What's the Going Rate for a Wedding Gift in NJ in 2016?

Image belongs to FocusontheFamily.com

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!

NJ Wedding Photographer Nick Speer - Review

NJ Photographer Nick Speer of Speer Images impresses his clients with a skilled eye, and will capture all the action, emotion, subtle details and special nuances of your wedding day. Below find a review of Speer Images, from a happy client of Nick's.

Copyright Speer Images, www.speerimages.com. Phone: 973-903-6926

David's Bridal "Final Sale" Page

I put this pic up just because I think this dress is really cute. It's totally something I'd love to wear as a bridesmaid, or even for just a formal occasion. Image property of David's Bridal. All rights reserved.

I thought it was worth mentioning here on the NJ Wedding on a Budget blog that they have some really low-priced bridesmaid dresses on the David's Bridal Website. In my circle of friends, the most bridesmaid action I saw was in the late 1990s to early 2000s. I would say that I typically paid around $150 for a bridesmaid dress. More recently, I was a bridesmaid again in 2013, and still that price point hasn't really changed much. Although it's worth mentioning that the dress I wore this time around was above the knee, as opposed to full or tea-length which is what I wore back in the day.

Looking at the current offerings on the David's Bridal Final Sale page, and they're running as low as $30-something, which is quite amazing to me. But it also goes to show that even popular wedding vendors are trying to catch the attention of today's economical bridal party. Let's face it, times are getting tougher, starting salaries are lower, and maybe NJ brides and bridesmaids are taking a more frugal approach.

Plus, stores like David's Bridal are competing with all the secondhand bridal gown shops and online stores. So maybe they aren't getting as much of a markup as they once were. Or maybe the merchandise is coming in from China under a generic name which can greatly reduce the value of the dress. Whatever the reason, if you're shopping for low-cost bridesmaid dresses and a budget bridal gown, you should probably head over to David's Bridal's website and peruse their online offerings.

My guess is that the dresses that are being offered for the lowest prices are probably not available to try on in the store. The workaround for that is just to take your measurements, and the buy the closest size dress you can find. If you're worried about your problem areas, maybe go for the next size up and pay a local seamstress (or hit up your ma) for alterations.

Some of the gowns being shown on the David's Bridal Final Sale page are probably not suitable for a wedding that will take place in the upcoming season. For instance, if you look there now (May) you'll see dark-colored dresses that would be more appropriate for a winter wedding. Well... do some advance planning, and assuming that as a frugal bride you're not going to be picky about last year's bridesmaid dress trends... snap some up and you'll be ready for the coming fall and winter months!

NJ Punk Rock Wedding Ideas

I attended a punk-rock wedding sometime in the late 90s. Actually, it was a punk rock vegan wedding. The reception was held at a park in Kinnelon, NJ. I remember walking up alone (I had agreed to meet my date there, the whole thing was very casual). I almost ended up at the wrong pavilion, partying with some old codgers at a 50th anniversary celebration instead.

The punk rock bride wore a short white dress. I forget what the groom's attire was (go figure) but I'm sure it was something involving combat boots or Converse hi-tops. Pretty sure they played lots of music from the Pixies and the Cramps. Dinner included vegan Setan Marsala and tortellini with asparagus and dairy-free cream sauce. Yes, of course I would remember the food.

After the meal was served and eaten, guests changed into shorts and tee shirts, and played field-day type games on the grass. It was a fun, laid-back, different kind of wedding.

Here are a few inspiring punk rock wedding pics from around the web!

A bad-ass way to advertise that you are "officially off the market!" Found on Pinterest.

Punk rock bride and groom, stickin' it to the man! But wait, what finger is that!? Pic courtesy of PleaseKillMe.com

Saucy, tattooed rebel on her wedding day. Images found on Burnettsboards.com

This is how punk rockers express their wedding-day gratitude! Pic from Offbeatbride.com

House-Hunting Tips for Newlyweds in NJ

NJ Realtor Vicki Brenner, on her wedding day.
Contact her at brennvlb@gmail.com or (732) 491-6126.

First comes love, then comes marriage. Then comes... first-time home buyer stress! Licensed Realtor Vicki Brenner of Weichert in Clinton, NJ helps home-seekers in Hunterdon and Warren County, NJ find the home of their dreams. Here, she shares 5 valuable tips for couples searching for their first home together.


5 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers:

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to purchase your first home. This is a very exciting time in your life, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. This is quite possibly the most expensive purchase you will ever make in your lifetime, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly! I’ve compiled some tips to help you make an informed, confident decision when buying your first home.

1)    Team up with a local Realtor- Your Realtor will know the ins and outs of your desired neighborhood. They will walk you through the entire process and help you purchase a great home, at an affordable price. Contrary to popular belief, homebuyers don’t pay their Realtor’s commission (in most cases); this is the seller’s responsibility. Pair up with a Realtor you connect with, and one who listens to your needs, wants, and concerns.

2)    Sit down with a mortgage lender- Meeting with a mortgage lender will give you direction when it comes to finances. Your lender will provide information on the different mortgage programs available, and help you decide which one will best suit your needs. Obtaining a mortgage pre-approval is typically an easy process, and will give you a realistic idea of what you can afford.

3)    Know what you want- write out your needs, wants, and deal breakers so your agent can find homes that you’ll actually want to look at. In the same respect, be willing to compromise. If the house you found has central air (one of your needs), but lacks granite countertops (one of your wants), consider updating the countertops at a later date.

4)    Be patient- Buying a home can be a lengthy process. Typically it takes anywhere from 35-60 days after your offer is accepted before you “close”. If you’re currently renting and know your lease is up in December, you probably want to start looking for homes in September/October to give adequate time. You may end up looking at several homes, over a span of weeks or months, before finding “the one”.  Don’t rush into it, you should be confident in your decision to avoid buyer’s remorse.

5)    Cover your bases- Buying a home involves working with several different vendors. Finding a reputable mortgage lender, home inspector, and real estate attorney (in NJ it is customary to work with an attorney) will make the process run smoothly. Your Realtor should be able to provide you with a list of preferred vendors that they have worked with in the past. If not, ask friends and relative for referrals.


Victoria “Vicki” Brenner is a licensed Realtor in the state of New Jersey, and works out of the Weichert, Realtors office in Clinton. She resides in Warren County with her husband and two children. Vicki is a member of the NAR, NJAR, and Hunterdon-Somerset Association of Realtors. For all your real estate needs, feel free to contact Vicki at: brennvlb@gmail.com or (732) 491-6126.