Present for a friends wedding

So my friend is getting married next month. They registered at BBB but most of the gifts have been gotten already and those that aren't are either 2 expensive for me and FH to pay for or not enough smaller items to add up to what we want to spend. They already live together so besides whats on their registry, there isn't a whole lot they need. I am NOT a fan of giving money, while I know it helps with a lot of things, I feel its the no thought gift and being a friend I should know better!

They both are very outdoorsy people. They go surfing whenever they can! So originally I was thinking something along those lines.... but then I realized they have what they need to do so.... EXCEPT a state park pass! What do you girls think? Is that an acceptable gift for them for their wedding? I like the idea of giving them something they will use and love, but I am unsure if thats enough of a gift to be for a wedding....

Most people give money at the wedding and the registry gifts for a shower or engagement party.

I would say don't go with the state park pass if this is an actual wedding gift b/c I think you should spend more than that. Going rate is about $250-$300 a couple now for close friends.

I could be wrong... but I don't see a state park paass being that much money? Maybe do the pass for another occasion.

Just my 2 cents.

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Posted by Jax1127

Most people give money at the wedding and the registry gifts for a shower or engagement party.

I would say don't go with the state park pass if this is an actual wedding gift b/c I think you should spend more than that. Going rate is about $250-$300 a couple now for close friends.

I could be wrong... but I don't see a state park paass being that much money? Maybe do the pass for another occasion.

Just my 2 cents.

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FH and I have been giving $300 Minimum as a Wedding Gift.
I agree, Cash for a Wedding Gift and if it's anything other then that do a BBB Gift Card.

$300 is kind of steep for me unless they are GOOOOOD friends right now... in the past we've given $200. But then again that was a couple years ago. The only time I gave a gift off the registry was my friend's wedding because it was an expensive item that nobody bought them and I was a BM so I already put a bunch of money into the wedding. (Our dresses were really expensive)
I think it's a super cute idea to stick in the card though!

same-we give $300 minimum, but if they are super close or family, we do more.

Does this couple need home improvement- like home depot or lowe's gift cards?? or even spa giftcards for couple's massages?

What about surprising them with an excursion for their honeymoon?

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Posted by Jax1127

Most people give money at the wedding and the registry gifts for a shower or engagement party.

I would say don't go with the state park pass if this is an actual wedding gift b/c I think you should spend more than that. Going rate is about $250-$300 a couple now for close friends.

I could be wrong... but I don't see a state park paass being that much money? Maybe do the pass for another occasion.

Just my 2 cents.

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ITA!
I used to think $200 per couple was good but now that we are planning i think $300 is!

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Posted by teacherteacher

I know FH & I are pretty outdoorsy and one of the things I'm really hoping for is a picnic basket set - there are many different kinds at different price ranges, but they typically include a blanket that is rolled up and stored in it, plates, wine glasses, utensils, etc all in a really convenient basket to take on hikes. You could get a pre-made basket like this or just put a bunch of 'picnic essentials' together with a gift card for Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, as if you're giving them a date-night activity.

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cute idea!

you could get the pass (which is only about $60 for the season) include that with money in a card, and do maybe $200 check

I wouldnt give just that for a wedding. Or do a GC to BBB. (for $200)

people dont really give physical gifts anymore for the wedding, thats saved or showers, engagement parties, etc.

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Posted by fdnybride163

you could get the pass (which is only about $60 for the season) include that with money in a card, and do maybe $200 check

I wouldnt give just that for a wedding. Or do a GC to BBB. (for $200)

people dont really give physical gifts anymore for the wedding, thats saved or showers, engagement parties, etc.

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That's what I had thought, but the last wedding i went to I had to help load the cars afterwards and people brought some gigantic, heavy gifts for the couple! Wish we could all just say 'gift cards & checks, thanks '

In NY, tradition is cash for wedding.
In other states, it's still gifts!

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Posted by lauren1802

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Posted by Jax1127

Most people give money at the wedding and the registry gifts for a shower or engagement party.

I would say don't go with the state park pass if this is an actual wedding gift b/c I think you should spend more than that. Going rate is about $250-$300 a couple now for close friends.

I could be wrong... but I don't see a state park paass being that much money? Maybe do the pass for another occasion.

Just my 2 cents.

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ITA!
I used to think $200 per couple was good but now that we are planning i think $300 is!

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LOL, all the weddings FH and I go since planning it is def $300!! We know it's only a matter of time before we open those checks for ourselves!

Is the wedding a reception hall? Or is she having something very small? I know some people do backyard weddings or just a justice of the peace type thing. In that case I would say the pass is a cute idea & giving an actual present would be fitting.

If it is in a RH, I would go with money. Even though you dont think that money is thoughtful, getting money back after you have shelled out so much for people to have a good time makes any bride and groom happy.
If its a matter of ur not sure how much to give, just do what you can. Everyone understands that the economy sucks right now and anything you can give would be appreciated. Typically, we dont go under $300 but depending on where it is and how close we are with them that is our standard but everyones standard is different. Do what you feel is best & what you would like for your own wedding.

Just my opinion :)

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Posted by Jack84

Is the wedding a reception hall? Or is she having something very small? I know some people do backyard weddings or just a justice of the peace type thing. In that case I would say the pass is a cute idea & giving an actual present would be fitting.

If it is in a RH, I would go with money. Even though you dont think that money is thoughtful, getting money back after you have shelled out so much for people to have a good time makes any bride and groom happy.
If its a matter of ur not sure how much to give, just do what you can. Everyone understands that the economy sucks right now and anything you can give would be appreciated. Typically, we dont go under $300 but depending on where it is and how close we are with them that is our standard but everyones standard is different. Do what you feel is best & what you would like for your own wedding.

Just my opinion :)

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It is at a hall but as much as they are shelling out, majority of the expenses are being paid by her in laws. I really don't think they shelled out much at all actually.

My hate of money gifts is a combo of all the above. I never know the right amount, and I feel cheap with my gifts as well as the putting thought into gifts. No matter what, unless they have said (in other context) that they really are low on cash, or they could really use money, etc.... I rather find something that I can get them that shows I know them etc. Its just my thing. I appreciate everyone's opinions and I am not knocking it. I actually rather this kind of gift for myself. Thats how we came up with the idea of the picture. FH and I are wanting one for ourselves. It would be really awesome if someone got that for us.

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Posted by stormstryker

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Posted by Jack84

Is the wedding a reception hall? Or is she having something very small? I know some people do backyard weddings or just a justice of the peace type thing. In that case I would say the pass is a cute idea & giving an actual present would be fitting.

If it is in a RH, I would go with money. Even though you dont think that money is thoughtful, getting money back after you have shelled out so much for people to have a good time makes any bride and groom happy.
If its a matter of ur not sure how much to give, just do what you can. Everyone understands that the economy sucks right now and anything you can give would be appreciated. Typically, we dont go under $300 but depending on where it is and how close we are with them that is our standard but everyones standard is different. Do what you feel is best & what you would like for your own wedding.

Just my opinion :)

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It is at a hall but as much as they are shelling out, majority of the expenses are being paid by her in laws. I really don't think they shelled out much at all actually.

My hate of money gifts is a combo of all the above. I never know the right amount, and I feel cheap with my gifts as well as the putting thought into gifts. No matter what, unless they have said (in other context) that they really are low on cash, or they could really use money, etc.... I rather find something that I can get them that shows I know them etc. Its just my thing. I appreciate everyone's opinions and I am not knocking it. I actually rather this kind of gift for myself. Thats how we came up with the idea of the picture. FH and I are wanting one for ourselves. It would be really awesome if someone got that for us.

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As one of my close friends said, 'never count other people's money' whether or not they are paying for the wedding is moot, like other posters have posted, you don't know where the money is going. I think almost everyone is planning to spend their wedding money wisely and I would say that 99.9% of us are banking on a certain amount of money to walk away from the wedding with. With that being said, I think in the situation of a wedding, money is the best universal gift. However it seems even with everyone's responses you are still set on doing what you think is best, so go for it and I am sure they will enjoy it but I definitely wouldn't do it bc you feel they don't need it. Speaking for myself, as someone who IS having help from both sets of parents for our wedding, WE STILL NEED MONEY! Honeymoon, wedding bands, savings account, etc. Money makes the world go round!