Friend's destination wedding

I'm having a destination wedding and I truly do not expect gifts from any of my guests and I think that attitude is pretty common among DW brides. If you still want to give her something, I'd go for a thoughtful card and an affordable cash gift. I don't think you need to worry about "covering your plate" in this case.

The DW we went to in Mexico I didn't take a gift.

I am also having a destination wedding and do not expect gifts from anyone. We didn't register and asked not to have a shower. We know that travel and the resort will already be a lot for everyone to spend. We don't want to add anymore to the expense. We will be so excited just to have people there to celebrate with us. I'm sure your friend feels the same way.

If you want to get her a gift, I wouldn't worry about covering the plate cost. Maybe a small cash gift or something you know she would like to have if they were registered.

I am having a destination wedding and will be surprised if anyone sends a gift. I will just be happy if my friends come and bring themselves.

DW bride here. I honestly don't want guests to bring a gift. We changed our location to be much cheaper so they could come, but it still costs plenty. You being there is a wonderful present. She probably doesn't anticipate much.

"Cover your plate" is nonsense. So a bride and groom who had a modest wedding within their means "deserve" less of a gift than the ones who blow through all their money on 10 ice sculptures and a chocolate fountain?

Give what you can afford. A small token gift that shows your affection is fine. A lavish gift is also fine. There is no minimum and there is no maximum. It all comes down to your own financial situation.

No way there is a saying for destination weddings; the biggest gift of all is your presence. I am having a DW and we do not want or expect ANYTHING!

Nothing is expected for a DW. However, if you want to gift something and cash makes you anxious (it makes me anxious) give them an experience or something at home, like a restaurant gift card, a couples massage when they get home or a wine club. Something thoughtful that does not need to be lugged anywhere.

I don't understand what the cost per person is?

You don't have to cover your plate, I think that's an outdated notion. If you want to give a gift, give what you can afford.

I'll add to the chorus of attending a DW and not giving a gift. My husband and I went to a friend's wedding in India and we didn't give a gift, just a card.

@Elizabeth The resort is all inclusive (certain food, certain drinks, and some activities), so there is a charge per person/room. So, for the cost of the room per night doubles if my husband attends, which is why I'm going alone.

No, you are not paying for your plate. The hotel itself is an all-inclusive, but any wedding related costs are extra for the bride and groom. We're paying more than $150/plate for our wedding at an all-inclusive resort.

I personally don't want any gifts from people attending my wedding.

Thanks @FutureMrsG I wasn't sure if the bride and groom had to pay for the food, too, or if that was excluded and they pay for the ceremony space and other things (flowers, planning, etc).

I appreciate everyone's advice

I'm also having a destination wedding. It's about 3-hour drive for us and our guest, we definitely do not expect or want gifts. The best gift will be if people show up & have fun.