What's an appropriate amount to spend on a wedding gift?

[Critters2]

I'm going to a wedding next weekend--if the roads between here and central Iowa are open. It's the daughter of two colleagues. I know the bride pretty well, don't know the groom at all. They're registered at Younkers and Target. Of course, being me, I waited too long before purchasing a gift. Now all the mid-priced stuff has been purchased. It's either inexpensive stuff, towels and things, or wicked expensive things that are left in the registries. I'm leaning toward getting several towels. I rarely attend weddings when I'm not officiating. When I do officiate, I don't spend a lot on a gift, for boundaries reasons. But there are no boundaries issues here. I'm just a face in the crowd.

Also, money's a little tight right now.

So, how much do normal people spend on wedding gifts? I'm not usually a normal person at a wedding. So, I need some guidance. Thanks!

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. When it was me and MrG I would keep in mind an approximation

of how much our plates (dinners) cost and then we added $50 (25 for each of as as gift) on top of it. We usually spent about $100, or wrote a check for that amount. It depended on family ties of course. For those we were closer to we would usually spend more. So I guess, if it was me by myself (which will never happen, I just couldn't do it), I would give $50.

[harmonicon]

2. I think it has to do with all of the things you mentioned

Two of my best friends got married last year, and I didn't get them anything. I was incredibly broke, and I know that they knew that - I also knew that they were getting loads of gifts and didn't know how they were going to be able to fit all of the new stuff in their apartment. Do you really think you have to get them something? If you think that they'd be upset if you didn't, at least for me, that would make me think I didn't want to go to the wedding on principle. If you want to get them something because you want to, getting them something that you can afford that's also on their registry would be great. What are they going to say, "Oh, thanks. This is exactly what we asked for - jerk."?

[LeftyMom]

3. Gift card.

When you don't know what to do, it's always the safest option. And they'll have so many, they'll almost never connect the amount with the giver.

[Critters2]

4. Good idea! Thanks! nt