How much should you spend on a wedding gift?
How much should you spend on a wedding gift?
$100 – $150 average wedding gift cost
Average wedding gift amount
How much to spend on a wedding gift depends on how close you are to the couple and what you can afford. Wedding gift amounts average $100 to $150, but close friends and family often give more, while casual acquaintances and coworkers might give less.
Remember, it's not about the price tag, but the thought and love behind the gift that really matter.
| National Average Cost | $130 |
| Minimum Cost | $50 |
| Maximum Cost | $500 |
| Average Range | $100 to $150 |
Average wedding gift cost
There are no strict rules about how much to spend on a wedding gift. The important thing is to give what you can comfortably afford based on your relationship with the couple.
If you are attending multiple events for the couple, keep in mind the 60-20-20 rule. This suggests spending 20% of your total budget for an engagement party gift, another 20% for a bridal shower gift, and the remaining 60% for a wedding gift.
| Relationship | Recommended wedding gift |
|---|---|
| Coworker | $50 – $100 |
| Casual friend or acquaintance | $75 – $100 |
| Close friends | $100 – $150+ |
| Distant relatives | $50 – $75 |
| Close family members | $150 – $300+ |
| Members of the wedding party | $100 – $150+ |
Invited couples: For invited couples, the suggested gift amount is $100 to $150. Traditionally, couples give one gift together rather than individual gifts.
Solo guests: If you are attending the wedding alone, experts recommend a $50 to $75 gift, depending on your relationship with the wedding couple.
Plus-one guests: If you're bringing a plus-one, consider increasing your gift value by 1.5 times to acknowledge your date's attendance. Since your guest might not know the couple well, doubling the gift amount isn't necessary.
Appropriate wedding gift amount
In the past, guests would use the “cover-your-plate” rule to decide a wedding gift amount, with the gift valued around the cost of their meal at the reception. This rule no longer applies, as guests rarely know the cost per plate, and the focus should be on celebrating with the couple, not recouping their expenses.
Instead of using the outdated notion, consider these factors when setting your budget for a wedding gift:
How close you are with the couple
How much you’re already spending to celebrate with them
How much time or energy you’ve contributed leading up to the wedding
How much they gave you (if you married recently)
How much you can afford
Gifts from the wedding couple
Guests are not the only ones who budget for wedding gifts. The wedding budget must also include purchasing small gifts of appreciation for various individuals involved in the wedding, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, the wedding planner, day-of-wedding coordinator, and the wedding officiant.
Common gifts purchased by the wedding couple include:
Bridesmaid gifts: Jewelry or hair clips for the wedding, personalized cosmetic bags, bridal party t-shirts, and bridal goodie bags
Groomsmen gifts: Personalized items like engraved pocketknives, watches, or beer koozies
Wedding coordinator or planner gifts: Gift cards, personalized travel mugs, or cosmetic bags
Wedding officiant: Engraved tumblers, gift cards, or tickets to local events
Wedding gift ideas
Picking a wedding gift is about sharing your best wishes with the couple, not about what you spend. Common wedding gifts include registry items, cash gifts, and even meaningful, low-cost gifts. Group gifts are also appropriate, particularly for more expensive registry items.
Wedding gift registries
A wedding gift registry is a list of gifts created by the couple to guide guests on the couple’s desired items, reducing guesswork and preventing duplicate gifts. Generally, it is always best to purchase from the wedding registry to ensure your gift aligns with the couple's preferences.
If items are unavailable or exceed your budget, check with the couple for alternative preferences or consider contributing to a cash fund. If you choose to buy an off-registry gift, include a gift receipt so that the couple can easily return duplicate or unwanted items without hassle.
Cash wedding gifts
Cash wedding gifts have become increasingly common and widely accepted. They offer couples the freedom to use the funds as they see fit, whether it's for setting up a household, honeymoon expenses, or other financial goals. When giving a cash gift, it's thoughtful to present it inside a card with a personal message.
A more modern take on cash wedding gifts is to send money using Zelle or Venmo. Remember to attach a personalized note or comment with your digital transfer. Also, double-check the recipient's username or phone number to ensure the funds go to the right couple.
Group wedding gifts
Group wedding gifts offer a practical way for a larger group of friends, family, or colleagues to contribute to a more expensive gift for the couple. Bridesmaids and groomsmen who have already spent money to be at the wedding can pool resources to give a nice gift while spending a bit less individually.
Here are some helpful tips for organizing a group wedding gift:
Start a group chat or email to discuss the idea of a collective gift.
Set a budget that works for everyone involved.
Choose a thoughtful gift from their registry that reflects their relationship with the group.
Use online platforms designed for group gifting convenience.
Delegate tasks within the group, such as buying, wrapping, and delivering the gift.
Include a heartfelt card signed by all the group members so the couple can recognize those who contributed.
Low-cost wedding gift ideas
Some sentimental but low-cost wedding gifts include:
Personalized Items: Create something special, like a custom photo frame, monogrammed towels, or personalized kitchen utensils.
DIY crafts: Handmade gifts can be both meaningful and budget-friendly. Consider crafting a scrapbook, painting, or creating a personalized playlist.
Recipe book: Compile a collection of your family recipes or create a cookbook of easy-to-make meals for the newlyweds.
Date night jar: Fill a jar with creative date night ideas or thoughtful messages for the couple to enjoy together.
Candles: Elegant candles or decorative candle holders can add a cozy and romantic touch to their home.
Subscription services: Gift a subscription to a streaming service, magazine, or a monthly snack box for them to enjoy.
Homemade treats: Bake some homemade cookies, brownies, or other sweet treats and package them in a decorative box or tin.
Photo album: Collect and arrange photos of the couple's journey together in a simple photo album.
Wedding gift FAQs
What is a good wedding gift?
A good wedding gift is something off the wedding registry or a cash gift, which is always appreciated. Remember, the best wedding gift doesn't have to be expensive; it should reflect your relationship with the couple and wish them a beautiful future together.
Should I buy a gift if I can’t attend the wedding?
Sending a gift, even if you can't attend the wedding, is a thoughtful way to convey your congratulations and support for the couple. You can opt to send a registry gift directly to their address for convenience.
Do you give a gift for a destination wedding?
Yes, it's customary to give a gift for a destination wedding. Your attendance is already a special contribution, but offering a thoughtful gift expresses your best wishes to the couple. If the travel expenses are significant, you can consider a smaller gift budget.
How do you address a check for a wedding gift?
When writing a check for a wedding gift, make it payable to both individuals using their pre-married names. Connect the names with "or" instead of "and" to allow either person to cash the check. Always confirm there are sufficient funds in your account to avoid any issues with bounced checks.
Do you bring gifts to weddings?
The preferred delivery for a wedding gift is to send it to the couple’s home rather than bringing it to the wedding. This is more convenient for you and the newlyweds and reduces the risk of the gift being damaged or lost at the wedding.
When sending a gift, always include a card with your congratulations. If you're purchasing a gift from the couple's registry, most online retailers will allow you to ship directly to their home address.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.