HI smiles

Well here is my opinion from a girl who had a greek orthodox wedding and reception and also a wishing well asking for monetary gifts.

We didnt mind if it was gift or money or nothing and we clearly stated that.

I did not have money pinned to my dress as my husbands family was not from a region that did this practice. Instead we had gold coins thrown in the air during our wedding dance and all the children ran to our feet to collect the money as we dance (supposed to make me fertile to make lots of good greek babies)....

It is pretty common practice. Myself i love shopping for gifts - and especially for july weddings as you get the end of financial year sales.

And honestly i had gifts of $35 - $1000 from individual families and we didnt judge them at all - i think if you are judged by the amount of money you give then they arent really your friends to start with.

I think $50 is a lovely gesture and your friends would be grateful you attended more than anything.

As for the honeymoon comment posted... i still find please put money into this bank account for our honeymoon comments in inviations rude.

I actually got one for an ENGAGEMENT PARTY asking us to put money towards their honeymoon.... i was extremely offended by that!!! lol