While choosing the perfect gift for a happy couple is a heartfelt gesture, the question lingers: How much to spend on a wedding gift? Join us on a journey through the delicate art of wedding gift calculation, where cultural nuances, personal connections, and your budget converge to give a perfect present. Whether you’re a seasoned wedding attendee or a first-time guest, Viva Wedding Photography’s guide is here to ensure your gift reflects not just your generosity but also the joy you share in the couple’s new beginning.
How much should you spend on a wedding gift?
Although there is no set maximum amount for a wedding gift, it is generally recommended to avoid giving a check for less than $50. This rule applies to every wedding, whether a small backyard ceremony or an extravagant event with 200 guests. According to The Knot, the average amount for a wedding gift is around $160.
Although this number can be a helpful starting point, it is equally important to take into account your personal relationship with the couple when determining the appropriate amount for a wedding present. We noticed that guests closer to the couple tend to spend more. Here, we will analyze several common factors that can assist you in figuring out how much to give for a wedding.
Factors to consider when deciding how much to spend on a wedding gift
1. How close you are to the couple
Close family members and friends
Your best friend forever is getting married! You have been planning this day together for years. Now comes the question of what to get them as a wedding gift. It is common for wedding guests to be willing to spend a significant amount on a monetary or cash wedding gift for a loved one. Based on our experience, close friends tend to spend an average of $200 on such gifts.
Having said that, if the guests were part of the wedding party, they typically spent around $170, as they’ve already significantly contributed to helping the couple organize the nuptials.
Coworkers
If you’re uncertain about the appropriate amount to spend on a wedding gift for a coworker, it’s advisable to select a present within the price range of $50 to $100. If you have been working together for more than a year, you may spend toward the higher end of this scale as long as it fits within your budget.
In case you’re still unsure about what to get your coworker, you can always consider giving them a cash gift or a gift card. Giving cash as a present is completely acceptable on its own. We highly recommend including a monetary gift along with a wedding card, as this will ensure the couple knows who the gift is from.
Casual acquaintances
The wedding day of an acquaintance or distant relative is just as celebratory. Even if you don’t have a close relationship with them, you can still choose a wonderful gift to celebrate their love. However, it is not necessary to spend a significant amount of money on this present. A wedding gift cost ranging from $50 to $75 is completely acceptable.
2. What you can afford
Although it may appear simple, this particular factor is worth noting. Only spend an amount that you can truly afford, even if it is less than the typical wedding gift amount. If you cannot find a single item that fits your budget, you may want to consider purchasing multiple smaller items that, when combined, will amount to a total that is suitable for you. It is also an excellent opportunity to assist the couple in stocking their home with frequently overlooked items, such as measuring spoons or cutting boards.
The couple would love you to join them in celebrating, so prioritize your budget accordingly. If necessary, consider opting for a smaller gift to cover the cost of attending the wedding.
3. Your role in the wedding
Before deciding “How much to spend on a wedding gift?”, another important factor to consider is whether you have given your time, energy, or money, which helps the couple realize their dream wedding.
Have you helped with any of the following: the wedding shower, the bachelor/bachelorette party, the bridal party makeup, or anything similar? If that’s the case, the amount you give may be lower due to your other contribution to the couple’s big day.
4. What you’re spending to make it
Certainly, it is essential to keep in mind that you are already spending a lot of money to be there, particularly if it’s a destination wedding or taking place during a busy time of the year. It’s safe to presume the bride and groom are aware of the costs you’ll incur for things like lodging and transportation to the nuptials. Therefore, when you find yourself spending a significant amount just to attend an event, consider reducing the amount you spend on the gift. After all, your presence itself is a valuable present!
Spending around $100 is a good general place to begin. If it’s a bit too much for you, a wedding gift cost from $50 to $75 is a safe bet for you.
>>> Recommend reading: Destination Wedding Etiquette: Guide To Navigating Your Big Day
5. What kind of gift do you intend to give
Gift from one person
If you are the sole giver of the gift, consider beginning with a budget of $100. Again, take into account your relationship with the recipient and your comfort level with spending that amount of money. If you have a good relationship with the couple, $100-$150 is a perfectly appropriate amount for a wedding gift. If that’s too much for your budget, you may spend between $50 and $75 instead.
Group gift
Are you thinking about splitting a gift among multiple people? Then, each person can contribute between $50 and $100, depending on what works for them. Generally, the total amount for a group gift should land somewhere from $150 to $300.
It’s completely up to you to increase your spending or allow each individual to spend according to their own comfort level. By opting for a group gift, you can give the couple a relatively expensive present without spending a significant amount of money per person, depending on the number of people involved.
Cash gift
There is no hard and fast rule about the appropriate amount for a wedding gift when it comes to cash. That said, wedding experts do advise starting at $100. After considering various factors, such as your relationship with the couple, your budget, and the cost of attending the wedding, you may want to consider adjusting your gift amount to up to $500. If you are unable to spend up to $100, you may want to consider giving the couple a smaller gift from their registry instead.
6. Number of wedding events you attend
When considering how much to spend on a wedding gift, it is crucial to take into account the number of nuptial events you’re invited to. This will enable you to establish a suitable budget that aligns with your preferences and financial comfort. Generally, it is customary to buy gifts for the bridal shower or couple’s shower (if invited) and the wedding. If you’d like, you may also bring a small gift for the engagement party.
We understand that several challenges can arise regarding gift costs when invited to multiple nuptial celebrations. So, it’s highly recommended to adhere to the 20-20-60 rule, dividing your budget for presents as follows:
- The engagement present: 20%
- The bridal shower present: 20%
- The wedding present: 60%
How much to spend on a wedding gift when you aren’t attending
Here’s a quite tricky question: What is an appropriate amount to spend on a wedding gift when you cannot attend the big day? Even if you are unable to make it and need to RSVP “no,” it is still recommended to send the couple a gift as a gesture of gratitude for inviting you.
There are various reasons why you might decline a wedding invitation. If the attending cost is a significant factor in your decision, it’s understandable why you cannot afford to give an expensive present. We recommend checking the couple’s registry for gift ideas that suit your budget. Spending about $50 on a gift in this situation is fine.
Consider exploring flexible options like gift cards, cash funds, or reasonably priced home items. You can also consider pooling funds with other guests to contribute towards a group present, which can help reduce individual costs.
Viva Wedding’s suggestion on how much money to give at a wedding
| Considerations | Money to give for a wedding gift |
| Acquaintance | $50 – $75 |
| Colleagues | $50 – $100 |
| Close family member/friend | From $150 to more than $200 |
| Destination wedding | $50 – $150 |
| Gift from one person | $100 – $150 |
| Group gift | $150 – $300 |
| Cash Gift | $100 – $500 |
| Multiple events | $50-$100 per event |
| Financial situation | Vary based on your budget |
>>> Maybe you’re interested in:
- Wedding Etiquette: 12 Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Etiquette Rules For Couple Follow
- Wedding Guest Etiquette: 16 Best Guides Manners And Customs
- Must-Know Wedding Plus-One Etiquette For Zero Awkwardness
In conclusion, how much to spend on a wedding gift depends on several factors, such as your relationship with the couple, your budget, and the cost of attending the wedding. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you give a monetary gift or something else, what matters most is that you’re there to celebrate the happy couple’s special day. We hope the above information is helpful for you, and if you have any concerns about wedding etiquette, be sure to check out other articles on Viva Wedding Photography!
