Cash In Lieu Of Wedding Present

[barry1010]

We have been invited to a family friend's wedding and the invitation makes it clear they want cash instead of a present. We have been invited to the Church service and the reception but will only be able to go to the Church.
It's a long way off yet but we can't agree on how much to give.

[bhg481]

Ignore the cash request and send a present; that's what we did. I know that most modern couples have been living together for a while and don't need things to start them out in married life as we did in our time but I class the gift as a souvenir for them and a reminder of friends they once knew.

[ubasses]

However much you would have considered spending on a wedding present

[Mexican18]

I would buy a present, regardless of what they ask for. I think they've got a nerve even asking!

[barry1010]

I think the days of an electric carving knife or a couple of ashtrays are long gone. :(

[Mamyalynne]

For a family friend I would only send a card unless I was very close to them, otherwise pick a reasonable figure and stick to it.

[pastafreak]

I'd give cash equal to what I'd spend for a gift. At least they can then put it towards something that they want or need.

[rowanwitch]

When most couples will probably have their home sorted by the time they get married, money towards holidays or simply to enjoy themselves is far more sensible. if it makes you uncomfortable to give cash remember you may be giving the means to collect memories. Dave and I asked for vouchers Most people gave around £30 none of our friends and family were loaded but it built up to a usable amount.

[Maydup]

For a family friend I would probably give £25.

For a close friend or closer family £50. Children or grandchildren might be more but circumstances are all so different.

[Maydup]

PS If they have asked for money then I would not buy a present. There is nothing worse than more towels or candles or photo frames, when you have plenty.

[Barsel]

When my daughter got married, they asked for no gifts as they had everything they needed after living together for 5 years, but they wanted to go on a really nice honeymoon abroad, and so this is why they asked for cash, and they were then able to do that.

[LadyCG]

Why not buy them a case of wine you've handpicked yourself?

I went to a wedding once and didn't know what to get the happy couple as I didn't really know them well so I bought them matching Calvin Klein Fragrance and they really loved it.

[Canary42]

£1 - it's the thought that counts.

[tiggerblue10]

All our family weddings have included pinning money on the bride and groom.

When my cousin got married a few years ago I gave £50.

[emmie]

aren't some cultures like Greek? pin money on the bride and groom.

[eleanor2]

Family friend? I'd say 50.00 is a good amount Barry.

[eleanor2]

I think whether you are going to the reception or not, the invite was there & I think 50.00 is fair. Do you know them well?

[barry1010]

Ye, I think £50 is probably right. We would give a lot more if we were going to reception to try and cover the costs. Thanks all

[tiggerblue10]

Yes Emmie, and Turkish.

[emmie]

long time since i saw any weddings - but remember the Greeks ones on tv where they pinned money on bride and groom

[twix123]

When the eldest son of some of our friends got married, the couple asked for no presents, as they were both in well paid jobs and had houses. Instead we were given a link to the Oxfam website and requested to make suitable donations, boosted by Gift Aid. If I remember correctly, we paid for a village well somewhere in Africa together with a couple of goats.