Finding the perfect wedding gift can be difficult. Unless the bride and groom register, you will probably find yourself trudging around a department store looking hopefully at a vase and struggling to remember what color their living room is. Of course, if all else fails, you can always give them money (although I am fairly certain that Miss Manners would frown on such a gauche maneuver.) However, times are tight, and a gift of cash could be a thoughtful way of saying “I know you two are facing a lot in your new life together, so here’s a little something to help out.” Unless, of course, the amount of cash you give is deemed not enough, in which case your thoughtfulness will be considered thoughtlessness.
That is exactly what happened to one wedding guest in Britain recently. After giving a check for £100 ($145), she was shocked to receive a note from the newlyweds complaining about the amount and asking for more. “We were surprised that your contribution didn’t seem to match the warmth of your good wishes on our big day,” reads the most passive-aggressive thank you note in nuptial history. “In view of your own position, if you wanted to send any adjustment it would be thankfully received.” Maybe she should have just bought them a vase so they’d be reminded always of her stinginess.
