I went to 2 weddings at Oheka Castle and by no means was I covering the expenses they incurred there. I gave my best friend $400 that day but I know others gave less and that's ok too.

some people find it offensive to talk about covering the plate.. but I just think its a starting point to an appropriate gift along with what you can afford (more or less $)


I agree.