Q. How much should I spend on a wedding present when the couple is ‘keeping it casual’? My friends are being married on the balcony of their favourite local restaurant, with dinner to follow afterwards.

• A. For an informal wedding, you probably don’t need to spend as much as you would on a gift for a couple having a traditional wedding with all the bells and whistles. This couple may just prefer a more intimate, relaxed occasion for their nuptials, or they may be keeping it simple and small due to budget limitations. No matter what the reason for having a low-key wedding, a general guide would be no less than $50 if you’re attending solo, or $80 if you’re attending as a couple. You may want to spend more, however, if you are particularly close to the couple. The most important thing, though, is to select a gift that the couple will love!