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The bottom line is that whenever the newlyweds see your gift, they will think of you. So, what do you want them to be thinking when they think of you?

When it comes to deciding how much money to spend on this gift, here are three things to consider:

How much can I comfortably afford to spend?
The wedding couple wouldn't feel very good about receiving a gift that cost you to sacrifice your standard of living or accumulate debt. So, before you do anything else, figure out how much you can afford to give, and work within those perimeters.

What kind of wedding is the couple having?
If it's an evening wedding, held at an upscale establishment, with full dinner service and open bar, then you can be assured that it cost them a pretty penny to host the event - whether they shouldered the cost alone or shared it with their family. Consider how much they spent to have you there, (the cost for the venue, food, drink, and dancing is generally based on the number of guests attending). If you can afford it, it's best that the value of your gift at least matches what the couple and their family spent to have you there. Ideally, though, your gift should not only cover the cost of your meal and beverages, but also give the couple a little something to start their new life with.

What is my relationship to the bride and groom?
If the people who are being married are close family members or friends, you probably want to give them some kind of a keepsake - something elegant, classic, and genuinely heartfelt. You want your gift to have a permanent place in their home, to remind them of the joy you shared with them as they united in marriage, and of your ongoing support. These types of items generally can't be found at discount stores, but often you can find high caliber products on sale/clearance in moderate-high end stores.

Remember, that weddings happy occasions, and it is more about the celebration of love and the union of family, than it is about gifts. So, spend what you can afford to spend, on a gift that comes from your heart and will add to the quality of the newlyweds lives.

Happy Giving.

Learn more about this author, Merri Sharp.
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