Suggestion:
They should have something cheap on their registry. I have a couple of items worth $5 on my registry for people on the budget. It's not that we can't get them for ourselves but we know that people likes giving gifts and this is our way of saying "you can come to our wedding with a $5 gift if you're having a hard time and still want to give us something".
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Maybe a gift card to somewhere??
I would suggest a nice card, gift card, or a service that you can offer to assist with the wedding. Are you could with crafts? Can you help set up or clean up afterwards. These are important parts of a wedding and couples often overlook them sometimes. I would let the couple know that you do not have a lot of money at this time so you would like to offer to help. Maybe drive the couple to their wedding night destination if they do not have a limo, or offer the bridal party rides to the locations. There are many ways that you could offer to help and that sometimes can mean more than a new blender!
You should only give what you can afford *without* incurring debt.
Money in the form of a check is best. Cash and gift cards have a mysterious way of getting separated from the card, if you know what I mean.
We had many friends give us wedding cards with no gifts. Truly, their presence at our wedding was aa gift. If they are really your friends, they will understand your situation and not label you as cheap.
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There are three top wedding sites that you can find excellent gifts: Check http:www.americanbridal.com, and http://www.weddingthemeshop.com, and http://www.theknot.com. I prefer wedding themeshop but it's my personal taste.
Find out to see which one that suits you. Good luck
Give yourself – Offer to help.
If you cannot assist because she is already sorted or does not require a skill you possess make something, a quilt, a clippy matt, a cross stitch sampler.
Failing that check out her registry and see if you can contribute to an item.
Get yourself up to Target or Kohls (or, heck, try a dollar store!) and find a nice photo frame (use a coupon or look for a sale) the bride and groom can use for one of their wedding photos. This is one of the things I'd buy back when I was really broke (and I mean really broke!). You can also go to Meijers or KMart and look for pretty serving bowls or candy dishes. The key is to wrap it so it looks expensive! The most important thing is being there and being happy for the couple. Sometimes people forget that it's not really about the gifts.
Respectfully decline the invitation to the wedding. I don't know if you have already committed to attend. Either way, call your cousin and explain that in your circumstances you would love to attend her wedding but are uncomfortable accepting her kindness when you will be unable to repay her. Follow her lead. If she insists that she would be disappointed to not have you there and tells you to come no matter what, then graciously accept her decision. Attend the wedding and bring a beautiful card with appropriate sentiments included. If you express your doubts about attending and she says, " Well, if you think not coming would be best, I'll give your invitation to cousin XXXX" the deal is done. Either way decide in advance that you don't need the added stress of buying a gift you cannot afford and should not be expected to afford in your present circumstances. I bet your cousin does not care about your gift. She knows you are out of work. Every penny counts at times like this. Don't ever feel pressured to spend money you do not have.