I am going to a wedding in Houston and have heard that proper etiquette in the West is to give gifts rather than $$?
Is this true?
Is giving money just as nice?
my dad lives in Texas, and they usually give gifts off the registry at the wedding as well as at the bridal shower. But I don't think anyone would be opposed to getting money. Especially when they know you've come from far away.
Should I give the same amount of money that I would normally give in NY? I prefer to give them money anyway and I am sure it would come in handy for their honeymoon.
I would give the same as you would here. Houston is a big city, and I'm sure it's a wedding on par with here.
That is true. I think New York is one of the few places that does the envelopes thing. I have been to several weddings in the south and the New York guests are the only ones that bring envelopes.
Michigan to be specific, was that people gave gifts from the registry, not cash. It wasn't until I moved to NY that I even heard of the concept of 'covering the cost of your plate.'
The gifts we received from our wedding guests were all envelopes from hubby's relatives here in the east, and gifts from my family & family friends. They all traveled from other states, and generally sent the gifts in advance. I'm more used to people giving gifts based on what they can afford, giving more if they are particularly close to the bride and groom, rather than matching the percieved cost of the plate+. Considering the expense of travel, hotel, etc., they really spent more than the cost of the plate to share in our special day.
So, the point I wanted to make is that if you are not able to give the same as you would in NY, in addition to your travel and lodging expenses, there's a good chance that you would not be perceived as being chinzy, so give what you are comfortably able to give.
I was thinking the same way, I just didn't want to come off as being a cheapo. I am spending quite a few bucks to get there and my FI is coming along too, who they haven't met yet. I am probably giving money as well as something small from the registry since I won't be attending the bridal shower.
