Re: wedding gifts
$1500 is ridiculous to ask for, esp since you mentioned it is a huge wedding, obviously they can afford to have a huge wedding. Do not go above $500 US. Thats very greedy for someone to suggest what you "SHOULD" give...that defeats the purpose of a gift anyhow if its demanded. Give what you can easily, and remember you'd have to give at least that amount or more for the other weddings you have coming up. Someone might say well you gave her $1500 so you have to give the next person at least $1500......
give $500 or less and put a $1000 in your OWN kids savings account!