What if you couldn't afford a gift?

I was raised that any type of invite should be responded too with a gift whether you attend or not. So yes I would still attend and put something off in order to get them something. Weddings are usually no surprise, you have time to save up a little money . However when I'm strapped I usually give a gift and not cash. The amount of money stands out with cash. Sometimes hard to tell how much someone spent on a gift.

I have gone to a wedding without having a gift in hand. One of my good friends got married two weeks after we graduated HIGH SCHOOL - I of course had zero money because I also started early college classes at the same time and I had to spend every dime to my name - $525 - on books. Hardly anyone came with anything to that wedding.

I have also re-gifted stuff that was brand new that I would never use, or given something vintage and quirky. I have also given "treat baskets" that cost all of $10-$20 to put together if the couple did not have a $10-$20 item on their registry. When I was in college I was flat broke, so I made do with what I could come up with at that time.

I would at the very least bring a card. Some people went to our wedding and didn't bring so much as a card. That really upset me. If you can't afford a gift a good friend will understand. There's no reason not to bring a card. They sell nice ones at the dollar store.

I'd attend with a card.

View Quoted Comment Yes it is, whose paying for dinner for free

As the guest, I would feel uncomfortable and figure out how I could get a gift. As a bride, I would hate for someone I invited to feel they had to miss the event because they didn't have money for the gift. People were invited because I want them to share our special day with us, not because I want gifts.