Reasonable wedding gift

[CleverLilViper]

I'm attending my brother's wedding very soon, and stuck for ideas on what to get the bride and groom for their wedding.

I'm also quite short on money this month as I've got to pay for 2 nights in the hotel for their wedding as well so I don't have a massive budget for it.

Most people, I think, are just giving the couple money which is fine and I'm happy to do that, but I worry that by giving them money, they'll know how much I put in and if it's not "enough" they won't be happy. Looking at my budget, the most I could reasonably contribute would be around £40-£60, but I've heard people say it's customary for guests to give the equivalent of the cost of their meal which apparently is £160.

I'd like to get them a proper gift-rather than money really, but I know they'd probably value the money more. I considered a personalised picture frame with their names and the date of the wedding on it, which looks really nice, but then I overthink and think they'll think I'm cheap or something.

I haven't attended a lot of weddings so I don't know what is normal and I don't want anyone to feel upset or disappointed if my gift/contribution doesn't meet with their expectations.

Things have been tight lately, and money has been short especially this month and I just feel so bad that I'm probably going to disappoint them.

The frame sounds lovely. You can give what you want as a gift- it doesn’t have to be money- and especially from a sister something personal is completely appropriate.

I think the frame sounds lovely.

I'm in fortunate position to be able to make quilts for those in close to. Going to wedding next year and going to get the couple's names on two chunky Cornish wear mugs. They come boxe d and easily transported for trip abroad. We were given a pair and it's saved so many discussions on whose cup is whose!

We received three personalised photo frames like the ones you mentioned so they're obviously a popular choice and you might risk your gift not standing out amongst others. The difficulty with decorative gifts is that the couple may have different taste or no place to put them in their home - our three photo frames are in a drawer because they're not to our taste.

Like @Glendaruelsomeone bought us lovely personalised mugs that we'd never have bought ourselves, we each have our own and they're probably the most used gift we received.

Our favourite gifts were probably restaurant meal vouchers because it gave us something to look forward to once the wedding and honeymoon were over. You obviously can't hide the value of them but because the experience of having a night out together felt like the gift, the value didn't matter as much.

£160 for the meal!! No way. Unless it's something incredibly gourmet. £160 might be the cost per guest for the total wedding, but unlikely for the food.

Either way, I'm day £40-£60 is ample and the photo frame sounds like a lovely idea. Otherwise have a scoot through Etsy, you're bound to find something personal there.

Everything I've heard from most couples is they are are aware that people have a variety of circumstances and someone less well off just showing up (since hotels, outfits, travel all add up a lot) is great. Your gift sounds generous and thoughtful.

If on the other hand it's a close family/friend who is fine dining every other weekend and they can't be bothered just to bring a card then drink most of the table's wine before throwing the cake at one of the bridesmaids, might be a bit rude.