thanks for the advice...I assure you that a bookshelf wasn't on my list of ideas. A clock or something similar will work well.
take care!

Hi there,
I became a member just yesterday and already have information on and answers to several questions I had about Thailand, the most important one relating to Thai weddings. Since I'll be attending my first one this coming Sunday, I just wanted to say a big "Thank You" for all the advice, which will (hopefully) prevent me from making a fool of myself! I look forward to learning a lot more about Thailand through this wonderful web site.

Glad you found the replies useful. Please post your own tips when you come back from the wedding to help others.

That is like asking how long is a piece of string. I would say a minimum is 500 baht. For close friends and for people who have worked for me or with me and I want to support, I would give up to 3,000 baht. Some people say that is too much. But, it is really up to you. For funerals I usually give less as these are often for parents or some distant relations of people that I know. For the baby, I have mentioned before that I sometimes give the Buddha image representing the day that the baby was born. However, a practical gift for the baby would probably be more appreciated than say money in an envelope - such as a toy or some clothes. Or, you could buy a Big C voucher and let them buy what they need.

Did she give you an invitation? If so, then put 500 baht or so in the same envelope (minus the invitation) and give it back to her. Apologize you are not able to make it. If she did not give you an invitation then you are not obliged to do this. This method is more common than practical gifts for the house.

For more information about what to wear, and what to do if you are invited to a wedding, then please visit my Thai Wedding Blogs.

Hi Richard, what is the amount to give if one is attending a wedding event and who a close friend too?

Also, how much to give for new born baby and 1 month old birthday?

yes, I got an invitation. thanks for clarifying.

Definitely nothing for the kitchen like the traditional toaster, I think they do enough cooking. Sounds like they are very busy people, maybe a wall clock to make shore there both on schedule.

Emily,

I don't think there is any significant gift that is specific to Thai culture. The gesture of giving is always appreciated between friends. I'm sure whatever you and your friends choose with thoughtfulness will be appreciated, too.

I have only been to a handful of Thai weddings...and none of them my own. Each time, I 'went in' with my Thai sister on a gift and I've always been surprised by what she wanted to get. For a few of the weddings, we got a set of decorative pillows for the home. At the last one, we bought a bookshelf!? and put a big bow on it. We were also in the grooms parade for that one, and as we dragged a big bookshelf, I wished we had just gotten pillows.

Pailin.

Thanks Richard for your prompt reply http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/images/smilies/clap.gif, the above info will be really useful to me.http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/imag...lies/party.gif

that sounds easy enough...are these the kind of gifts they would have recived in Thailand form their friends and family?

thanks for your reply

wedding gifts
 

Living in Ohio, some friends and myself have become acquainted with a young Thai couple who own a restaurant. They recently visited Thailand for their marraige. Now that they have returned, we would like to give them a moderately-priced wedding present. Any suggestions?

a colleague is getting married soon in a small village 4 hours away. at the moment, I don't think I can attend. do I "have to" give a present? she's not a close friend. a friend's Thai boyfriend has just said I should give something small, or some money, but I find it weird as I'm not planning to go.
after all, I think I will buy a small present anyway because I like her (maybe an orchid!), but I'd like to know why this Thai man says I should get something and whether he is "right". inasmuch as these things can be right or wrong.