Photo (above): Photographer: Wild Weddings
1. Money as a gift for a wedding?
Increasingly, an engaged couple is already living together, and they have already collected or purchased a few things in terms of household items and nice things. Then, the wedding invitation often includes an account number as a gift tip, or a website with a wish list on it - a so-called ‘wedding list’. If there is no clear wish list with specific gifts on it, it might indeed be best to just give a penny.
2. How much ‘should’ I give?
Remember: you ‘shouldn't’ give anything. A gift comes straight from the heart and cannot always be valued (only) in money. When giving money as a gift for a wedding, only give what you can afford. What do you think is an appropriate amount? Give an amount you feel comfortable with.
Usually, the amount you have in mind will be influenced, among other things, by how well you know the happy couple, and how close your bond with them is. Whether you are invited for just the reception, or for the actual wedding ceremony, dinner and evening party can also play a role. And if you are bringing a ‘plus one’, such as your new partner or your children, you might also consider giving a little more than if you were coming alone.
Tip: if you give money as a gift for a wedding, it is advisable to transfer that amount before the party. Transferring money online is much ‘safer’ than actually handing over an envelope with money at the party; this envelope can get lost. On the other hand -and this may sound a bit strange- a couple may get the feeling that if you transfer after the party, you weighed your budget against how good you thought their party was, or... That you would forget them (and yes, that sometimes happens too :-)).
3. What about a wedding abroad?
Guests often give a little less money as a gift for a wedding if they have to incur a lot of costs themselves to attend the party. For example, consider a destination wedding - a wedding abroad, where you would pay for your own transport and accommodation. On such occasions, the invitation then often includes an indication like ‘Your presence is our best gift’, where the couple wants to indicate that guests should not provide (too big) extra gifts for them...
Would you like to find out more tips? Then read:
