How Much to Spend on a Wedding Gift?
You’ve got that exciting wedding invitation in your hand, now what?
One common question that pops up is: how much should you spend on a wedding gift? While there’s no official rule that says exactly how much you must give, there are some helpful tips and expert advice to guide you. Whether you’re buying for a close friend, a coworker, or a casual acquaintance, knowing what the right gift amount is can take the stress out of gift shopping, averages in 2025 range from $50–$75 for coworkers to $150–$200+ for close family, often adjusted for your budget and relationship.
Gift Amount Guidelines
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- Coworkers or distant acquaintances: $50–$75 per person keeps it thoughtful without overextending.
- Friends or extended family: Aim for $100–$125, scaling up if attending with a plus-one.
- Close friends or immediate family: $150–$250+ reflects deeper ties, especially for destination weddings.
Cash, registry items, or group gifts work well across budgets, with many couples appreciating contributions toward honeymoons.
Browse thoughtful wedding gift ideas that fit any budget and relationship level.
Setting Your Wedding Gift Budget
Before diving into gift ideas, it’s smart to figure out what feels comfortable for your wallet. Remember, weddings often come with extra costs like traveling, fancy outfits, and even pre-wedding parties.
Adding a wedding gift into the mix means you want to budget wisely so you don’t feel squeezed. According to etiquette experts, the perfect gift amount is really up to what fits comfortably within your budget. There’s no need to use appearance or wedding formality as the guide, if a lavish event feels out of reach, it’s perfectly fine to choose a gift within your means.
Average Gift Amounts and What People Are Giving
Wondering what most guests typically spend?
Recent research shows the average wedding gift amount hovers around $150. This average stays steady whether you’re attending as a distant friend or close family member. And naturally, the closer you are to the couple, the more you might want to spend, but only as much as you feel fits your relationship and finances.
How Much to Give Based on Your Relationship
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide how much to spend depending on your connection to the couple:
- Close Family and Friends: Usually people spend about $160 for close friends or family members, especially if you’re part of the wedding party. Remember, your gift doesn’t have to be extravagant; thoughtful, sentimental gifts count just as much.
- Colleagues and Coworkers: Gifts in the range of $50 to $100 work well for coworkers or bosses you’re close with. If you’ve worked together for over a year, lean toward the higher end. Monetary gifts or gift cards are also warmly accepted here.
- Casual Acquaintances: For acquaintances or distant friends, budgeting between $75 and $175 is a good rule of thumb. It’s really about what fits your budget, but this range ensures your gift is meaningful without feeling overwhelming.
- Couples Attending Together: If you’re going with a partner, the traditional amounts don’t change too much. Many couples spend anywhere from $100 to over $200 together. You can decide whether to chip in together or one person buys the gift while both sign the card.
- Family Invitations: When the whole family is invited under one name, just one gift is expected. That gift’s price can start around $150 and go higher, especially if travel or other costs add up. If adult children were also invited separately, they should plan for their own gift.
Addressing Common Gift Questions
Still curious about some wedding gift mysteries? Here are answers to common questions:
- Is it okay to give cash? Yes! Cash is a popular and perfectly appropriate gift. Many couples actually prefer it since it helps with bigger expenses or honeymoon plans. Just be sure to include a card so they know who the generous gift is from.
- Is $100 enough? Definitely. While it’s slightly below the average, $100 is a thoughtful and widely accepted amount. The key is sending what you can afford without stress.
- Should the gift match the cost per guest? Not anymore! That old rule about “covering your plate” is outdated. Your gift should reflect your relationship with the couple, not the price of the meal.
- What if I can’t attend? It’s still polite to send a gift if you can. Check their registry or consider group gifts or gift cards if you’re on a tight budget.
- Do you gift for engagement parties and showers too? If invited to both, it’s customary to bring something for each event. You don’t have to spend the same amount on each, feel free to adjust your budget accordingly.
Final Thoughts on Wedding Gifts
Giving a wedding gift is a wonderful way to celebrate love and friendships. By considering your budget, relationship, and these expert tips, you’ll find the perfect amount to spend without worry. Happy gift hunting!
Discover a wide selection of wedding gifts that match any budget and make the couple’s special day even brighter.
