A friend of DH has a daughter that got married out of state. The happy couple are coming home for a visit and are having a wedding reception picnic. I dont know the couple ( only their parents) so have no idea of any gift ideas. Hence, I intend to give them cash.

So, how much would you give for a picnic wedding reception?

my favorite standby gift is a photo album, its easy, it is something they can work on together and a simple solution to all the stray wedding pics they will have after all the developing is finished.

I give picture frames or photo albums. Also, if you know where they were registered, how about a gift card instead of cash, that way they can get something they may have register for but have yet to receive.

I agree with Kathryn that gift cards are great. I also like to give picture frames and other decorative items that are very simply designed so that they go well in any decor. White towels or sheeets with the couples initials embroidered on them are also nice and can be inexpensive if you or a friend can embroider.

I also agree on any sort of gift because it shows thought. That means a lot to someone that you took the time to think of them. All the ideas others have given are excellent!

I often give cash as a wedding gift --- usually $20 to $25.

The idea of a photo album or picture frame is great though --- and a lot cheaper!

I either give cash or gift cards:)

Technically, if you give cash, you are supposed to be reimbursing them for your meal, so figure out what the reception costs per head and that's what you give. At least, that's the way it is out here.

Depends on the couple. Last wedding gift we gave was something from where they were registered. One before that maps and books on day trips and hiking where they were moving to as they like to hike & canoe.:)
Sometimes give things people would like but never buy for themselves like bed tray tables, picnic things, garden tools, pamper items for when sick, birdfeeders... depends on who it's for. :)

The way AmyBoz says it is how I figure it out for cash or a gift.

I look for sales on stuff and consider the regular price of the gift, not the sale amount.

So if I got a sale I can go 2 ways depending on what I feel like

Expensive item got down into my price range or

item normally worth what I normally give as a gift, on sale for even less.

Normally with me it's the latter but occasionally the former.

I once gave a beautiful "Nativity" set I found in Sam's Club...it was a huge bargain. $20.

Another time I gave a lovely huge goblet type dish...they have it on their Fireplace shelf [3 story high fireplace] only cost me $ 20 at Sam's & looked "pricey"

Again at Sam's...I found a Winter Wonderland Scene--with Snow Men & Sleds made in a substance like "white Alabaster"...beautiful gift for $20.

Sometimes I give cash when I don't want to shop!!!! :D

For my 2 cents - If your not going to give something on the registry, I say just give money. My sister got 14!! picture frames, all beautiful Mikasa frames, but they don't go with her decor, so they take up space in her closet. She also got tons of other things that she didn't want . . . so it goes to waste.
It's hard, but usually you don't really know what the couple needs or wants, so I say money is the safe bet.

I usually buy from the registry. If there is no registry, I either give the couple a crisp $50 dollar bill or I buy them something useful. Everyone can use a chip and dip bowl or a crockpot at one point or another. LOL!

I usually try to do something for the house or from a registry for a shower gift, cash equalling my dinner cost plus for the wedding gift itself. A picnic reception for a friend's daughter I would say about $50.