Wedding season is here, and with it comes a flurry of invitations to celebrate. One look at that beautiful card, though, and the costs start adding up. We have put together some practical tips to help you enjoy every celebration while keeping your finances in great shape.

The Big Question: How Much Should the Gift Be?

When deciding on a gift amount, a few common thoughts tend to come up:

“The gift should cover the cost of our plate.”

A wedding gift is not a restaurant bill. It is a heartfelt gesture, and the amount does not need to match what the couple spent on catering. Choose a sum that feels right based on your relationship with the couple and your own financial situation, not on the venue or the estimated cost of the menu.

“We should give back the same amount we received at our own celebration.”

Gifts are given according to the giver’s ability and desire. There is no obligation to match what others gave you in the past.

“Since fewer of us are going, we can give a smaller gift.”

When deciding who from the family will attend, think about what combination of........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)