Wedding gift - how much $$$

My brother is getting married in the Virgin Islands (maybe I should say eloping, because nobody else is invited to the wedding) in two weeks. They are throwing a big reception when they get back home.

What is the appropriate amount for a wedding gift to my brother and his new wife? I was going to give them $500, but my friends think that's too much. So I asked my mother what she intends to give them, and she told me at least $1,000.

So I decide to use google to find out what most people give for cash wedding gifts. I realize that it will vary by region and income, but it seems that most people think that $100 - $200 dollars is generous.

Am I nuts for forking over $500? And is my Mom insane for giving $1,000?
 
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The purpose of the wedding reception is to celebrate the nuptials not to score gifts and cash. In fact, they are the host and you are the guest.

Of course, it is customary with many cultures to bring a gift to a celebration. Assuming they have registered just pick something off of their list for between $100 and $200 dollars and call it a day.

If your new sister-in-law does a money dance (not the jiggly bar kind;) than another $100 is good.

If you're loaded, well then maybe something more significant would be welcomed. Don't feel pressured to give a certain amount. There is no exact amount.

Go to their reception and celebrate their nuptials - that is really the best present you could give them.
 
Fourty-four said:
My brother is getting married in the Virgin Islands (maybe I should say eloping, because nobody else is invited to the wedding) in two weeks. They are throwing a big reception when they get back home.

What is the appropriate amount for a wedding gift to my brother and his new wife? I was going to give them $500, but my friends think that's too much. So I asked my mother what she intends to give them, and she told me at least $1,000.

So I decide to use google to find out what most people give for cash wedding gifts. I realize that it will vary by region and income, but it seems that most people think that $100 - $200 dollars is generous.

Am I nuts for forking over $500? And is my Mom insane for giving $1,000?

My sister married roughly 7 years ago. For her wedding gift, I gave her $700.

I think it really matters on how much you WANT to give based on how close you were to your brother.
 
that's your brother and he will be watching you in your good and bad times, so the more $ you can give him the fastest he'll get on his toe to start his new life.( wedding are very expensive) He will remember that..
 
Depends on how much you like your brother... :) Seriously, Mom and Dad are expected to give several gifts and shell out for the new couple. Brothers and sisters on the other hand just tend to drop a nice card and something nice off the list.

I remember the first wedding I was invited to for a friend, I didn't give them anything off the list at all. I bought a torque wrench for my friend the groom (since I didn't know the bride even remotely). Ever since then I've been a popular invitee for weddings...
 
<b>For a first wedding</b>, $1,000 is a great gift, and one that will always be remembered. $500 is still great and will come in handy I'm sure.

<b>For a second wedding</b>, $500 is a great gift, and a set of tires will come in handy I'm sure.

<b>For a third wedding</b>, a 20% discount coupon from a local attorney is a great gift, and one that will always be remembered... and probably used before you know it!
 
haro said:
that's your brother and he will be watching you in your good and bad times, so the more $ you can give him the fastest he'll get on his toe to start his new life.( wedding are very expensive) He will remember that..

My brother makes a six-figure salary, owns a nice house, and drives an S-Class as well as a brand new GL450. He doesn't really need money.

On the other hand, I'm in pretty good financial shape also, so a $500 wedding gift isn't a problem at all. I just thought it might be a bit over the top, considering that most people seem to give $100 - $200 for a cash wedding gift.

BTW, they don't have a gift registry.
 
If money's not an issue with them, then instead look for something unique that they will remember you by. Could be expensive or not, but something where they will think of you every time they see or use it.
 
I usually give gifts in the $75-$100 dollar range. My brother got a gift worth about $150. Not that I'm a scrooge, but he and his wife were both established and they didn't need or want dinnerware or silverware. Instead we got them a piece of art that we liked and hope they do too. If not, they're welcome to sell it at their next yard sale. I just hope they get more for it than we paid. :p
 
Fourty-four said:
My brother makes a six-figure salary, owns a nice house, and drives an S-Class as well as a brand new GL450. He doesn't really need money.

On the other hand, I'm in pretty good financial shape also, so a $500 wedding gift isn't a problem at all. I just thought it might be a bit over the top, considering that most people seem to give $100 - $200 for a cash wedding gift.

BTW, they don't have a gift registry.

It is your brother and sooner or later mom will ask how much you gave him, so just split the difference at 750. If you can afford it. He may not need the money you say but as soon as you get married your toy funds seem to deplete. I like to call it the make a wish fondation to myself. It becomes a little harder to buy goodies for your self.:D
 
Fourty-four said:
My brother makes a six-figure salary, owns a nice house, and drives an S-Class as well as a brand new GL450. He doesn't really need money.

On the other hand, I'm in pretty good financial shape also, so a $500 wedding gift isn't a problem at all. I just thought it might be a bit over the top, considering that most people seem to give $100 - $200 for a cash wedding gift.

BTW, they don't have a gift registry.


Since he/they do well financially, it's the thought that counts, not how much you spend.
 
Don't take cold to new castle

and by this I mean don't give money to those who have it. Your Bro already has money and can buy what ever he wants, what counts in a situation like this is to give him a nice present something he'll remember you by as well as his new bride.
I once got a set of really nice kitchen knives to one of my best friends, it is a Japanese brand "Kershaw Shun". Google it and you'll see way these knives are nice. I own a set as well and they are beautiful, my set was a x-mas present from really good friends of ours.

Hope this helps.
 
WOW!! Im getting married in a month sounds like i need to invite some of you guys. My bro got married in June i got him a $100 gift and gave him a pretty nice tv I had. Id be happy with $50 gifts on average from people. I guess it all depends on how much money you make, and even where you are located in the country.
 

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