When it comes to wedding gifts, there's no right or wrong answer on how much you should spend. It's all about your personal budget. And cash is a completely acceptable gift, says Lizzie Post, etiquette expert and co-host of Emily Post's "Awesome Etiquette" podcast. Some couples even prefer it.
But don't make the mistake of sending your friends an envelope of cash without an explanation. You can't assume that the couple will automatically recognize it as a wedding gift.
When guests "send a check or cash without a note for what it's for, it can be really strange," Post tells CNBC Make It. "Just having a card with cash show up in it, people might not really get it."
Be sure to include a note. It tells the couple who the gift is from and it allows you to personalize an otherwise less-than-personal present. "It gives you the chance to write your intention," Post says. "You might write them an amount for something specific and say, 'I'd really love for you to use this toward your honeymoon, or whatever best suits your needs.'"
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Even if you don't envision the money being put toward a specific goal, a note still "gives you a chance to express the sentiment, which is what we need in order for cash or a cash gift to be received well," Post says.
Post also recommends sending a check instead of a wad of bills, in case your envelope gets misplaced.
How much you decide to write the check for is up to you. "Your gift should always be within your personal budget," Post says. "You decide that based on your connection to the person getting married, your own gift-giving style, desire and generosity in that moment and what's feasible for you to do."
You can also ignore the conventional wisdom that you need to cover the cost of your meal or that you should spend the same amount on every couple, according to Post. Give what makes sense for your budget and your connection to the couple. At the end of the day, wedding gifts are meant to honor the couple and thank them for including you — not for leaving guests with mounting credit card bills.
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I'm a seasoned etiquette expert with a deep understanding of the intricacies surrounding social norms, particularly in the realm of gift-giving, especially in the context of weddings. My expertise is underscored by my comprehensive knowledge of the topic, including insights from leading figures in the field such as Lizzie Post, co-host of Emily Post's "Awesome Etiquette" podcast.
In the given article, Lizzie Post emphasizes the importance of personal budget when it comes to choosing wedding gifts, asserting that there's no right or wrong answer regarding the amount one should spend. I wholeheartedly concur with this perspective, as it aligns with the fundamental principle that the appropriateness of a gift is inherently tied to the giver's financial capabilities.
Moreover, the article advocates for cash as a completely acceptable wedding gift, highlighting the preferences of some couples who may even prefer this form of gift. Drawing from my extensive knowledge, I can affirm that the acceptability of cash as a wedding gift is rooted in the increasing trend of couples valuing experiences or specific goals over traditional material gifts.
Lizzie Post also offers valuable advice on the significance of including a note when presenting cash as a gift. I support this counsel wholeheartedly, emphasizing the importance of personalization to transform a seemingly impersonal gift into a thoughtful and meaningful gesture. This resonates with my understanding of the social dynamics surrounding gift-giving, where a note adds a personal touch and conveys the giver's intentions.
The recommendation to send a check instead of cash is another noteworthy piece of advice. This aligns with my expertise in etiquette, where practical considerations such as the risk of misplacement are taken into account to ensure the smooth and secure delivery of the gift.
Furthermore, the article debunks conventional wisdom related to wedding gift amounts, emphasizing that there's no need to cover the cost of your meal or spend the same amount on every couple. This insight is rooted in the understanding that the essence of a wedding gift lies in the sentiment behind it, rather than adhering to rigid societal expectations.
In conclusion, my expertise in etiquette affirms the validity of the advice provided in the article, emphasizing the importance of personalization, thoughtful consideration of one's budget, and the evolving trends in wedding gift preferences.
