I came across a
good article from NJ 101.5 that reveals what an acceptable amount for a wedding gift is, based on number of factors that will be unique to each person's situation.
The numbers they came up with appear to be a consensus of NJ 101.5 listeners and readers, which is why some of them are "funny" - $142?? But that's fine... I mean, isn't appropriateness typically a group decision? Hence the need to come up with an "average" - the going rate.
Based on what I read in their article, it appears that my rounded figures will still work fine when deciding how much to give the bride and groom on their wedding day.
I stated elsewhere in this blog that $100 per head is the average that you should calculate when trying to determine if you'll be able to cover your wedding-day expenses and maybe even come away with a little nest egg.
But, when giving a wedding gift, that simple, round number of $100 can acceptably increase or decrease depending on how well you know the bride and groom.
Close family members tend to give a little closer to $300 per couple, or $150 a head.
Work friends might be more likely to give $75... it depends on the relationship.
The age of the wedding guests may also come into play here. A young couple just starting out may not have as much to extend to the bride and groom as a well-off aunt or uncle.
The
article on NJ 101.5's website reminds us of other deciding factors which may include:
Additional expenses that you may rack up on the day of the wedding. For example, gas, tolls, hotel, restaurant meals, shower gift, engagement gift, formal attire.
Your own, financial situation at the time of the wedding. Anyone who is experiencing financial difficulties should not
be expected to make the "going wedding-gift rate," whatever it may be.
But if you are a "by the books" kind of guest, then you'll appreciate knowing that $100 per head still flies in the world of NJ weddings!
