How Much is the Right Amount of Money to Give at Weddings?

Knowing how much to give at a wedding is often the question on every guests mind as they open each invitation. Often you feel as though you've given to little or you clench your teeth as you write out a check for what you think is way to much, so how do you figure out how much is the right amount so as not offend the bride and groom and not go broke?

First thing to consider is how many are attending the wedding; often the invitation will let you know who is invited. If the invitation says Mr. and Mrs. ___(last name) then it's a couple only, if the words "and family" are attached or if they include all the names of your children then it's a family affair. Remember it's very rude to call up the bride or groom and ask to bring your children; the only time that is acceptable is if it is a baby under a year old and you are nursing.

Once you know if you will be a family of four, just a couple or single then you can work out the amount. Every wedding is different some are more expensive and elaborate then others and some are kept very small. The key is to gage how much the cost would be per plate. Now some weddings would cost a hundred dollars a plate if it were elaborate and a big affair where others would cost a lot less. On average you can keep to a simple chart of if you are attending the wedding single then plan for anywhere between 50$-100$ in the envelope. If you will be a couple attending then figure anywhere from 80$-200$ a plate, if you are a whole family then you need to figure on about 30$ a head and less if your children are under six years old. So for a family of 4 anywhere between 220$-300$ depending on how old your children are and how elaborate you think that wedding will be.

Also how well you know the couple plays a big part in how much you would include in the envelope. If this is your sister or brother or close family member then a larger amount is expected. If this is a best friend or close family friend then a little more is customary. However, if this is someone that you are only acquaintances with or a distant relative or family friend then it's ok to teeter towards the smaller amount.

If you find yourself on a lower budget and you simply cannot get out of attending the wedding then it's ok to bring a gift instead. I have found that a nice basket is a great thing and some places will do one up anywhere from 30$ and up. By getting a gift it will not show that you are on a budget but it's ultimately cheaper than putting in cash money.

Remember it's not the gift that should count but the thought and excitement of being able to share this special day with the ones you love. Unfortunately we tend to get wrapped up in the material aspects of a wedding and forget that this is a celebration of two lives coming together as one.

So the next time you are invited to a wedding keep that in mind as you sit down to figure out how much to give. Don't ever be sorry for not being able to afford obscene amounts of money, do what you can and remember to enjoy the day.