Harry Gross: Just give what you can afford

Dear Harry: Is there a "standard amount" that a person should give as a wedding gift? I would like to give a fair amount, but I don't know what that is.

What Harry says: The only standard that I was able to find was to give only what you can afford. I found no fixed rates anywhere. There are two other factors I would suggest that you keep in mind. The closeness of the relationship is important. You should give more to a close friend than to a distant relative. And very often a bride will "register" at a particular store for the things that she would need as gifts. This could be a way of guiding you.

Write Harry Gross c/o the Daily News, 400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19130. Harry urges all his readers to give blood - contact the American Red Cross at 800-GIVE LIFE.