How much cash is reasonable to give as wedding gift?

moneypuddle

Hi

OH and I are flying over to Ireland at the end of the month for a wedding. I'm 7 months pregnant, flights are costing approx £180, plus I had to buy a new dress (nothing else fitted anymore!) and have had to take a day off work which I would normally be paid for, and OH has had to take 3 days off. Plus obviously we've got two nights in a hotel too.

The couple getting married have asked for US dollars for their wedding present.

Since we've already spent quite a lot on the wedding, I'm wondered how much is reasonable to give. I was think $30 but dont know if thats seems a bit stingey. We just dont have a lot of spare cash at the minute. They are good friends of mine (although as we live miles apart contact is mostly limited to facebook now), but OH has never met them.

Thanks

fannyanna

That's fine.

lozza1985

Having got married last year - I can say that seems very generous so don't worry - they'll just be happy that you've shared their special day

heartbreak_star

I don't think that's a problem - you give what you can afford and $30 would be a nice lunch out one day

HBS x

gingin_2

Eugh, I really dislike people asking for cash for that reason and more but $30 sounds fine.

moneypuddle

Thanks! Was hoping not to be called a tight wad

lowlitmemory

Personally I would rather give a nice round $50, especially as it is from a couple. BUT! I doubt they will notice, and they will understand money is tight... I'm sure they will just be so so pleased that you have made the effort!

I had some friends and relatives travel quite long distances to see me get married and I didn't give a fig about gifts. I think some did and some didn't but it doesn't matter. We were grateful for what we were given and certainly weren't expecting anything.

If you do feel uncomfortable about giving money, you could maybe ignore their wishes and give something else e.g. a bottle of champagne to share on their return. That way they won't know how much you have spent.

moneypuddle

Thanks lowlit. We could but as we're flying over we're travelling very light (hand luggage only) so not wanting to pack anything extra at all, and don't fancy shopping once we arrive as we won't have a lot of time. Cash, kind of suits us as at least its light

Just realised $30 = £19. Slightly less than I thought. $40 is £25 so might go for this as it seems more

Pee

I think it is fine, and even better if you can up it to $40. (It sounds better than in Sterling, doesn't it?)

amus

I got married abroad last year and some of my friends came over, I knew they had paid money to travel over so I didnt expect anything off them.

What I give depends on whether we have been invited for a sit down meal or just a buffet at night. If were invited for the whole day I give about £60, but if its just the evening I would give £20. But obviously thats if we dont end up paying for travel, accomodation etc.

$30 in your case sounds perfectly reasonable, the couple will know you have had to pay out to get there.

lisawood78

I think, whatever you can comfortably afford, and wish to give is the only answer to this one.