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How much cash to give at a cheap wedding and reception

Chainsaw, on July 20, 2019 at 10:43 AM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 26
I was invited to a wedding, that is being held in a backyard of grooms house. Part of it is in a non air conditioned barn and other under a non air conditioned tent. No out door plumbing so port-o-johns are being used. Food is just chicken on a spit made by family. 180 guest, just a beer wagon no liquor. how much should I be expected to give.

26 Comments

Latest activity by Catherine, on July 23, 2019 at 6:29 PM
  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
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    The same amount of money that you would give at any other wedding. It should be based on your relationship with the couple and your budget, not how expensive of a wedding they can afford.
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  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
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    I like what PP said Smiley smile
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  • F
    VIP August 2019
    Futuremrsk ·
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    This. Give what you can and what's within your budget.
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  • Heather
    Expert October 2019
    Heather ·
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    My mom taught us that a general rule of thumb is to give as much as would cover your plate. If it’s just chicken and beer, I would probably give about $50 in the card.
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  • C
    Chainsaw ·
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    Yeah I usually give $100, but its clear they were trying to be cheap when throwing a wedding. I mean not to have place to wash your hands or go to the bathroom kind of big deal. They could of rented a hall and atleast been able to do music and dancing... its more like a back yard bbq than anything


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  • Heather
    Expert October 2019
    Heather ·
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    It may not have been in their budget to be able to rent a hall, but I dunno, I’m not judging. The last 2 weddings I went to, we gave $200 in the cards. But they were also very expensive plates with very expensive caterers and venues. But I wouldn’t give that same money to someone hosting a backyard bbq.
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  • Kelly
    VIP October 2020
    Kelly ·
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    I was always told whatever you are comfortable giving. Weddings are way more expensive than people realize and 180 guests is a LOT. They likely spent more on their wedding than I will on mine and mine will have a fancier appearance. So saying it looks cheap doesn't mean anything in the wedding industry.
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  • Formerbride
    VIP June 2019
    Formerbride ·
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    I'm sorry but I do take the event into consideration when giving. That's not to say I am cheap. Most weddings I attend are on a similar scale. We give at least 200 dollars for an open bar (standard in our area) semi formal wedding, more depending on relationship. I did go to a barn reception with just beer served that was very casual. The ceremony was private. We gave 100 dollars. We recently went to another reception at a pavilion with a taco bar, beer/wine served and gave 100 dollars. Again, that was a private ceremony. So I don't have any experience of a completely low key wedding with ceremony.
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  • C
    Chainsaw ·
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    Yeah it is very dressed down, to the point of shorts. i just expected more from a wedding. both bride and groom are gainfully employed. just looking to save a buck.

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  • Formerbride
    VIP June 2019
    Formerbride ·
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    Yeah some people want a more relaxed vibe. 🤷‍♀️ Or they can't see the benefit of spending a lot of money on one day. Whatever you give will be kind. I've known people who will go to every wedding they get invited to and never bring a gift lol.
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  • Marlena
    Expert June 2020
    Marlena ·
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    I've read in different forums and tip pages that it's based off the relationship to the couple however average is $50-$300.
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  • Dwedding2020
    Savvy May 2020
    Dwedding2020 ·
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    Give based on how many people in your party, the extravagance of the wedding and your relationship with the bride and groom. At such a casual event and for someone not very close, I would be inclined to give 50-75 as a couple.
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  • CDickman
    VIP September 2019
    CDickman ·
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    Maybe since you are looking down on the wedding so much you should not go, I have hade friends do weddings like this. If your going to be negative and rude stay home.
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  • Mcskipper
    Master July 2018
    Mcskipper ·
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    You don’t have to go to the wedding if you don’t want to.
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  • CDickman
    VIP September 2019
    CDickman ·
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    Oh here are 3 pics or portable bathrooms.



    How much cash to give at a cheap wedding and reception 1

    How much cash to give at a cheap wedding and reception 2

    How much cash to give at a cheap wedding and reception 3
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  • Jennifer
    Super September 2020
    Jennifer ·
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    In my area, you pay for your plate at minimum.
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  • Sherrie
    Expert August 2019
    Sherrie ·
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    This. They loved you enough to invite you so your gift should be what you'd give them as friends regardless of whether they serve steak handed to you by a waiter or chicken cooked by family in the backyard. They cared enough to make it work so you could come. They're likely on a budget but still wanted to include everyone. They shouldnt get "penalized" for that.
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  • Destiny
    VIP May 2020
    Destiny ·
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    Im not even going to bother reading other comments because this post kind of just set me off. The BRIDE AND GROOM are probably having the wedding they can afford. Not down talking degrading one wedding to another has been brought up many many times on these forums. if you cant appreciate the fact that they thought to even invite you to celebrate in there special day then dont go. im sure the negative attitude and opinions wont be missed. as for the amount gift them what you would gift any couple.

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  • Florida Marlins
    Expert October 2017
    Florida Marlins ·
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    I am wondering why you want to attend. Frankly it sounds like you have made up your mind that it will be a "cheap wedding" so why bother? Go and give $100 and enjoy yourself or don't go. But please don't patronize them.

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  • Yam
    VIP September 2019
    Yam ·
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    Every wedding is different. They prioritized guest count over the fluff, so what? They wanted to make sure everybody could come and they’re even serving dinner. It’s not like you’re going to be eating bread crumbs. 180 guests is absolutely expensive. Most venues at least near me can’t even house that many. Food costs would be through the roof. Even with $10/pp for food it would be unreachable for a lot of brides! They found a way around the enormous cost.

    Why not get them a gift if you’re worried about looking like you’re stiffing them? Who knows if they even care, maybe they just wanted you there. Get them a gift you know they’ll like and try to enjoy yourself.
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