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- In a nutshell
- Customized Star Map for Him and Her
- Personalized Bamboo Cheese Board Set/Charcuterie Board Set
- Personalized Watercolor Portrait Gift
- Custom Night Light
- Personalized & Engraved Rustic Planter Box with Three Mason Jars
- LUXOME Bamboo Luxury Sheet Set
- His and Hers Panoramic Canvas
- Ninja AF150 Air Fryer
- Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle
- Vitamix 5200 Blender Professional-Grade
- iRobot Roomba 981 Vacuum Cleaner with 3-Level Cleaning System
- Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Wedding season is always around the corner, and with that comes the question of how much you should spend on a wedding gift. It can be tricky, as you want to give something nice without forgetting about the basic wedding gift etiquette!
It’s no secret that weddings are expensive, and the cost of attending one can add up. Not only do you have to worry about the gift, but you might also have to consider travel costs, hotel prices, and dinner expenses.
We’ve put together this guide on how much you should spend on a wedding gift. So whether you’re a close family member or just a friend of the couple, we have the perfect recommendation for you.
In a nutshell
The average wedding gift amount is around $100.
Gift amounts vary depending on the relationship of the person with the couple. The closer the relationship, the more expensive the gift should be.
1. How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding Gift?
It’s one of the most common questions asked among wedding guests: how much should you spend on a wedding gift?
Of course, the answer depends on several factors, including your relationship with the couple and your budget. However, a few general guidelines can help you decide how much to spend.
If you’re close friends or family members of the couple, you may want to consider splurging on a more expensive gift. But, likewise, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s perfectly acceptable to give a more modest gift.
In general, it’s thought that guests should spend around $100 on a wedding gift.
However, ultimately the decision is up to you and should be based on what you feel comfortable spending.
Here is a general guideline to how much you should spend on an average wedding gift, based on your relationship with the couple:
| Relationship | Amount |
|---|---|
| Family Members | $100 – $200 |
| Close Friends | $100 – $200 |
| Acquaintances | $50 – $75 |
| Co-Workers | $50 – $75 |
2. What Should I Consider When Giving a Wedding Gift?
Consider Your costs of Attending the Wedding
When deciding how much to spend on a wedding gift, it’s important to consider the costs of attending the wedding.
If you are attending a destination wedding and traveling, the cost of your flight and hotel room should be factored in when deciding how much to spend on a gift.
Consider Your Budget
You shouldn’t forget to factor in your budget when deciding how much to spend on a wedding gift.
Just because the average person spends around $100 on a wedding gift doesn’t mean you have to spend that much.
Giving a more modest gift is perfectly acceptable if you’re on a tight budget. The important thing is that you gift an amount you feel comfortable spending.
3. Can We Give a Group Gift?
Some might argue that giving a group wedding gift is never a good idea. But sometimes, a group wedding gift might be the perfect option.
For example, if several friends or family members are all attending the same wedding together, or if you’re part of a close-knit community that wants to come together and show its support for a newly married couple, then giving a group gift might actually be a great way to mark this important milestone in their lives.
4. Can I Give Cash as a Wedding Gift?
The short answer is yes; cash gifts are OK.
The bride and groom can use it to cover wedding-related expenses or put it towards their honeymoon fund. Plus, it’s always nice to have a little extra cash on hand in case of any unexpected wedding day emergencies.
Be sure to include a card or note with the cash so the couple knows who it’s from.
5. Is It Ok to Gift Items That Are Not on the Wedding Registry?
When it comes to wedding gifts, it can be tempting to get something that is not on the registry.
Although it is perfectly fine to do so, it’s important to remember that the couple may not want the item you intend to gift them or might already have something similar.
That being said, if you have a close relationship with the couple and you are confident that they would appreciate a non-registry gift, then, by all means, go for it!
6. Should I Increase the Amount of My Wedding Gift if I Have a Plus One?
Maybe you’ve been invited to a wedding with a plus one, or perhaps you’re in a relationship and wondering if you should be giving a more significant gift to reflect that.
The short answer is no. You don’t need to increase the amount of your wedding gift just because you have a plus one.
Your gift should reflect your relationship with the couple and your own personal budget, nothing more, nothing less.
If you are short on cash or tight on funds, it just doesn’t make sense to splurge on the wedding gift just because you are bringing a plus one to the wedding.
On the other hand, if money isn’t an issue for you and you feel like your relationship with your plus one is solid enough to merit an increased gift amount, then go for it! We’re sure the couple will appreciate it!
At the end of the day, what really matters is that you put some thought and effort into selecting a present that conveys how much the newlyweds mean to you!
7. Should I Buy a Gift if I Am Attending a Destination Wedding?
While some believe that the costs of attending a destination wedding should include all expenses, others argue that it’s still customary to give the bride and groom something special.
Ultimately, the decision whether to not to get the couple a gift if you are attending a destination wedding is up to you. However, if you are already spending time and money traveling to an exotic location to celebrate with your friends, buying an additional gift can feel like a burden.
However, given how significant the occasion is and how much effort the couple likely put into hosting their special day, it’s certainly worth considering getting them something meaningful – if you can afford it.
8. How Much Should You Give at a Luxury Wedding?
You know you’ll be attending a fancy wedding when the wedding invitation arrives in a box! But all jokes aside, what do you get a couple that seems to have everything?
Our advice is to keep it simple and elegant, focusing on quality over quantity.
We are beginning to sound like a broken record – we know. But once again, the gift should depend on your relationship with the couple and your budget, not on how luxurious the wedding is.
But if you have the budget for it, feel free to splurge a little!
9. How Much Should I Spend on a Wedding Gift as a Bridesmaid or Groomsman?
As a wedding party member, you know that being part of a couple’s big day comes with some expenses. There’s the bachelorette party, the bridal shower, and the rehearsal dinner, not to mention the cost of the outfit and potential travel expenses.
So you might be wondering if getting the couple a wedding gift is absolutely necessary and, if so, how much you should spend.
For close friends and family members who are in the wedding party, it’s customary to give a more significant present (due to the close relationship with the couple).
The average amount spent by members of the wedding party is $120. If you’re planning to give cash, we suggest giving between $100 to $200 – if you can afford it.
Another option would be to organize a group gift with the rest of the bridal party. This can be a great way to pool resources and give the couple something they really want or need.
10. How Long Do I Have To Give a Gift After the Wedding?
There is no set timeframe for sending a wedding gift after the big day has passed.
Even though guests traditionally have up to one year to get the couple a wedding gift, it’s generally a good idea to get your present to the couple as quickly as possible.
Remember to take note of any specific instructions that the couple may have given regarding gifts.
11. Should I Give a Gift if I Can’t Attend the Wedding?
It is still customary (and very thoughtful) to send a gift even if you can’t attend a wedding.
The key is to send it sooner rather than later and include a note letting the couple know you wish you could be there with them on their special day.
Wedding gifts are meant to be tokens of your affection and support, so even if you can’t be there in person, rest assured that your gift will be appreciated all the same.
12. What Are Some Creative Gift Ideas That the Couple Is Sure to Love?
Here are a few suggestions based on various wedding gift amounts to get you started:
Gifts Under $50
Customized Star Map for Him and Her
Personalized Bamboo Cheese Board Set/Charcuterie Board Set
Personalized Watercolor Portrait Gift
Gifts between $50 and $100
Custom Night Light
Personalized & Engraved Rustic Planter Box with Three Mason Jars
Gifts Between $100 and $200
LUXOME Bamboo Luxury Sheet Set
His and Hers Panoramic Canvas
Ninja AF150 Air Fryer
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Gifts Over $200
Vitamix 5200 Blender Professional-Grade
iRobot Roomba 981 Vacuum Cleaner with 3-Level Cleaning System
Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how much you should spend on a wedding gift, it’s time to start shopping! The most important thing to remember is that the gift reflects your relationship with the couple. So as long as you choose something thoughtful and personal, they will love it.
Happy gifting!
What do you think?