How much to spend on a wedding gift?

archie9uk

My husband and I have been invited to the evening wedding reception of one of my colleagues (along with loads of people from work, and their partners and kids). The invitation did not mention gifts, but they have apparently asked for money. I'm trying to be careful with the pennies but don't want to look stingy (especially when my husband has been invited too). What would be an acceptable amount to give, or would you buy a gift instead of giving money?

jenhug

Is there not a joint collection at work? this is what we would normally do at our place of work. That way you can slip in £5 and not feel quite so bad about them thinking you are being tight, when in reality you are short of cash.

archie9uk

We did do a collection at work, but people only put a pound or two in each, with the expectation of giving a card and gift at the reception. Everyone else will give money or a gift so obviously I don't want to be the odd one out!

kindofagilr

I dont honestly think they will notice if you dont give them anything, they are going to be preoccupied.

Are you really close to the couple?

I would just opt for a card if I was you, don't care if I sound tight lol

LouBlue

With situations like these, I tend to bring a card and bottle of bubbly or nice bottle of wine, gift wrapped.

archie9uk

kindofagilr wrote: »

I dont honestly think they will notice if you dont give them anything, they are going to be preoccupied.

Are you really close to the couple?

I would just opt for a card if I was you, don't care if I sound tight lol

No, I'm not close to them at all. I work with the bride, but she is not in my team and I don't know her very well. I've only met the groom once or twice, and I'm not sure if we've even spoken.

I don't think I would feel comfortable only giving a card. You're right that they probably wouldn't notice, though.

archie9uk

LouBlue wrote: »

With situations like these, I tend to bring a card and bottle of bubbly or nice bottle of wine, gift wrapped.

I might do that, thanks.

pretzelnut

Just take yourselves and a card, if there's a collection on the go - feel free to add whatever you can afford whether it be £1 or £100. If one hasnt been started - start one, then get 1 card from all of those who contributed, that way they will get a bit more cash as only 1 card has been bought instead of 10.

As you dont really know them to well, there probaby not expecting anything anyway.

beccam

Honestly when inviting people to our evening reception I never expected a gift from them.
A few brought cards with vouchers or money which of course was much appreciated but I actually felt a little embarrassed by it.
You could always go for the old faithful photo frame and the likes of Tesco/Sainsbury's etc do them cheaply, just take the label off and they'll never know!

Or for a couple of work friends, I've bought a Yankee "Wedding Day" candle they smell lovely, last for ages and is a nice present whilst also a sort of memento of their day.
http://www.scentedcandleshop.com/online_store/yankee_candle_housewarmer_jar_candle_wedding_day_30291172.cfm

Skippycat

Personally I'd go with a nice bottle of wine or the photo frame option. If you have a TK Maxx near you then you might be able to find a nice frame there at a reasonable price. Failing that just pop to Tesco or your local supermarket and see if they have any good deals on wine.

Mme.Hibou

archie9uk wrote: »

No, I'm not close to them at all. I work with the bride, but she is not in my team and I don't know her very well. I've only met the groom once or twice, and I'm not sure if we've even spoken.

I don't think I would feel comfortable only giving a card. You're right that they probably wouldn't notice, though.

So why are you going?