MINT TO BE
We get lots of messages from listeners asking us to help solve their dilemmas and we're always happy to help!
One predicament touched a nerve with listeners today and sparked a big reaction...
Muireann - a quick one for your listeners. Have been invited to a wedding abroad next year. Do you give the same cash gift?
A MATTER OF WIFE AND DEBT
I think the couple should come out and say no gift please as everyone has gone to much effort. My husband went to a wedding in South East Asia last year which also had a weekend stag down the country in Ireland and ended up giving the standard cash gift cos all the lads were...I was like a bull as it all cost in excess of €1200 plus cash gift!! Brid in Drogheda
Hi Muireann. We have been to 5 weddings abroad, be it Irish people getting married abroad or our European friends weddings. We gave €150 to all the couples. We treated all the weddings as mini holidays for us so the only extra expense was the gift. Life is much too short to worry about €50 extra or less in a wedding card, treat everyone the same. Brendan in limerick.
Muireann, tell your listener to just get a present and not give cash! You can spend what you can afford then! Weddings shouldn’t be a business!
I had my wedding abroad and most people gave the same as they would in Ireland. However, I was shocked at this generosity. I thought beforehand, and still do, that coming all that way is gift enough. I was also shocked at the number of people that travelled, fully expecting many people not to come because of they expense, but most people came. People are so nice. But really, you should never over stretch yourself for a gift. Give what you can afford. Louise
With regards to the wedding abroad ... We went to Italy last year for a wedding of a close friend and my husband was part of the wedding party. We gave €400. Honestly it was one of the best weddings I've ever been at. The food, the location, there was also a free bar after dinner. Yes you will spend alot alot more than an Irish wedding, but I think if you commit to it then you have to accept it will be costly, but worth it. All in all it cost us €2,000 including flights, hotel, wedding gift, spending money.
We're always happy to help with your dilemmas. If you need the nation's advice you can message Muireann on moc@todayfm.com
