Money Manners: 'How much should I contribute to my cousin's wedding wishing well?'
Money Manners is Honey Money's weekly column dealing with money etiquette matters that can be the cause of many an awkward encounter. Submit your Money Manners questions to Jo Abi at jabi@nine.com.au
This week's question comes via a 9honey reader who is facing an awkward relationship issue.
Dilemma: 'How much should I contribute to my cousin's wishing well?'
My cousin is getting married later this year, and instead of gifts they are doing a wishing well, because they have been living together for a while and already have everything they need in their home.
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How much are guests really expected to contribute to a wishing well? Getty Images/iStockphoto
But do we put cash in? Or cheques? Or money orders? Can we ask for bank details to transfer? And, how much?
My mum said she is giving them $500, but this seems like a lot.
Advice: 'There is truly no wrong move'
I've been through two types of weddings – the first round of younger friends tying the knot and buying something from their carefully-curated gift registries, and older friends up to their second weddings preferring money gifts in the form of wishing wells.
But how much to give?
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I normally give more for family members than I do for friends, but it can still be tricky to decide on exactly how much, and in what form it should take.
I turned to 'Money Queen' Amanda Frances for her advice, and when it comes to this type of gifting, she said "there's truly no wrong move"
"Cash, cheques, and gift cards are all perfectly acceptable and always appreciated," Frances advises.
"As for how much to give, think about your relationship with the bride and groom and what you'd like to give them.
"Just because someone else is giving $500 doesn't mean you have to. What they choose to give has nothing to do with you or how you use your money."
"Think about your relationship with the bride and groom and what you'd like to give them." Getty
"If you're feeling stuck, consider what you would have spent on a physical gift if they had a registry," Frances continued.
"At the end of the day, gifting should feel good. What amount will feel good to you when you drop that cash or cheque in the box?"
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