Sally, I was so happy to read your reply! I always thought that 'cover your plate' rule demonstrated rather questionable taste. I wouldn't invite friends to a party and expect them to pay. It's an invitation, not a solicitation. If you can't afford the big wedding, you have a smaller party. (And I'm speaking as someone who has had 2 smaller "parties".)

But that's the way I was raised - seems like many people don't think that way.

"It's an invitation, not a solicitation." Well said, Susan!

Today in the "Globe and Mail", there was a brief article about what the going rate for wedding gift costs. The expert from Ashley's stated the average was about $130.