Surprise invitation to wedding evening do - what to do about a gift?

[InOffice]

As per my other thread, I don't say no, so I shall be going

I don't know the B&G very well and am surprised to be invited, not offended at the evening only invite, or at the the likelihood I'm a last minute addition . Among my extended circle it's the society event of the year, lots of people I know going and I'm sure it will be a great party.

However, included in the invitation is one of those poems about presence/presents, but cash if you must. As I'm really just invited to a night out in a bar (I expect to buy my own drinks) and aren't close to them, I think I'd probably have just taken a card and maybe a bottle. I understand they don't want lots of random gifts and don't blame them, but have no idea what's appropriate cash wise? £20 doesn't seem enough but is still more than I would have spent on a physical present.

WWYD?

I reckon a decent bottle of Prosecco and a nice card!

Yes, that's what I would have done, but they specifically say no gifts, only cash.

I'd probably still go with the booze, if they don't like it they can regift it. I'd feel awkward giving someone a £20 note as you say, although maybe that's what they want...
Have fun!

for an evening do with nothing actually oprovided, get your own drinks - just £20 in a card. Probably a voucher if i know they liked John lewis, else just cash.

i'd not give drink very easy to get it wrong and them think you cheap or whatever.

Oh Prosecco is the devil's wee wee, please don't give that, particularly as they've stipulated no presents. Just stick £20 in a card (which is more than a bottle of Prosecco!).

£20 in a card will be very welcome, unless they’re arseholes. They’ve said presents aren’t necessary so they sound alright to me. Hope you enjoy yourself

Could you get a voucher for something? I like the JL idea, or selfridges/Harvey Nichols if there's one nearby? Or a voucher for something to do. It's a tad more, but there's a few places where I live that do an afternoon tea type thing for £30 which I always think is nice for a newly married couple.

I’d still do a bottle and a card or some fancy chocolates if you’re not sure they drink and just place it next to where the cards are.

Don't bring a bottle, we still have some in our cupboard from our wedding over 5 years ago... £20 in a card (or less if that's what you are comfortable with) is plenty!

£20 in a card is fine for an evening do where you have to buy your own drinks, and will be much more welcome than bottles of Prosecco or similar.

A nice card. They don't want presents. They want people to pay to attend a night out. Not even any grub? Sod that.

For me it would be a bottle of champagne and a nice card for an evening do of people I barely know

Who said there's no food?

I don't know, I expect there may be a buffet, but I wont be going hungry!

Society event of the year? Ina bar? And buy own drinks? Meh. Hoping you are about to tell me the bar is Annabel's or something...

It's in a hotel, presumably there'll be dancing. "Society" means the society I move in.

A hotel also means very expensive bar prices for you!

I'd probably wait Abs see what was on offer before putting a note into a card. I have been to a few evening dos with no drinks provided, no buffet etc. not even a seat as all the day guests just stayed put. I resented that £20 given!

£20 in a card is nice as they can be put together and buy something that perhaps the couple couldn't afford or wouldn't treat themselves to - something that reminds them of their wedding and generous friends and family. Rather than a bottle they'll forget in time.

£20 in a card is plenty.

We had lots of evening guests just do £20 in a card. We didn't expect anything from anyone (especially the evening guests), so I think it's an acceptable gesture.

Don't evening do's have a buffet?

I've never been to one but presume there should be some food for the evening guests and other guests as the night goes on?