Wedding gifts from wedding party?

[red92s]

My brother is getting married next month. I am the best man. I'm wondering what accepted protocol regarding wedding gifts is in this situation.

I know this forum frequently challenges societal norms regarding wedding gift giving ("the value of the gift should cover your plate"). I've heard from some people that tackling the day-of activities of being a best man negates any gift-giving. I've also heard that being family, and in the wedding party, would imply a more valuable gift than would typically be expected.

Any thoughts?

[disneysteve]

I do not subscribe to the "cover your plate" concept, nor does anyone I know IRL. I've only read about that online.

I would say that your brother rates a larger gift than someone not as close to you. How much depends on you, your budget and the norms in your area. If we would typically give $100 as a gift to a not-so-close relative or friend, an immediate family member or very close friend might get $150 or $200.

[melcar.group]

Yeah, I agree with Disney Steve. It really depends on your financial situation, your family chemisty and the norm within your family.

Every family operates different, along with every culture.

[PrincessPerky]

What do you want to give him?

Seems a more important issue than the 'what others do'.

[mom-from-missouri]

I would just give as he is my brother and leave the best man part out of the equation.....

[disneysteve]

I would just give as he is my brother and leave the best man part out of the equation.....

I agree. I don't think the fact that you are the best man has any bearing on how much you should give. Sorry if I wasn't clear about that in my earlier reply.

[sarah_9]

Hello,

It is up to you and your family traditions, if you are looking for gift ides, browse local as well as online wedding stores, there you will find numerous wedding gift ideas for your guests.



Regards,
sarah_9


Bridaleverything

[am_vanquish]

Sometimes just a card is enough. My best man gave me a card with a receipt. The receipt was the bar tab from the bachelor party One of the other groomsmen gave me a card with a handful of lottery tickets ... an elaborate pun on an inside joke from college. All of my gifts from groomsmen were more gag gifts / jokes - the other two were a bottle of Rogaine and some "Performance Enhancing Drugs "

Seriously, as the best man and brother, your gift should come from a personal level. Don't worry about what others are giving (registry stuff is lame to most guys anyway) or how much you spend (some of our best wedding gifts were very cheap, but well thought-out). As a perfect example, my sister and her husband had both been laid off during the 2 months before my wedding. Needless to say, they were struggling. Our wedding gift from her was an abstract piece of art that she did herself. It's very nice & unique and it's hanging in our living room now. She's artsy so she can get away with that. May not be your thing, but a decent example.

[Mjenn]

I think it depends a bit, also, on the outlay of your exenses. Two weddings I was in involved trans-atlantic travel. Therefore our present budget was much lower than in a local wedding, where, although I contributed to the shower and party, there was no big plane ticket involved.
'
However, if it were my brother, even if I had to fly half-way across the world, I would probably go out of my way to find something quite meaningful - and not be too hung up about cost. (altho Im way to ocd about budgeting to actually go off budget, I would probably just eat ramen for the rest of the trip)