Dear Cheapskate: I just love your column; it has certainly helped me. My question has to do with wedding gifts. Recently, I’ve been swamped with invitations. I was wondering if you had some good ideas for affordable gifts. I’m tempted to give money or gift certificates, even though they say that is rude.—Avid C., Texas
Dear Avid: If the couple is registered with a major retailer such as Target or Macy’s, you’re in luck. It’s likely there are several affordable items on their list for, say, $50 or less. On the question of giving money, I checked with the Emily Post Institute for etiquette guidelines and learned that it is quite proper to give a wedding gift of cash or a gift certificate to the store where the couple is registered. How much should you spend? The institute says there is no rule; it is entirely up to you. So let your affection for the bride and groom, and your budget, be your guide. And thanks for your kind words!
