The cost of a wedding gift depends on a variety of factors, including your relationship with the couple, your personal budget, and your overall expense for the wedding.
On average, most people spend $100 on a wedding gift, but it can go higher or lower than that, depending on several factors.
It’s important to note, though, that wedding gifts are typically not mandatory, and the cost of one is not fixed. The amount to spend will still be decided by you, and we are only providing guidelines that can make it easier for you to make a decision.
What factors should I consider when determining how much to spend on wedding gifts?
Relationship with the Couple
The closeness of your relationship with the couple can influence the amount you spend. Close friends and family members may opt to spend more, while acquaintances or distant relatives might choose a smaller gift.
The average wedding gift costs $100, so just add or deduct a few more dollars depending on how close you are to the couple. Close friends and family members typically spend $100 to $200, while other friends and relatives spend $75 to $100.
Some guests who are just acquaintances, co-workers, or distant relatives of the couple can spend anywhere between $50 and $75.
Personal Budget
Your own financial situation and budget should be the biggest priority when deciding how much to spend on a wedding gift. It’s important to choose a gift that fits within your means and doesn’t put you under financial strain.
While a lot of people typically spend $100 for a gift, you don’t have to follow this rule if you can’t afford it.
Gift Registry
Gift registries are becoming more and more popular. They help guests get a better idea of what to buy the couple and ensure that the gifts will actually be used.
Check if the couple created a gift registry, and choose an item that aligns with the personal budget you set. If all of them are out of your budget, consider asking someone to split the cost.
If you can’t find anyone to split the cost with, choosing a gift outside of the gift registry can be helpful. Just ensure that you’ll buy a gift that aligns with the couple’s preferences.
Personal or Group Gift
Another factor to consider is if you’re giving them a personal gift or buying one with a group.
If you’re participating in a group gift with other friends or colleagues, you can contribute an amount that is comfortable for you individually. Typically, groups would choose one of the expensive gifts in the gift registry and divide the cost among themselves.
Wedding Expenses
Consider everything you’ll have to spend to attend the wedding. If you’re already incurring significant expenses for travel, accommodation, or other wedding-related costs, it’s reasonable to adjust your gift budget accordingly.
If it’s a destination wedding, the couple usually lets you know that your presence is already enough and a gift is not necessary. However, if you still want to send them a gift, you can buy something that’s not too expensive or send the gift at a later date.
Events to Attend
When attending a wedding, you’re also typically invited to other events and parties leading to the wedding day, like an engagement party, bridal shower, and groom shower.
During these events, especially bridal and groom showers, you’re expected to bring a gift. If you’ll be attending these parties, you can adjust your budget for the actual wedding gift.
One guideline you can follow when determining your budget for your wedding gift is the 20-20-60 rule. This means spending 20% of your set budget on the engagement party, 20% on the bridal or groom shower, and 60% on the actual wedding gift.
Regional or Cultural Customs
Certain regions and cultures have their own rules on how much to spend on a wedding gift. Research the traditional and cultural customs of the couple and their family before buying a gift to avoid any conflict.
Cost per Plate
Another factor to consider when deciding how much to spend is the cost per plate. Some people like following the “cover your plate” rule, as it makes it easier for them to determine a budget.
In this rule, you’ll estimate how much the couple spent per person and buy a gift that matches that amount. This rule is more common in the USA, but people from other countries have also started to follow it.
To get an estimate, several wedding planners suggest searching for the average cost per plate at the wedding’s location. Some also suggest contacting the venue to ask for their rates or personally asking the wedding planner for a rough estimate.
Some couples also let you know how many guests there will be at the wedding, which can help in getting a rough estimate of the cost per plate.
But this is purely a guideline, and you’ll still ultimately decide how much to spend.
