Community Chat

[Jordan2]

I have always given a  check as a gift to the couple. I was talking to some people as to what you give these days as a single person or couple attending a wedding. It is kind of customary to cover the cost of the meal, I suppose it depends on what part of the country you come from as to how much you give. I go to weddings in NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey. I think as a single person I would give $200-$250, as a couple $500. What are your thoughts on this?

[ninjawife]

Yes I guess your location may dictate how much you spend.  I don't think of my gift as reimbursement for my meal so my gift would be the same if I were single or a couple.  I usually base the amount on how close I am to the bride and groom.  There is no way I would give any couple 500 dollars.

[deepwaterdotter]

I don't think I could afford to attend a wedding in New York.  The couple probably wouldn't invite me knowing my budget was so limited.  After $100, I'm out of my league.

[teganslaw]

I don't believe in guests covering the cost of  a meal. Whoever started the idea was greedy; and I don't think any etiquette requires this. 

As far as monetary gifts, that depends on how close you are to the couple and your financial situation. I don' think there is any right or wrong, it's what you can afford and feel comfrobable giving. It's a personal choice. 

[Kachina624]

@Jordan2.  Customs vary in different parts of the country and depend on your relationship to the wedding couple but the amounts you mention would be excessive where I live unless one of the couple is a close relative.

I won't be going to any weddings on Long Island, NYC, ETC.

[ManyMeows]

🍹🍸🍷🍾  $250 - $500

That must have been one helluva' meal!

[on the bay]

@Jordan2 ,

I've never heard of covering the cost of the meal at a wedding except for here on these forums. I don't think weddings were ever supposed to be that way.

The amounts you mention are more than I would ever imagine giving unless you are wealthy and very close to the couple.

[spumoni99]

I usually base it on how close I am to the people and although I don't think people have to cover their meal etc that does enter my mind if its an expensive venue I don't think it should be expected.  I would also look at their registry to see what they want.

[proudlyfromNJ]

Give a gift from their registry or fifty dollars. Depends on what is the custom in your part of the country. 

[DSD2]

I think it all depends on your relationship and your financial situation.

I think $200 is a very generous gift as a single person as is $500 from a couple. I would be thrilled to receive either!