Budgeting for a wedding gift can be tricky, especially when you’re unsure how much to spend. Before the season kicks off, consider how many events you’re attending and your relationship with each couple. Setting aside money in advance can help you stay prepared and stress-free when it’s time to celebrate. When it comes to gift-giving, you can shop the couple’s registry, give a handmade or personal gift, or opt for cash.
How to Determine What to Spend
It can be hard to determine what is the right amount to spend. The average wedding gift is around $150, however you should consider your relationship to the person. There's no wrong amount. The couple will appreciate any gift! Ultimately, you should only spend what you can afford. If you're unsure, here are some ranges to consider when deciding how much to give:
- Family Member or Friend: $150 - $200
- Coworker: $50 - $100
- Acquaintance: $75 - $175
- Wedding Party: If you're in the wedding party, you should probably be on the higher end of the scale, while also considering the amount you may have already spent on wedding attire and event preparation. If you went to an extravagant bachelorette/bachelor party or purchased a high-dollar bridesmaid dress, use this to determine how much you can afford to spend on a gift.
It's important to note that if you're mailing a card, it's always best to send a check in the rare instance that your card gets lost or stolen!
Determine Your Situation
There are some obvious exceptions to these rules. Don't give more than you can afford. If you're in college or unemployed, you were invited because the couple would love for you to be there (with or without a gift).
If you were asked to help on special projects, such as setting up the venue where you spent a lot of your time helping the bride or groom, you may not feel the need to give as much. If you've given other contributions, you should feel a sense of pride and give yourself a pat on the back because the couple trusts you and your dependability.
Group Gifts
If you and your friends want to give a gift together, picking a bigger gift from the registry and splitting the cost can be a great idea. The larger gifts on the registry will most likely be overlooked by single-family gift givers. Giving a special gift as a group can be really meaningful.
Personal Gifts
When your budget doesn’t allow for a gift, consider giving a handmade or personal one. If they need something done around the house, an act of service like planting flowers or tidying up while they’re on their honeymoon can be thoughtful. A hand-painted picture of the couple, a custom recipe book with favorite dishes, or a personalized scrapbook filled with memories can all be deeply sentimental gifts. While these may cost less than registry items, they’re a heartfelt way to support and celebrate the couple.
Personalized items with the couple’s new last name also make thoughtful gifts. Consider a custom sign or wall art with their new last name, a doormat, or monogrammed towels and linens. A customized cutting board engraved with their last name or a personalized recipe box for their future meals also adds a personal touch.
Remember, the rules of gift-giving aren’t black and white. There’s no “right” or “wrong” amount to spend. Use your intuition and give what feels right. You can never put a dollar amount on a friendship, so don't overthink it and give what you can.
