Money Manners

The etiquette of giving wedding gifts

- Miriam Cross

My niece is getting married in her hometown, and the costs of traveling (and staying) there are adding up. Can my presence be the present?

Even though wedding gifts are never required, it can certainly feel as if they’re expected—and forgoing one may make you uncomfortable, especially in the case of a close friend or relative. If you’re feeling pinched from travel costs, there is no shame in picking out a small item from the registry. Or consider a fail-safe token of congratulations, such as a picture frame to hold a wedding photo, a gift card to a store on the registry or even a home-cooked meal at your place.