[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by The Familia

Well then I must be blinded by cultural tradition. At Italian weddings it is the norm to put on a good wedding and to give a decent gift if attending a wedding. Perhaps it can be looked at as strange in the eyes of some, but there is a certain expectation at Italian weddings that have gone on for generations. As explained, the wedding is put on (traditionally) by the parents, while guests or the family community gives generous gifts to get the couple started. This format has allowed countless cousins and relatives to make down payments on a house, pay off debt, take a honeymoon, etc. For every wedding you give a generous gift to, you will receive it back 10 fold when it hopefully becomes your turn. I will also state again that myself nor my family are rich (standard middle class). Weddings are something every family knows about. Parents will save for their children’s wedding and make it work. I fully intend on doing the same for my children someday.

Personally, I’ve attended countless weddings and have always given a generous gift. As stated by others, I will give mainly depending on closeness to the person (more for
My sister and cousins) but I have still never dipped below $100 even at the cheapest weddings. I would rather be considered generous than cheap.

Some of you may be thinking this is entitled, but I will point out that this isn’t just an Italian thing. Many Asian cultures have the same philosophy like India and China and many parts of Europe. Maybe I’m in the minority here with my way of thinking, but around the world I am not.

Considering you're complaining about the size of gifts you got at your wedding (that you didn't pay for), I'd say you're nailing this one.