Congratulations! You’ve received a wedding invitation. Although it is a tremendous honor, it also means it’s time for you to get a wedding gift for the happy couple. Like modern weddings, wedding gift etiquette has evolved over time, which can make purchasing a wedding gift even more perplexing. That is why we have created a complete guide of everything you need to know to become the best gift-giver ever. What are you waiting for? Read now this article with Viva Wedding Photography!
1. How much should I spend on a wedding gift?
According to traditional etiquette for wedding gifts, the amount of money you spend on a wedding gift should be equivalent to what you estimate the couple is spending on hosting you at their celebration. For instance, if you think the couple spends $150 per person for the reception, that should be the amount of your wedding gift. But, in reality, the wedding gift amount is also determined by several factors, including your level of familiarity with the couple, the distance you are traveling for the wedding, and your financial capacity.
According to data from The Knot, guests typically spend about $160 on a wedding gift. This is a good starting point when considering how much to spend on a nuptial present. After assessing your relationship with the couple and how far you will be traveling to make it, you can decide whether to add or subtract from your budget accordingly.
Here’s our breakdown of the wedding present budget based on how well you know the happy couple:
| The amount for a wedding gift | Your relationship with the couple |
| $50–$75 | Loose acquaintances or coworkers |
| $75–$100 | Distant relatives or distant friends |
| $100–$150 | Relatives or friends |
| $150–$200+ | Close family members or close dear friends |
In addition, it’s also one of the essential wedding gift manners to take other pre-wedding events into account. Are you invited to the engagement party, the bridal shower, and the wedding? If so, we highly recommend adhering to the 20-20-60 rule, which means your budget should be divided into:
- 20% on the engagement gift
- 20% on the wedding shower gift
- 60% on the wedding gift
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For those in the bridal party who have already spent on other expenses like hosting a bachelorette party or buying attire, giving a small token gift for the ceremony is more than enough.
If you’re younger or recently graduated, allocating $20-$50 for a friend’s wedding might be just right.
2. Wedding gift etiquette timeline
Traditionally, you have up to a year to send a gift after the wedding. However, this wedding gift protocol has become largely obsolete with the convenience of free two-day shipping. Instead, it’s now expected to send your gift before the wedding or within three months of the big day.
Based on our experience, sending a wedding present two weeks before the wedding day would be perfect. This way, the couple can start writing thank you notes ahead of time, and they won’t have to hold onto your gift for months before their nuptials.
3. What should I give as a wedding gift?
When you start browsing the internet for gifts in marriage, it can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure about the couple’s specific preferences. Here are two ways that can help you nail down your choice:
- Checking the wedding registry
The registry is a carefully curated list of items chosen by the couple, reflecting their tastes and needs. By selecting from the wedding registry, you can be confident that your gift is something the couple truly wants.
Additionally, registries typically include gift ideas at a variety of price points, accommodating the budgets of all guests. This variety ensures that guests can find a suitable gift within their means while still contributing to the couple’s happiness. The registry, therefore, becomes a tool for guests to express their best wishes in a convenient and considerate way.
Viva Wedding Note
In case all the items remaining on the registry exceed your budget, consider giving the couple a gift card to one of the stores where they are registered.
- Checking the wedding website
Finding ideas for wedding gifts doesn’t have to stop with the couple’s registry; their wedding website also has some hints. In addition to serving as a hub for all pertinent wedding information, such as transportation plans and dress code, their personalized website may also include additional information regarding their registry choices.
Furthermore, many couples utilize their website to share their unique love story, providing you with inspiration that goes beyond conventional registry items. For instance, if the pair mentioned that their first date involved enjoying Italian cuisine, consider gifting them a pasta maker or a gift card to their favorite local Italian restaurant.
4. Is buying a gift not on the registry acceptable?
If you decide to shop off-registry, there is a chance that you might end up purchasing a gift the couple already possess or something that they do not require. That said, buying a present from the couple’s wish list is not a hard and fast wedding gift etiquette rule, and there are three situations in which it’s okay to purchase a gift that is not listed on the registry:
- If you have a really close relationship with the couple, such as family members or close friends.
- If all of the registry items have been purchased.
- If you can’t afford any of the items on the registry.
5. Is it okay to give cash as a wedding gift?
Of course, yes. A monetary gift is no longer considered taboo. If you prefer to give the couple money as a wedding gift, you can do so by providing cash or a check accompanied by a thoughtful note. If you go for a check, write only one of their names to avoid confusion. And on the memo line (and in your note), don’t forget to clearly indicate that it is a wedding gift for both individuals.
Plus, some couples may choose to register for cash funds or gift cards, so contributing to their goal is also considered a nice wedding gift etiquette cash.
6. Wedding gift manners for group presents
Group presents are perfectly fine and even encouraged. Couples often choose to include a few high-value items on their wedding registry, making them ideal options for group gifts.
If the happy couple has registered for an item that is beyond the budget of a single person, consider asking other guests to contribute towards it with you. Your generosity will surely touch the couple, and depending on the size of your group, you might even be able to save some money. Just make sure that everyone who contributes to the gift signs their name on the wedding card so that the couple knows precisely whom to thank for the present.
7. Destination wedding gift etiquette
If you’re an out-of-town guest, giving a present is not required. The bride and groom understand that attending a destination wedding can cost you a lot. Therefore, they probably do not have any expectations about receiving a present. A considerate handwritten note in lieu of a gift is a beautiful gesture.
In case you would like to present the couple with a gift and have the financial means to do so, just go for it. There is nothing better than being present and giving presents!
Do you want to give a gift for a destination wedding but are facing financial constraints due to the expenses of traveling? It is still considered appropriate wedding gift protocol to send a gift within three months after the wedding. This allows you to give yourself some financial flexibility and space out your expenditures.
>>> Recommend reading: Destination Wedding Etiquette: A Guide for Couples & Guests
8. Wedding gift etiquette if not attending
“Should You Send A Wedding Gift When You Can’t Attend?” This is a question that many people encounter. If you are unable to attend a wedding, it’s not compulsory wedding gift etiquette for guests to send a gift.
Nonetheless, it is a kind gesture, particularly if you know the couple well. Selecting a small, symbolic gift of minimal value from their registry is a good way to go. If you aren’t particularly close to the couple, expressing your well wishes through a thoughtful note by mail is more than enough.
>>> Get more ideas about wedding guest etiquette here!
9. Is bringing a gift to the wedding appropriate?
The answer to that question varies depending on the specific couple involved. In certain communities, it is common wedding gift etiquette to bring a present to the wedding ceremony or reception, and there is typically a designated table at the reception where you can conveniently leave it.
But these days, purchasing a present for wedding from the registry has become incredibly convenient. Most of the time, you can simply choose a gift from the registry, and the registry site will handle the shipping process, ensuring that it is delivered directly to the couple’s preferred address. In addition, sending the gift in advance ensures that the couple and their families won’t have to transport a car full of gifts after the celebration.
When considering giving a financial gift, bringing a card with a check or cash to the wedding is completely acceptable. If you prefer to bring a physical gift to the actual wedding, our etiquette experts agree that you should confirm with the wedding party if there will be a designated table for gifts. Ensure your gift doesn’t add any unnecessary stress to the couple on their special day.
10. Should I spend more on a wedding gift when bringing a plus-one?
Follow Wedding Plus-one Etiquette; if you’re bringing a partner to the wedding, you should spend more on your present because the happy couple will be hosting your date when calculating the cost of food and beverages. A golden wedding gift protocol is to double your present budget when having your plus-one compared to when attending alone.
For instance, if you are comfortable spending $100 when attending on yourself, you may want to budget around $200 when you bring a plus-one.
11. How can I know if they got my present?
A thank-you note from the couple can tell you whether they’ve received your gift or not. Also, it’s fine to contact the newlyweds to make sure they got your present if you don’t hear anything from them in the three months following the wedding. Just don’t do it in a passive-aggressive manner. Besides, you might always ask the shipping company for delivery confirmation if you’d rather not disturb the couple.
>>> Read More:
- The Best Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette Tips For A Perfect Event
- The Ultimate Checklist of Wedding Etiquette for the Parent of the Groom
- 12 Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Etiquette Rules Couples Should Always Follow
In the larger scheme of things, wedding gift etiquette can seem like a little consideration, but it can significantly affect the happy couple. Using the advice in this guide, you may ensure that your present will be treasured and remembered for years. Viva Wedding Photography believes that the most crucial thing is to select a gift that reflects your support for the couple and comes from the heart. Hence, take your time, make wise decisions, and enjoy yourself.
