If I am going to give cash (which is when I can afford it), then I will give $100 - or more if I am close to the person and I can afford it. Anything less and it wouldn't even cover my meal at the reception. I think that is poor taste, although I know plenty will disagree.
If I can't afford to give cash, I will find a meaningful gift in my price range - usually a personalized throw or something I know the couple will enjoy.
I try to be as generous as possible since I know my DH and I really appreciated our family and friends' generosity when we were married.
My sweet cousin and his wife were married last summer, and I waited to give them a gift because we could not afford to be generous at that time. As soon as our tax refund comes in they will be getting a nice surprise in the mail!
