Gifts for cake and lunch reception

Like K squared said, I gift based on my relationship to the couple my cousin is also getting married this Friday and me and FH have set aside a nice gift for them, still need to get a card though. I go based off how close I am with them and honestly what we can afford. Id rather give a smaller gift than nothing at all. My family is all of the mind, you give what you can.

On the other hand, if my cousin was only doing cake and punch during a meal time, I would probably rsvp no to the invite but still set aside a gift and either mail it to her or give it to her the next time we saw each other. But thats my personal prefence.

I've never been to a cake and punch wedding, so I don't really know the answer. I'd say that if I know it's a short reception, and cake and punch, I would give a usual gift. If I go to a wedding at dinner time with a formal invite and it's cake and punch, then no.

Also, gifts are not required for weddings, only for showers.

Sorry but 6:30 pm on a Friday night and no alcohol? I'd decline

As far as the size of the wedding goes, they are no less married if they had a small desert wedding than if they a big, full dinner wedding. If you want to give a gift, then that should not be a factor in deciding what to give. But, as others mentioned, this is terrible hosting. 6:30 is dinner time, so I would personally give a smaller gift, or nothing.

Just realized it's at 6:30 on a Fri. I probably wouldn't go at all because I'd have to leave work early to make that and I wouldn't do that for an evening cake and punch reception. I'd still give a gift based off my relationship with the couple though.

I'd give the normal amount based on how close I am to them. If my travel expenses to get there are crazy then the amount is adjusted.

Nah, my gifts are about the person and my relationship with them, not what they can give me.

If you're very close with the cousin definitely give the usual amount you would. If you're not very close I would give a smaller amount. Rule of thumb I always knew was to cover your plate plus a little. So if there's no meal I would give less than usual but still enough that the couple can enjoy!

I would give a normal gift for a cake and punch reception. I might make it smaller in their case, though, because they're having a cake and punch reception during dinnertime. That's just rude.

I would gift the same but I would be super annoyed and probably hangry

I wouldn't give a gift at all. 6:30 PM on a Friday night and no dinner? That is flat out rude on the part of the couple.

I'm torn... on the one hand, it's your cousin so you should give a nice gift. On the other hand, I have heard that your gift should approximately cover your plate. If that etiquette still holds true (or is a thing in your part of the country) then I can see why you are thinking of a smaller gift. Has anyone else used that "rule" before when deciding how much to give?

A 6:30 ceremony with no dinner is ridiculous. Can't believe this couple would do this. Gift would be the same.

This is tough. It's family, so I feel like I would give the same as normal. At the same time YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FEED ME??? I'd be leaving early to get myself some dinner for sure!

It should be the same amount but that is poor hosting on their end . & as @Mrs.VtoBe stated they are your blood relatives WW is not so still give the same!

ETA I kind of like @Kate R. idea about stopping at BK ,shoot you gotta eat lol!

I'm sorry but some of these comments sound like they are tipping based on the level of service given at a restaurant. If you love the couple and are attending a wedding why would you give less based on the dinner or lack thereof? Sounds a bit petty. It would be better if you just don't show up because it sounds as if you'll be a downer anyway. One who would sit and complain about etiquette rules and the lack of proper hosting instead of enjoying the evening as being around friends and family who invited you. Sorry UO here smh

You give a gift based on your closeness with the couple and what you can afford, not what you're getting in return.

There are many reasons people have cake and punch receptions. There are only selfish reasons people don't give proper wedding gifts. I'd give as much as I'd give for any other wedding.

Lmao that sounds rude af. I wouldn't base my gift off of what the couple is providing. That's incredibly petty.

Ann, this is a cake and punch reception at DINNER time. 6:30pm. There is no reason that justifies that level of rudeness on the part of the hosts. And I don't believe anyone is suggesting not giving a "proper" wedding gift. Just because it may be a lesser amount than may be given at a wedding where the hosts actually care about guest needs, doesn't mean it isn't a proper gift.