It’s always a joy when you receive a wedding invitation in the post – unless it’s from someone you hate, of course. However, while it might be fun going to a wedding for your loved one, there are a few things you need to think about before the big day. This includes how much you should spend on the happy couple’s gift. Are you expected to fork out a lot for their present, or can you just pay the bare minimum?
Times have changed
Initially, wedding guests were expected to buy gifts that cost as much as the couple was spending on them at the reception. This was usually an issue for a lot of people because not everyone could afford to pay so much for a gift. Plus, it made the whole thing seem transactional rather than a celebration of two people’s love.
Thankfully, times have changed, and what you spend on the couple now depends on a variety of different factors.
What can you afford?
Rather than worrying about what’s expected of you, think first about what you can actually afford. There’s no point paying a load of money for a wedding gift if it means you can’t eat for the next week. So, look at your budget for the rest of the month and decide what you can reasonably afford. If the couple really cares about you, then they won’t be bothered that you didn’t break the bank on them.
Other cost factors
The wedding gift isn’t the only thing you have to spend money on for a person’s wedding. For example, you may have to organize travel and accommodation if the ceremony isn’t nearby. Things like this chip away at your money, and they’re typically more important than any present you buy. That’s why it’s a good idea to cover all these extra costs first then see what you have leftover for the wedding gift.
Who is coming?
Many wedding invitations allow you to bring a plus one, meaning you can bring a partner along to the ceremony. If that’s the case, you might want to consider spending a little extra on the gift. That way, it acts more like a present from multiple people. Plus, it’s a good way of saying thank you for extending the invitation to your other half.
Close to the couple
The closer you are to the bride and groom, the more you should invest in their wedding gift. If it’s close family member or friend getting married, then it’s usually worth buying a gift that shows you’ve put in some effort. The last thing you want is for them to think that your relationship is only worth $10.
Are you attending the wedding?
As much as you might want to, attending the wedding isn’t always an option. In the case that you have to RSVP no, it’s still a good idea to send a gift anyway. There aren’t any expectations on your part, but if you care about the couple, then it’s a nice gesture.
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend as much on the gift as if you were attending. However, if you are close to the bride and/or groom, then you should still put in a reasonable amount.
It’s supposed to be the happy couple who drains their bank account on their wedding, not the guests. Thankfully, you no longer need to throw away all your money when it comes to buying their gift.
