Cash as a wedding gift

[VegasNath]

I've had some laughs whilst googling this subject.... I'm still in a dilemma though..... Any thoughts on how much is appropriate?

[HansV]

Wouldn't that be dependent on where you live? I imagine that even within the UK, there could be considerable regional differences. So I think it's difficult for an international community such as Eileen's Lounge to come up with a recommendation.

[ChrisGreaves]

I've had some laughs whilst googling this subject.... I'm still in a dilemma though..... Any thoughts on how much is appropriate?

I think $0.
I detest the concept as cash-as-a-wedding-gift.

[old fart alert] My idea is that if I don't know them well enough to know what they'd appreciate as a gift, I didn't ought to be accepting an invitation to the wedding [/old fart alert]

That said, my first marriage (so you see, I'm a bit of an expert ...) was to a young lady of another faith, and neither my community nor hers (200 miles away) knew the other, so we started married life with two coffee percolators, two sets of cutlery, two sets of dishes, two electric toasters,....

[John Gray]

...we started married life with two coffee percolators, two sets of cutlery, two sets of dishes, two electric toasters,....

What's the problem? His and Hers...

[steveh]

I've had some laughs whilst googling this subject.... I'm still in a dilemma though..... Any thoughts on how much is appropriate?

Hi Nathan

A thorny issue but I agree with Chris.

Mrs. H and I got married last month and specifically said on our invite that we did not expect gifts but should anybody feel inclined we would appreciate a donation to "Help for Heroes". That said our Children, Grandchildren and my Mother clubbed together and bought us an original water colour from West Wittering where we spend every Friday afternoon to Monday morning before having to come back to the rat race here (and then look at our painting all week yearning for Friday )

[ChrisGreaves]

What's the problem? His and Hers...

Turned out that way ...

[ChrisGreaves]

... West Wittering[/url] where we spend every Friday afternoon to Monday morning ...

Belated congratulations to both of you.
Too scared to post the announcement in Scuttlebut, eh? Heh heh!

People who know you (both) know what will please you (both).
Same deal.
Last Christmas I got for my canoeing buddy the 6 Best Photos of our year's trips, had a colleague blow them up, bought 6 nice frames.
Made him stare at them all winter long ...

[jonwallace]

I've had some laughs whilst googling this subject.... I'm still in a dilemma though..... Any thoughts on how much is appropriate?

My son and his intended have a John Lewis list, which includes things that range from a salt-and-pepper set to a Sony digital SLR(!). In the end, we're paying for the band.

Suddenly realised that didn't help. Traditional gifts in Scotland include: Towels (tea towels if you don't know/like the couple), tea sets (and plates etc in general) for closer, but not that close and a (hefty) contribution towards honeymoon/wedding reception for sprogs. (or the monetary equivalent thereof)...

[bkessinger]

Typically in the US, at least in Ohio, the couple to be married register at various stores in the area. All the invitees have to do is get online, bring up the registry and select a gift. Can be done online or in the store. Sure makes decision-making easier.

Bill K.

[Doc Watson]

I'd give cash in the amount you care to wager on the success or failure of the union.

Only what you can afford to lose, of course.

[HansV]

Or... if you think the marriage will succeed, you give one electric toaster; if you strongly suspect it's going to fail, you give two...

[Skitterbug]

I've had some laughs whilst googling this subject.... I'm still in a dilemma though..... Any thoughts on how much is appropriate?

Some might consider it inappropriate but I like to give cash so the couple doesn't have to spend time taking a gift back to the store to return or exchange it. The couple can use the cash to help pay off the credit card bill that they probably have already accumulated while getting ready for the "big event". My

[ChrisGreaves]

I've had some laughs whilst googling this subject.... I'm still in a dilemma though..... Any thoughts on how much is appropriate?

Then in yesterday's Toronto Star:

Money Manners: Can I ask for a cash wedding gift? ... (snip!)

Dear Bob: In a word, no. ... (snip!)

[Bowlie]

Some years ago we went to a wedding in Italy. At the reception the best man 'stole' the grooms tie and went around the room 'selling' little snips of his tie. We donated thousands (lira that is). The intent was that the 'small money' would help pay for some of the honeymoon expenses.

I had never seen that before, but thought it was a very good idea.

[ChrisGreaves]

... around the room 'selling' little snips of his tie.

That's work for me if all the guests were allowed to snip the bills in half, leaving the bride and groom with a pleasant little puzzle to solve on their wedding-night.
Aussie readers will immediately think of taping the snippets together with Durex.

[Skitterbug]

Some years ago we went to a wedding in Italy. At the reception the best man 'stole' the grooms tie and went around the room 'selling' little snips of his tie. We donated thousands (lira that is). The intent was that the 'small money' would help pay for some of the honeymoon expenses.

I had never seen that before, but thought it was a very good idea.

We also have a tradition for a fun way to gather additional funds for the bride and groom. We call it a Dollar Dance. For one dance, if someone wants to waltz the bride or groom around the dance floor, s/he will give a dollar to the person s/he wants to have the dance with and the way they will go. People are allowed to cut in, pay the required amount, and continue until someone else cuts in.....
I suppose some would consider this a bit crass but in our little town, it is considered lots of fun!

[jonwallace]

Aussie readers will immediately think of taping the snippets together with Durex.

I don't think you'd want to use Durex in the UK (I'll let you do your own research...)