[Mat]

I'd say minimum 800 each (been to a few recently, Four Seasons, Mandarin and the kind) and always gave around that amount (mind you I was on the lower hand and not that close to the married couple).
if the two of you, you can round it down maybe to 1500 HKD but that is a minimum

3K sounds a bit too much

[HowardCoombs]

I'm surprised that no one has yet mentioned the parking-ticket rule.

When I first arrived in HongKong and was invited to a wedding of a co-worker, I asked exactly the same question (whats a good amount to give). I was told (and subsequently verified this with many Chinese friends), that the amount of the gift per person should be equivalent to the price of a parking ticket for an illegally parked car.

At first I thought this was a joke, but asking around many friends it seems to be a cute but valid assumption; go and ask if you dont believe me :-)

This parking ticket rule applies only to "co workers" and not boss, subordinate, close friends etc. Also as others have kind of pointed out, the rule would not apply to extraordinary venues (eg: RitzCarlton, Yacht Club).

HC

[thursday]

Originally Posted by PDLM

Coins in an envelope? That I have never seen... (but I've only been to 3 weddings here).

Gift cheque froma bank for 688. But that is OTT from gweilos. It's not expected.

Just do a gift cheque for $600 per head, if going or $300 if you're not. RSVP as they have to do the table numbers.

DO NOT buy wedding gifts.

[jaykay]

Originally Posted by carang

been years since i've attended a wedding, but back then it was $300 for not attending and $500 for attending

Still the same now, been invited to several friends weddings this year and amount is still the same it was a couple of years back.

[backpacker]

Originally Posted by PDLM

Coins in an envelope? That I have never seen... (but I've only been to 3 weddings here).

you can always write a check...

[carang]

if you are going for a different amount like $688, you go to the bank and ask for a wedding cert/cheque. they'll know what you are talking about and issue you a special wedding amount.

[MovingIn07]

Originally Posted by thursday

DO NOT buy wedding gifts.

Why not? Why not do something 'nice' from 'our' culture? I would find it hugely rude to give someone money ... would people be offended to get a real gift? Seems kinda churlish.

[PDLM]

When in Rome...

[MovingIn07]

But gift giving is personal. Doesn't the giver have to feel comfortable too? Else what is the point?

[Star Gazer]

well the purpose of a wedding reception in hong kong is to recover their wedding costs through the money received from guests

it's not really feasible to get a refund for the gift. and unlike in western countries, if you notice they do not have a wedding registry. that's hint enough to say they prefer money.