Declining a Bridal Shower invite??

lynzandgreg1

Hello!
 I was recently invited to go to a bridal shower and I can't go. I just wanted to know how much I should spend on a gift to be sent to her house? I don't know what the etiquette is for declining? She is my FI groomsman's FI so I know her, but we aren't close friends. TIA

lauralaur

Spend whatever you think you can afford and want to spend.

lynzandgreg1

I feel like I should overcompensate for not being able to go, but then again I am on a budget trying to plan for my own wedding. I don't want her to feel that I skimped on a gift and didn't attend her shower. I might be over thinking this...

opalsky007

Spend what you're comfortable spending, and write a personal note about how you wish you could be there. Chances are she'll think you're really sweet for sending a gift and a note anyway. No need to overcompensate--people often don't send gifts at all when they decline a shower invite.