DEAR HARRIETTE: I am traveling during the summer to attend a friend’s wedding. I am very excited about being invited, and I’m getting everything together so that I can go. It’s pretty expensive to make it happen, what with the airplane ticket, hotel, rental car and meals that aren’t covered by the wedding. Considering how much I am spending just to get there, can you tell me if I am expected to give the couple a gift as well? I don’t want to be rude, but I am already way beyond my budget. -- Cost of a Wedding
DEAR COST OF A WEDDING: This is the dilemma for many who make the trek to witness a couple’s nuptials. Weddings are expensive for everyone, especially the couple getting married. I would like to recommend that you give the couple something as a gift, even if the cost of it is nominal. Take a look at their wedding registry. Most couples keep in mind that their guests have different price points. Wise couples include practical and affordable home items on their lists as well as a few splurge items. When your budget is tight, it is wise to go to their list so that your gift can be of specific value to them.
Another gift that many couples appreciate that can come at a later date is an invitation delivered in a card for a home-cooked meal by you after they settle into married life.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)