Monetary amounts for people's wedding gifts

Okay I need help. My FI and I are going to a million weddings this year and the wedding season is kicking off next weekend. I was wondering what is the appropriate amount (read: I don't want people to think that we are cheap) to give as a money gift. Last year everyone was giving $150 a person and $300 a couple. Although I know some people were just doing $250 a couple. Is there some etiquette rule on this? And do you give a close friend more than you would an acquaintance? HELP!!!

-Glenda

am I cheap?!? lol I always give $200/couple. Or if I hardly know them that well, I'll go less than that - down to $100ish/couple.

Ha - and you thought you were cheap!!!

I don't think your cheap at all. I just don't know what the standard amount is and I don't want to come off cheap. Last year my FI and I gave $300 for random friends and $500 for much closer friends. He is a groosmen in 2 weddings for guys he has been friends with since birth and he feels inclined to give $1,000 on behalf of both of us. I am def going to be broke by the end of all this. Thanks for your input Courtney.

-Glenda

I give 200/couple, unless its a cash bar then I give 150. I think generally you are supposed to give a bit more than what they are paying per plate

Sarah

interesting - i've never given cash as a gift! i just always buy off of the registry - or if i don't do that, i guess a gift certificate. but i'd much prefer cash!

See the thing is that I've always heard you should try to at the very least cover your plate, but really you should try to do that plus a little extra so that they are at least making some money. The problem is that in New York a saturday night wedding starts at $250 a plate. And I'm talking about an average place, not like a wedding at the Four Seasons or the Plaza or anything like that. Can you imagine having to cover your plate plus more? It's so hard for couples to make money here in NY. I imagine it's like that in other states too no? I mean LA, Chicago, Boston, etc. are all expensive cities too.

-Glenda

that's usually what i do too - cover the cost of attending the wedding, but that's usually translated into the amt you spend on the gift (from the registry). i just wish we were getting cash!

Wow!! My gift card for $100 to Bed Bath and Beyond is looking really shady!!!

I had no idea I was suppose to give that much! Good thing most of my friends are already married.

WOW~ you guys have mulah! we generally give about a $60 gift. Now I really sound cheap! There is no way to afford that much for a gift. (I am turning really red right now!)