Appropriate wedding gift budget?

Question

My family will be attending my husband's brother's wedding out of state in a few months, and I am wondering what the appropriate amount is to spent on a wedding gift.

We have 2 children, both of whom are in the wedding. My daughter's flower girl dress is $150 and tux rental for my son will be about $80. Cost does not include shoes for either. Both my husband and I are in the wedding as well. My dress is about $150 (before extensive alterations), $80 for shoes (bride has chosen the shoes). Husband's tux rental is about $100. As the wedding is out of state, I have priced hotels/flights and we should be able to stay for the week for about $2K, not including a rental car (which we will need because public transportation isn't practical where we're going and we can't ride with other people because we need 2 car seats). Car rental will be about $800 for the week. None of this includes food while we are there (other than the reception and rehearsal dinner).

What is the appropriate amount to spend on a gift? (If you're wondering, my brother in law lived in the same town as we did when we got married. He was in our wedding. Tux rental for my wedding was $75. He bought us a $30 gift.)

Just curious. I don't know what to get them since most things on their registry are over $100.

Answer 1

Typical gift in my area would be from $100 to $250.  Either something from the registry or cash.

Answer 2

it doesn't matter how much the gift cost for your wedding back then. get them something that comes from the heart and something you really believe they will like whether it costs more or less. just don't go over your budget. it's their wedding, their special day! be kind to them and your bank account.

Answer 3

considering that your whole family is in the wedding party I think they would understand.  Gee that is like 1,360 or more yeks! There should be no limit required.  Just cause they have things in their registry that is $100.00 and over doesn't mean that you can get them something for less. If you have Walmart you can find something less expensive and look really nice. Don't feel bad you are spending enough and they really should understand and probaby will not say anything if you don't give them a wedding gift. Even a small pretty picture frame would be nice.  

Answer 4

I hate when people do that gift registry where even one wine glass is 50.00.  Things remembered (you can go on the computer has some great gift ideas) You can engrave whatever you get with their names. Get a coupon first-sometimes shipping is free.  I would'nt put too much effort into it.  

Answer 5

Wow, this is a tough one. If I were you I would be wondering the same thing... so many expenses related to their wedding, and still you need to give a decent gift that people wouldn't talk about badly...

I really don't know what the right amount is, however here is what I would suggest you do. What is the reasonable amount to give as a gift anyway? - $100 - $150 (for a close family member?). Now, you basically have 2 options: give a cheap gift that they will talk about and will not like, or invest a bit more into this wedding (which is already so expensive for you, but still..) - and give a nice gift, so that overall they have a great impression about your family... I have a feeling that after you already spent so much, it would ruin the overall impression if you gave a cheap gift, don't you think so? Plus, people don't tend to see the whole picture the way you see it (dresses, shoes, flight, hotel, etc), and their judgment will be basically based on the gift that you gave... Anyway, I think my advice to you would be - accept it, give them a nice gift and feel good about yourself..

And have a good time no matter what decision you made!  

Answer 6

They should be considerate of all you've spent on everything & tell you to please not give them a gift in the first place, however, I would stick to a budget of $30-$50 MAX!

Answer 7

you just have to remunerate them for the cost of the meal at the reception for the 4 of you.  estimate $50 each.  get them a gift card from the store they're registered at.  don't take into consideration what your brother in law got YOU for a gift, that's petty.

Answer 8

First of all go to airportcarrentals.com (Ithink) and get a better deal on the rental car. No car should be 800.00

I would say 100.00 tops. get them a gift card or find something that is on the registry that you can purchase elsewhere for less.   If I had been you I would have gotten the kids a sitter and just go for the weekend and not stand up in it.

I would also try expedia or bestfares.com for a better rate on hotel and airfare. For 2k the two of you could go overseas.

Answer 9

Given all the information you gave us, I would say a $50 gift is appropriate, given your other expenses. I personally have the philosophy that even if I'm in a wedding, and I had to spend a lot on travel, the dress, shoes, etc., I would still want to give a nice gift if I was close to this family member. And since this gift is coming from your entire family, $50 is good. Typically, I would say $100 from a family, but because of what you've already put into the wedding, just pick a nice thing off their registry and leave it at that.

I definitely wouldn't do a $20-$30 gift, though.

If there's nothing in that price range on their registry, then just give them cash, or a gift certificate they can use on their honeymoon, or one to their favorite restaurant for when they get back.