Per the original post, he's part of the wedding party. I assume that means that he'll be travelling with and staying with the other groomsmen, and the tux is required as part of the groomsmen wardrobe.

As for your stipulations on gift giving... that may also depend on your location (though I'm not familiar with Asian weddings, in general). In small town Texas, only affluent people give gifts valued over $50, unless they are immediate family or very close friends of the bride/groom. Most gifts are in the $20-50 range. Then again, that kind of correllates with the logic above that recommends that you give at least enough to cover the cost of your dinner at the reception. Most reception dinners are relatively inexpensive here.

 

Wow, $20 is crazy cheap though. What in the world can you get as a wedding gift for $20? I can understand $50 but anything under is tough.

 

^ Lots of people put stuff on their registry that is <$20 around here. Kitchenware, storage containers, etc.
And then some people put stuff on there, like a set of mixing bowls for $200. Seriously? 3 metal bowls cost $200?

 

[QUOTE=mxt_77,Jul 15 2008, 03:19 PM] ^ Lots of people put stuff on their registry that is <$20 around here.