The Etiquette Rules for How Much to Spend on a Wedding Gift

Wedding Etiquette 101: How Much to Spend on a Wedding Gift

Whether it’s a distant relative getting hitched, a close family member hosting a destination wedding, or you’re part of the wedding party, giving a gift is always a great gesture to show how much you care. But, if you’re perusing your options and wondering how much to spend on a wedding gift, settling on the best option might be tricky. You might be asking yourself:

1. What’s perfectly acceptable?
2. What will be frowned upon?
3. Does the average wedding gift amount change based on your relationship with the couple, or what type of wedding you’re attending?

Here’s everything you need to know about this important part of wedding etiquette.

What is the Average Wedding Gift Price Tag?

When considering how much is appropriate to spend on a wedding gift, looking at the national average can be helpful: How much do other wedding guests typically spend on a gift?

According to data from Empower, many guests are unsure of the most appropriate wedding gift amount, but on average, they are willing to spend around $175 on a wedding present. However, this seems to differ based on generation. The same report found that the perceived standard amount to spend on a wedding was higher among younger generations than in older generations. For example:

• Gen Z wedding guests say they’d spend $275 on a wedding gift
• Millennial wedding guests say they’d spend $238 on a wedding gift
• Gen X wedding guests say they’d spend $149 on a wedding gift
• Boomer wedding guests say they’d spend $98 on a wedding gift

Interestingly, the Empower study also found that most to-be-weds preferred receiving cash wedding gifts over a physical gift. A third of couples also said they’d take stocks in lieu of cash gifts.

How Much to Spend on a Wedding Gift Based on the Relationship

Of course, the national averages are just that — they’re not a hard and fast rule. Depending on your financial situation and closeness with the couple, you can spend more or less and give cash or physical gifts. One of the biggest determining factors in how much to spend on a gift or how much cash to give for a wedding is based on the relationship with the recipient.

How Much to Spend on a Friend’s Wedding Gift or a Close Family Member’s Wedding Gift

Let’s say your best friend or a similarly close individual is getting married. In these instances, you’d probably want to spend a little more on their gift. Go for the higher price tag, around the $200 mark.

There is one caveat to this suggestion, though. If you’re in the wedding party, you can lower the amount slightly, which will be totally acceptable. You’re already spending a lot of money just to be in the wedding party, and your close friends know that. (However, if you really want to get the couple something extravagant from the wedding registry but are feeling the monetary pinch, consider suggesting and chipping in on a group gift with the rest of the wedding party.)

Additionally, if you’re close enough to the couple to be invited to the bridal shower, engagement party, and other gift-giving occasions, it’s worth noting how much cash you’ve already spent on an engagement gift, shower gift, etc., and adjust your gift budget accordingly.

How Much to Spend on a Colleague’s Wedding Gift

Let’s say you receive an invitation to your coworker’s wedding day. You see them often and are friendly, but you’re not really “friends.” What is the right gift amount for wedding gifts in this instance?

Feel free to reduce your budget a little further to around $100.

How Much to Spend on a Distant Acquaintance or Relative’s Wedding Gift

You barely know this person. And maybe you haven’t seen them in years. How much should you give for a wedding gift in this circumstance?

Don’t go cheap just because you’re not close to this individual! But consider keeping your wedding gift amount around $100, which is still appropriate wedding gift etiquette.

Wedding Gift Amount FAQs

Still have questions? We have answers.

How Much Cash for Wedding Gift Purchases Should You Set Aside?

How much you spend on a wedding gift depends on your relationship with the recipient. Many wedding guests spend anywhere from $100 on a gift for acquaintances or distant family members to $250 or more for wedding gifts for close friends and family members.

Is Giving Money Frowned Upon at Weddings?

No, giving cash at weddings is totally fine and actually preferred by some couples! Put your chosen wedding money gift amount in a nice wedding card with a thoughtful note. From there, the couple can add the monetary gift to their cash fund to help recoup the cost of some of their wedding expenses (like the wedding photographer, florist, and other vendors), or they can use the money on their honeymoon or to help start their new life together.

What is the Right Wedding Gift Amount in Cash That You Should Give?

Even if you’re giving cash to the married couple, you should still budget to give the same amount that you would spend on a physical gift. That means around $100 for acquaintances or distant family members and $250 or more for close friends and family members.

Do You Have to Spend More on a Wedding Gift as a Couple or as a Family?

No, you can still spend the same amount for wedding gift purchases. Recommended gift amounts cover everyone that was included on the wedding invitation, whether that’s yourself and a plus one or you and your entire household.

Can You Spend Less on a Wedding Gift if You Don’t Attend the Wedding?

Yes, generally, you can spend less on a wedding gift if you don’t actually attend the wedding. Around $50 or more is appropriate for a gift for friends or family members, but you also don’t need to send a gift at all if you’re RSVPing “no” to an acquaintance’s wedding.

The Greatest Wedding Gift of All? Peace of Mind

Now that you know how much money to give at a wedding, you can attend the event with confidence, assured that you have all your wedding etiquette boxes checked.

As you think about the perfect gift for your loved one, though, make sure they have the greatest gift of all: peace of mind. Wedding insurance can ensure every couple’s investment is covered in the event of a cancellation due to unforeseen events or a wedding day mishap that puts the couple at legal risk.

Learn more about BriteCo’s wedding insurance and why buying wedding insurance is a crucial part of planning any wedding.

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Affordable Wedding Insurance: More Coverage, Less Cost!

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