How much you should spend on the gift.gift card when attending a wedding?

Question

I'm from an Asian country so I'm not sure about the tradition here. I was invited to attend a friend's wedding reception including dinner. I know both the bride and groom. They're real estate agents. We just got to know each other months ago and are not close friends yet. I feel tricky when making friends with agents/brokers since they try to do business with you instead of pure friendship from the beginning.

Anyway I think I should buy a gift or bring a gift card to the reception but I don't know how much people usually spend on that for a new friend as I describe. I asked the bride about what gift they need but they said they have everything and don't have a list...

The last question is do men usually wear formal suite with tie and shinning leather shoes to attend a wedding? Is business casual or something like blazer more fashionable?

Thanks!

Answer 1

It really all depends on how much you're able to afford. Thats not to say that if you're a millionaire, than you need to give the couple a million dollars. lol

Personally, I think that anything from $25 - $100 is enough! :) Usually, the bride will have a gift registry at stores like Macy's, JCPenney, Bed, Bath and Beyond. You can ask her if she did.

Now, regarding the guests' attire. If it's a very formal place, you should wear a tux. If it's a semi-formal place, you should wear a suit. Therefore, a blazer would be appropriate.  

Answer 2

depending on the formality of the event you should bring a gift of 50-75 per person. If its real fancy then you should cover your plate meaning somewhere btw 75-100 per person.

a man should wear a suit and tie unless the invitation states black tie. then he should get a tux.

Answer 3

I can help you.  I am the wedding expert.  It is traditional to give money in a card as a wedding gift.  I think that a good amount for a friend would be $150.  What to wear depends on where the reception is and the time of day.  Early in the day would be less casual than at an evening wedding.

Answer 4

It seems like you might get even more confused by the answers, because everyone is telling you something different!

A suit and tie with leather shoes is the proper attire for a wedding, so you are correct in your assumption of the dress code.

In New York, where I live, the standard for weddings is to give $100 per person attending (meaning, if you bring a date, you should give $200, and only $100 if you go alone).  Technically, that amount covers the cost of your food (that is how much wedding halls cost around here, $100 per head).  If they are not very close friends, stick to $100, or maybe $75 if you live in a cheaper area.  good luck!

Answer 5

since your not close friends,  have a basket made with wine, a couple of glasses, candles in it. your local florist probably does them or would know where to go. i would spend a fortune on a couple of business aquaintances. as for attire, check and see how formal the wedding is. suit is good for evening, blazer and slacks are fine for day.

Answer 6

I guess the amount would depend on your personal finances.  If you can afford $50 that would be reasonable.  A formal suit may be too much.  The invitation should say if formal dress is required, like "black tie" etc.  If it isn't expressed in the invite, I'd go with business casual.

Answer 7

$50 to $100

Answer 8

The best answer to your question is personalized gift with the couples name and the wedding day.  It will not cost you much and it has great impact on people.  Go to memorable gifts they have lots of ideas. www.memorablegifts.com

Answer 9

I would and I have, see what the couple wants and who all is getting what for them, then Go from there. Walmart is always a good place to get gift cards and cheaper good items. & They can use the card online if need be or wanted. If their getting a house, you may ask if they would like a gift card from a hardware store. Or you could ask them which store/s they like the best. I woulwdn't go over $30 on any given card. But everyone is different. Good Luck.

Answer 10

If you were a college kid, I would say spend $25 on the gift card.  It sounds like you are a little older, and may be doing business with these people in the future.  I would spend $50 on a gift card.  

Also, wear the suit and tie if the wedding is at 5pm or after.  If it is an afternoon wedding, go with a blazer.  Polished shoes are always in fashion.  

And what a nice man you are to worry about all of this.  

Answer 11

If it is a formal evening affair, I would give $75.00 per person.  You should wear a dark business suit, white long sleeve dress shirt, silk tie and black leather shoes.  If the suit is deep navy blue get a tie with navy, red and gray diagonal stripes, if it is black suit, then do black, deep red and gray diagonal stripes in the tie.  If you are unsure, buy a new white dress shirt and ask the sales person to help you choose a tie.

Answer 12

spend $50. usually cash or a gift card is best.  and men usually wear a suit.