I will be attending my cousins bridal shower with my 12 year old daughter. The both of us will be attending the wedding this summer. I waited too long to purchase a gift off the registry so I plan on purchasing a gift card. What is an appropriate amount to give as a shower gift? I might also mention that this is a very expensive wedding. Thanks for any advise you can give.

Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc

Your question is one of the reasons that gift cards don’t make good shower gifts. How much IS enough? Plus, the shower gift should be something that can be opened and shown off by the bride. The gift opening is the focus and the entertainment for the party. You should try selecting a gift your friend would like that isn’t on her registry. The gifts for showers are usually less expensive than the wedding gift.

Rebecca Black, Etiquette By Rebecca

Agreed. Plus, you don’t have to attend the shower. If so, no gift is necessary.