Making Cents: Cash is king when it comes to giving a wedding present

Dear Gráinne, I’m going to a wedding soon and am conscious that couples these days prefer cash as a gift. I feel that’s a bit too cold though and am thinking of getting a voucher. I’ve heard some voucher cards have fees and charges attached to them. Also, how much is the going rate for wedding gifts these days? It is the daughter of a close family friend. Can you give me some options? — M Coughlan, Tralee, Co Kerry.

There is no doubt cash is a popular gift with couples nowadays. With so many living together before the wedding ceremony, they are likely to already have many of the traditional gifts. I asked Jillian Bolger, editor of Irish Brides, about giving cash as a wedding present.

“It’s very well received, cash is so versatile and the couple can use it for whatever they want. People have so much of their own stuff, but may be saving for a house deposit or something like that so can use the present towards it.”