How Much Money Is Acceptable To Give As A Wedding Gift

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The Great Wedding Gift Conundrum: How Much Dough to Throw in the Doughnut Hole?

Ah, weddings. Love is in the air, champagne is flowing, and your wallet starts to sweat a little. Because let's be honest, between the snazzy outfit you have to buy that'll likely only see the light of day again at another wedding (and maybe a fancy dress party if you're feeling adventurous), and the inevitable open bar that beckons like a siren song, weddings can be a financial battlefield. But fear not, friend! There's another landmine to navigate in this territory: the wedding gift.

The Age-Old Question: Cash, Check, or Cry?

First things first, should you even give money? While some couples might be setting up a honeymoon registry or a fancy toaster fund, cash is still king (or queen, depending on your preferred royal metaphor). It gives the happy couple the flexibility to spend it on whatever their newlywed hearts desire, whether it's that trip to Bali they've been dreaming of, or enough bubble wrap to soundproof their apartment from their future in-laws' visits (just kidding... mostly).

But How Much is "Enough?" The Art of the Gift-Giving Tightrope Walk

This is where things get tricky. You don't want to be the Scrooge McDuck of the guest list, sending a gift that makes them question your commitment to their everlasting love. But conversely, you also don't want to accidentally empty your bank account to celebrate someone else's happily ever after (unless it's your BFF, then maybe that love deserves a financial sacrifice).

Here's a Handy-Dandy Guide (Kind Of):

  • The Distant Acquaintance/Co-worker You Barely Know: Let's be honest, a smile and a heartfelt "congratulations" might just do the trick here. But if you feel compelled to contribute, $25-$50 should suffice.
  • The Friend You See Occasionally But Mostly Bond Over Social Media Likes: This is where things get interesting. You could go for the $50-$75 range, or if you recently splurged on a fancy coffee and avocado toast brunch, well, that kind of evens the playing field, right?
  • The Close Friend/Family Member: Now we're talking! This is where you can dig a little deeper. $100-$200 is a good starting point, but feel free to adjust based on your relationship and your bank account's comfort level. Remember, a thoughtful card with a funny anecdote or a well-wishing poem can add a priceless touch.

Bonus Round: The Unwritten Rules (Because Apparently, There Are Always Rules)

  • The Cost of Attendance: This is a wedding gift urban legend. Some folks believe you should gift an amount that covers the cost of your meal. While this might be a good rule of thumb, remember, weddings are about celebrating love, not a fancy three-course dinner (although that is a perk).
  • The Plus-One Factor: If you're bringing your significant other, do you double the gift amount? Technically, no. But if they're practically glued to your hip and also attend all the wedding festivities, then maybe a little bump wouldn't hurt. Just remember to communicate with your giftee buddy beforehand to avoid any awkwardness.

The Final Takeaway: It's the Thought That Counts (But Seriously, Don't Show Up Empty-Handed)

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to celebrate the couple's special day. A thoughtful gift, whether it's monetary or a heartfelt card, shows you care.

P.S. If you're still feeling the financial strain, maybe offer your stellar dance moves at the reception to truly wow the crowd (and maybe earn a few bucks in tips from generous relatives). Just don't break a leg (or the wedding cake).

2023-10-22T13:13:54.241+05:30

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