What is an appropriate monetary amount to give for a wedding gift?
With weddings costing so much, should I try to estimate the cost per person when considering the amount to give the bride and groom?
I'd love to hear what others are giving. Thanks!

Hi,
I don't give cash. I try to buy some meaningful gift, the value of which is based on how close the bride or groom is to me. I went last time to attend a wedding party and bought some crystal gifts from a site called Chandelier crystals, chandelier crystal prisms, chandelier prism, sun catcher crystal prisms, crystal wedding tree hope it was awesome , bride & groom impressed with my gifts. Thanks!

I was always told to base it off of what you meal will cost! This doesnt always work but it give you a guide line.

I'm from the Cleveland, Ohio area. Plates go from $25.00 $40.00 per person. That's the average. I always give $50.00 per person. When my son was married last year that was the average he received. If someone is getting married for the 2nd time or more I give a gift & not $. When my girlfriend was married early this year it was a 2nd marriage for both. They went on a cruise. I went on Royal Carribean's website & ordered stuff for their cabin. Like champagne & choc. covered strawberries, room decorations, champagne & rose pedals in the shape of a heart. They have all kinds of stuff like that with cruises & resorts. They really liked it cuz it was different.

I figure, if I'm poor (which I am) I can only give what I can afford to give. I usually try to buy one or two things off of the couple's registry, but if I can't swing that (Ack! College and car debt!) then I will usually buy a couple of nice photo frames and frames some of the really nice photos that I or my father have taken. It makes a nice unique gift for someone who can't afford the normal amount of a gift.

Wedding gifts can be fairly expensive to get, so here are some ideas for monetary and low budget gifts that might be appreciated:

+ $50 worth of gift cards to 5 different places and venues. Gas cards, coffee shops, and other common places would be good to include in a gift like this.

+ Turn one of your unique recipes into a gift! Hand-letter the recipe, then provide the dry ingredients with a set of kitchen towels and a serving spoon or a bottle of wine.

+ If you're crafty, personalized needlepoints or other items commemorating their wedding date are an inexpensive-but-thoughtful way to show your appreciation. If you aren't that close to the bride and groom, considering getting his-and-hers type gifts instead.

+ Gift baskets can be fairly inexpensive to put together, and can add a personal touch. Many craft stores and other places offer clearance baskets for a minimal cost. As you move toward the wedding, you could purchase items related to a seasonal theme or their wedding theme. For example, if you knew their colors were navy and white, you could put together a "basket of memories" and purchase navy ribbon, small tea light candles, a bottle of wine, small picture frames, books, etc.

The key to providing an inexpensive wedding gift tastefully, is to add a personal touch.

We hope these suggestions were helpful!

I recently created a wedding registry at OurWishingWell.com ( OurWishingWell.com* ) and thought that it was great - highly recommended.