weddingmoney

 (THESE GUYS ARE THE BRIDE AND GROOM!)  Now, this is said with true caring and concern.  It is meant as a gentle uplift, since you seemed to have asked a genuinely thoughtful question.

I remember making around 20 thousand a year, 20 years ago.  At that time, I usually gave 20-30 dollars as a wedding gift to people I knew little bit, or knew a lot. That was the average, back then.  I gave usually $50 to great friends or to family.

That's what everyone I knew used to give back then, too.  The only ones that gave $10-20 dollars were the elderly guests or those on a STRICT or fixed income. And from those people, that money was straight from the heart, and we knew it, and it made the gift all the more special.

But to answer your question .... here in 2005, the generally accepted amount of money to give as a gift to someone you know well enough to be invited by them to the wedding reception is a solid 50.   $75 is for really good friends, and for family members, $100 is the going rate.  Anything more is considered above average in the generosity picture.  Anything less, and you can be assumed to be pinching pennies or, as you are seem to be, just a little "out of the loop" and truly uninformed on what to give in this day and age. 

For anyone who wants to question my authority, I'll tell you flat out I have none, I am only a person who goes to frequent weddings and makes an average income, AND who compares notes with friends on what they gave, what they got.  It gives you good perspective!   Hope this answer helps you.  And no matter what--HAVE FUN AT THE WEDDING! 

• way off topic wedding present question - is there proper etiquette on the amount a guest must (sm) - wondering wedding guest
  • It's just what you're comfortable with and what you're used to. - Crazy4Pets
  • weddingmoney - allthingsconsidered
  • I agree... it depends on where in the country you live.... - sm
  • No, you are not being cheap. - A
  • I don't spend more than $25-30, regardless of who it is...sm - Georgia MT
  • Etiquette, schmetiquette. - I wear white shoes after Labor Day
  • I think of it this way - How much would you spend on dinner for you and - Wedding Goer
    • Here, too. At least $100, more if "family." nm - passing thru
  • it really depends on where in the country you are located - XX

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