95. The Gift of...Giving?

We've all been there...facing our checkbooks, deciding how much to give the person's whose wedding you are about to go. You factor a million things and somehow still feel cheap...or feel like it's to much. But the truth is, choosing the dollar amount to give or picking up a gift off the registry is nerve racking. How long have you known this person? How much did they give us (if you are already married)? Was the shower gift to expensive? Are we spending a trillion dollars in travel expenses? And most importantly, how can I give this couple more when I have 7 other weddings to go?

::sigh::

And you thought just being a guest was easy?

As much as a guest will sit there and your food and decor, the couple who invited you, will sit and there and take a look at the gift you gave them. What do you want your gift to say about you?

Like I said, there are many factors into giving a wedding gift. Because money can be such a personal thing to most people, I will offer myself and my husband's financial opinions when it comes to weddings. Between May 2009 and August 2010, Jason & I attended 10 weddings, including our own and having been in two. I calculated the approximate total of the money we spent (not on our wedding) on bridal shower gifts, bachelor/bachelorette parties, outfits, hotel rooms and the wedding gift itself up and honey, I hope you're aren't reading this...but we spent close to $3,00. By the end of 2011 - we will have done 5 more with 3 for 2012, and one in the books for 2013. CRAZY.

Let that sink in. 3 grand. That's a down payment on a new car, an all-inclusive vacation to Mexico or a Chanel bag. What? I like Chanel.

I'm so thankful that we are in the position that we can still give our friends a nice gift, but what about those who aren't?

Let's first focus on the gift for the reception - which is truly the gift that will weigh the most of your mind.

The typical amount to go with (or start at) is $75 per guest, and if you bring a date then expect to double that amount. My dad yammered on during the planning of my wedding that the cost per head when my sister got married in 1995 was $55.50/person. Let me just say that price does NOT exist anymore so if you want to try and cover your plate $75 is the right price to start at. If you are attending a wedding where there will be a social group of friends/family members and you feel comfortable asking what they will give, what does it hurt? I noticed at our wedding circles of friends all gave around the same amount, and why shouldn't they? It's a good thing.

So starting with $75 here are a few more guidelines for higher amounts and different relationships that exist. If it's a co-worker's wedding, you should spend $75 to $100; a relative or friend, $100-$125; and if it's a close friend or close relative, anywhere from $100 to $150 or more is acceptable.

A wedding does not start or end with a reception gift. You have to be sure to factor in ALL events surrounding the wedding itself including transportation. If you attend the shower, bachelorette party and have to drive an hour each way for the wedding...I highly doubt the bride/groom will be expecting a $3-400 check. 


In order for you to get a better picture of it all - here are a few rules to follow.

• Of all the events surrounding a wedding, the only one that technically requires a present is the bridal shower. The entire purpose of the gathering is to “shower” the bride with wedding gifts. The wedding and engagement party, on the other hand, are invitations from the couple to share in and celebrate the day. That said, while gifts might not be mandatory at these other events, they are common practice. - TheKnot
• Don't extend yourself beyond your means. If all you can afford is a gift and your presence...than that's all you should do. A wedding is a joyous event, not one to make you go bankrupt. 
• Don't be afraid to ask others that you know are going what they are spending.
• If you still can't make it to the festivities - it is always polite to send a gift in your place! 
• Couples put the time and effort into creating a wedding registry - there's little risk involved when choosing a gift from it. While there are the rare with the gift of off the registry purchasing (read here) - it's probably best to just choose from the registry.

 

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Here is a good way to figure it out courtesy of TheKnot:

Whether you’re gifting cash or presents, the exact formula of how much you should spend depends on many factors: your finances; conventions in your family and social circle; how well you know the couple; and whether you’ll be spending a lot of money on transportation and lodging, etc.

Step 1: Come up with a total expenditure that feels right to you.
Be sure to consider all the events: the showers, engagement parties, and the wedding itself. Generally speaking, the closer you are to the couple, the more you should gift. If you’re traveling great distances to attend the celebration (and are thus spending a lot of money in transit) then you may be expected to gift a little less.

Step 2: Portion out your total sum by event.
Once you’ve figured out what you want to spend on the couple’s gifts overall, you can break it down by percentages so that the wedding gift gets the bulk of your cash.

Spend:

• 20% of your total on the engagement present
• 20% of your total on the shower gift
• 60% of your total on the wedding gift

That means if you're spending $250 total, you’d spend $50 each on the engagement and shower, and $150 on the wedding present.

(If you’re only invited to the shower, then spend the extra 20% beefing up the wedding gift.)

As with all other things wedding, every single scenario has a different set of circumstances and different costs to add or subtract. If you would like an opinion on what you should give to an upcoming wedding event feel free to email me at sara@dailydoseofwedding.com