Hindu wedding -- money as gift ?

[Unionville]

This is probably a "cultural" question but I can't find any information on google about Hindu weddings except that a person should bring/give $ for a gift.  Does anyone have experience with this?  Money as "gift" has always been a mysterious challenge for me. 

[namasteyall]

I usually give money, (nice fresh cash), in an attractive envelope with written good wishes, as a gift to almost everyone worldwide, while saying I would like the receivers to choose what they want.  It is  usually welcomed very happily, seems to be the right size/color, and always in fashion.

Yes, I have given it to non Hindu Americans for weddings, showers, graduation, etc., and they LOVE it.  However there is usually no requirement in India that there should be a gift or that it should or should not be money. All the weddings in India I have been to, usually said: No presents please, just bring blessings and good wishes.  In America, a gift is expected I guess.

[rpr]

This is probably a "cultural" question but I can't find any information on google about Hindu weddings except that a person should bring/give $ for a gift.  Does anyone have experience with this?  Money as "gift" has always been a mysterious challenge for me.

While cash in an attractive/elegant envelope is fine, I usually like to add a small knick-knack of some sort. It's been about 25+ years since I attended a proper Indian Hindu wedding, so this advice may be somewhat outdated.

[purple monkey]

This is probably a "cultural" question but I can't find any information on google about Hindu weddings except that a person should bring/give $ for a gift.  Does anyone have experience with this?  Money as "gift" has always been a mysterious challenge for me.

Yes, money is very socially appropriate.

Some people from states give + 1 dollar.

If you give 20, then give 21.

If you give 100, give 101.

They like money trees, cool envelopes and unusual coins.

You could also give a proof set for the year of marriage.

Good luck.

[prognastat]

This is something I don't understand after moving to the US. growing up cash was always the go to gift for everyone and not frowned upon.

However here at least by my wife and in-laws it is frowned upon, yet gift cards which are in my mind just a very inconvenient form of cash that show no real extra "thought" are somehow great.

Simply give a similar amount to what you'd feel comfortable spending on a gift for the event.

[crazyworld]

Yes, cash is the usual gift in India and also the usual gift at Indian weddings in the US/Canada that I have attended.  It is traditional to end in 1, rather than zero, for good luck (though people are not too worked up about that anymore) - $51, $101, $251 and so on.  These are the amounts I have come across more commonly. 

[NorthernBlitz]

I don't know about the cultural significance at Hindu weddings, but I always give checks at weddings instead of cash. Heard of a friend of a friend (so it might be BS) where the gift box was stolen.

Not an issue with a check (although they wouldn't get the card), but cash is just gone. For Canadian weddings, we've actually just e-mail transferred our last few wedding gifts. Much easier for the bride and groom to just click yes instead of having to make a run to the bank.

[MrsPete]

This is something I don't understand after moving to the US. growing up cash was always the go to gift for everyone and not frowned upon.

As a Southerner, I grew up with the cultural idea that one did not give cash.  Why?  Because it shows a lack of effort, a lack of thought.  It's just throwing some money at the couple, not considering what they'd really enjoy.  Personally, I'm still using wedding gifts from 27 years ago, and they do make me remember the day and the gift-ers. 

Today that's changed in the South, and cash has become acceptable (not preferable, just acceptable); however, I personally never give cash (or gift cards).  Yeah, it's practical, but it doesn't feel right to me.

[partgypsy]

This is something I don't understand after moving to the US. growing up cash was always the go to gift for everyone and not frowned upon.

As a Southerner, I grew up with the cultural idea that one did not give cash.  Why?  Because it shows a lack of effort, a lack of thought.  It's just throwing some money at the couple, not considering what they'd really enjoy.  Personally, I'm still using wedding gifts from 27 years ago, and they do make me remember the day and the gift-ers. 

Today that's changed in the South, and cash has become acceptable (not preferable, just acceptable); however, I personally never give cash (or gift cards).  Yeah, it's practical, but it doesn't feel right to me.

I think this is a very regional thing. My background was Greek Orthodox, and now of course everyone uses wedding registries, but many people still give cash, as it is always considered appropriate. Only when I moved south did I learn about the stigma about cash for gifts, which I still find mystifying. The other culture clash I had, is that in my family, giving cash, returning exchanging gifts for Xmas and holidays are all perfectly fine as it is the thought that counts and who knows better than the person what they want? But my ex-husband's family, found that you never return a gift, ever ever. Even if you never use it, supposed to keep it. So that's what we do but I don't understand it.

[Debonair]

In Taiwan, and I am pretty shore China too, a red envelope with cash inside is the expected wedding gift. I have a wedding in Massachusetts latter this year of an American freind from high school.  I don't have a clue what to give. I am half tempted to give a red envelope.

[ElleFiji]

In Taiwan, and I am pretty shore China too, a red envelope with cash inside is the expected wedding gift. I have a wedding in Massachusetts latter this year of an American freind from high school.  I don't have a clue what to give. I am half tempted to give a red envelope.

I find most people love a gift from your own tradition - especially if you include a little note explaining your tradition.

I've been to a Hindu wedding with no gifts and money, and one where small/medium bills were incorporated into the ceremony. Perhaps asking your friends could help too?