Community Chat

[Villagesbabe]

We already gave him (and fiance) 2k for assist preparations for their destination wedding this Sept. Is there a general money gift amount or range given for our sons/daughters for their weddings? We are clueless. The happy couple are looking to buy a house and saving. Thanks.

[MarieIG]

It totally depends on your financial situation.

[missy1]

Give what you can afford. Do not go into debt. Now a days the couple pays for all or a majority of their wedding/honeymoon. Why should the brides parents pay for more? I don't understand this. Or why should the grooms parents pay for the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon? Times have changed. You want to get married and want to have a huge party, you pay for it kids.

[Love my grandkids]

I agree. My DH and I paid for our lovely small wedding and short honeymoon. We didn't ask or want anyone else to help foot the bill.

Frankly, I think you've gone over and above and they shouldn't expect another dime, but I bet they do.

I am one of those who doesn't "get" destination weddings. I just don't see the point.

[Big Sister]

I think the $2,000 is their wedding gift from you.

My DH and I paid for our small wedding and I was happy to do it.

[missy1]

On 3/18/2015 Love my grandkids said:

I agree. My DH and I paid for our lovely small wedding and short honeymoon. We didn't ask or want anyone else to help foot the bill.

Frankly, I think you've gone over and above and they shouldn't expect another dime, but I bet they do.

I am one of those who doesn't "get" destination weddings. I just don't see the point.

I don't get the destination wedding thing either. It's sure an inconvenience, costs a lot, and the time one has to take off (for the guests). I think if a couple wants a destination wedding , they should pay ALL of the guests expenses. (flight, room etc,) But no they want the guests to pay for everything , take many days off from work, pay for the activities, buy them a nice gift, and possibly buy a dress/tux if you are in the wedding party too.

[shoekitty]

I agree with MarielG. It depends on your financial situation and how you feel about their gift. Some people feel enough is enough, others are generous to a fault.

Since you already gave them money. You may want to give them a little gift for their home that they will keep to remember. That is if you feel you want to honor them with another gift. A lot has to do with your relationship with your son and his wife as well

[YorkieonmyPillow]

I think 2K is a great gift.

[Financialgrl]

Agree with others - you've already given plenty and you'll be adding additional costs bc it's a destination wedding. If you have the ability to give more, that's fine.

My brother/SIL had a destination wedding - no one was invited and they wanted it that way. They used the wedding package from a hotel in Hawaii they loved from past. As wedding goes, it was pretty cheap and included a lot. No reception meant no venue costs, DJ/music, flowers (other than her bouquet). Included an officiant, a photographer, hair/makeup done at their salon, a 3 course dinner served in a gazebo overlooking the ocean following the wedding and 3 nights at the hotel. They were in wedding attire, married barefoot on the beach at sunset and the pics were gorgeous. Photographer was cheap cuz only used for a short period of time for wedding and them sitting in gazebo before dinner. The money saved went toward a 2 week honeymoon. When they returned they rented a room at a restaurant and provided a meal for their immediate families (specifying "no gifts please") but they got a lot of cards with checks inside. The whole thing sounded/looked perfect to me.

[lulu2]

You need not give the couple another monetary gift.

Possibly there is a special family keepsake you could pass on to your son and his bride. If it is not a strain on your finances, you could give another check.