Wedding gifts! What to buy, and how much to spend?

Soldato
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A couple of my friends are getting married, which is the first wedding invitation as a peer rather than the son of my parents or distant family.

There's a gift list, which seems like pretty reasonably priced stuff from John Lewis. What is the right etiquette for buying gifts? I'm happy to spend the money, but at the same time am not loaded and don't want to be that oddball who outspends everyone else.

The gift list stuff ranges from about £25 to £50, with a couple of bigger ticket items. I assume that buying from the list is a good idea- after all, it's what they want. But how much should I spend? If I get one of the cheaper items, should I be buying something else too? And if so, should that something else complement it?
 
Five pound voucher for a horrible shop they wont use and always remind them that you got that for them until you die.
 
Spend however much you are comfortable with spending. Get in quick though as the cheaper items will be snapped up by other guests who are not struggling with this moral dilemma like you are ;)

/Salsa
 
It'll probably be costing them in the range of £40-£100 to have you there. All of the weddings I've been to have just requested money towards the honeymoon as they've all had well established households so I've tended to give between £20 to £50 depending how much I liked them.
 
Depends how close they are to you but in general if you're attending the whole event inc dinner etc.. then I'd go for £50 or so at least.

It is likely costing them a fair bit more than £50 for you to be there.

On the other hand if you're just an evening guest at a work colleague's wedding then perhaps £25 is more appropriate...

If they're really close mates etc.. then I'd look at more like £100 upwards
 
yes buying from the list is probably a good idea usually... though if they're close friends of yours then you might also be able to pick something they'd like off list and make it more personal... Obviously avoid random household items if going off list as the whole point of it is to avoid duplication - if there are a few close friends then you could maybe get together and get a painting or other artwork for their home etc.. I mean it depends on them really if you know them well enough to make that sort of call.
 
Thanks for the help! Got them an item off their list, and have clubbed together with some friends to put some money towards the honeymoon!
 
That was a good idea to club together towards the honeymoon.

They know you've spent over the cost of the gift but they don't know by how much. Clever :D
 
All those flowers are handmade and edible btw :)

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