Need your advice on wedding present
 

A young friend is getting married in Madrid soon. My husband and I are invited and will be there.

The couple prefers cash for their honeymoon.

Could you advice me on what you think is an appropriate amount for a present from both of us?

Thanks a bunch!

How can anybody answer this for you?

Are you the CEO of Microsoft? Do you play professional basketball? Are you an average folk? Are you using every last cent just to get to Madrid?

Give whatever you want.

If this was me...I'd give $100.

This is a totally unanswerable question. As SAPS said it entirely depends on your situation -- plus how close a friend, etc.

Give the equivalent of whatever you would give in the States . . . . . .

You could give what you would spend on a nice gift not on sale.

But I will be polite and keep my wedding gift thoughts to myself, as they contributed to a thread being pulled a few months ago! :@

Its a fair question. It is hard to know what to give for a destination wedding - when you have already paid to fly/stay/eat, etc.
I don't have an answer though.

I know that this is a sticky question and cannot thank you enough for helping me with it. I just want to do the right thing.

I am not a CEO or wealthy person. Just a regular traveler going to the wedding of good friends/business related daughter.

Hi E,

>The couple prefers cash for their honeymoon.<

I would send a nice card wishing them all the best and a check for $25.

I would then take the money that it would cost to attend their wedding and go on a trip of my own.

((I))

cash is very impersonal and they won't remember you unless the amount is quite large. A beautiful wedding gift is LLadro Kissing Doves

How can we answer that if we don't know where the reception is and how much it should take to "cover the plate"?

Kidding. Just kidding.

I agree this is an unanswerable question. There have been very active threads on the US board regarding what kind and value of wedding gifts. There were clear geographical/cultural/religious differences.

I agree with the advice - give what you would normally spend on a gift at a local wedding. Who knows if it's the "right" answer or not?

no way - dont give kissing doves.
If they want cash, just give a cash gift of what you can afford and WANT to give. If you dont want to give cash, ask where they are registered and buy something compatible with your budget.

Please don't give kissing doves - or any other "traditional" (to you) gift.

They asked for cash. That really is what they want. Chances are they will not be appreciative of kissing doves....or Paul Revere pewter bowls...or Tiffany vases...or whatever it is you like. They want $$$.

Hi all,

My Lady Wife and I have decided to go to Italy to get married again.

You are all invited.

Please send cash for our honeymoon.

((I))

ira: RSVP-ing. I'd LOVE to come -- As long as you pay my air/hotel :)

I would give a similar amount (in euro) of cash, as what you would have spent on a gift had you gone to this same couple's wedding in the U.S.

Ira,

I am delighted for you and your Lady Wife. I would love to come. I know you are a gentleman and your wife, of course, a lady, and would therefore be insulted by so crass a gift as money.
Just let us know the city and date. Best Wishes to you both!

hi there, epaulino
I noted your request re a wedding present for your young friend. I hope I can help: I bought an exceptional gold/silver Spanish fruit bowl whilst in Madrid from a large department store,and carried it home to Australia with my hand luggage.I hope the bowl will become an heirloom one day - the em was very expensive (also heavy), hence my carrying it on board the aircraft.
The brother now wants a similar product so I checked the bottom for the manufacturer's name and recently emailed to see if there is an Australian agent. Rec'd an interim reply and am hoping for definite news. The manufacturer at the back of the fruit bowl is:

David Marshall - Disenos, SA - Seville, Espana. Made in Spain.

ps...For info ... I do not have a financial interest in the company !!!

Don't give sheets. Bed sizes aren't the same in the U.S.A. and Spain.

I see they want money--a gift I hate to give.

How about a Be My Guest gift certificate from American Express that they can use at any restaurant that accepts the American Express card? Perhaps they will remember you treated them to a romantic meal.

Don't get them knick knacks if they've asked for cash! If these were my friends, I would give them anywhere from $100-$200 on an American Express gift card.

It sounds like they're sending invoices.