How Much Should You Spend On A Wedding Gift
Wedding gift etiquette is good to know to avoid any awkward situations. Someone who hasnt been to many weddings may not understand the expectations set in terms of wedding gifts for the newlyweds.
The amount you should spend on a wedding gift depends on your relationship with the couple. If youre a coworker or a distant friend or relative, you arent expected to give as much as a close friend or family member.
If youre not sure how much to spend on a wedding gift, there are a few rules of thumb you can follow. Consider the average wedding gift amounts listed below as a ballpark figure for how much you should spend on a wedding gift.
- Close friend or relative: $100 150+
- Friend or relative: $75 100
- Distant friend or coworker: $50 75
Keep in mind that these numbers are only standard estimates. If you live in an expensive urban area, or if yourself and the happy couple run in more affluent circles, you may choose to give more.
If You Dont Attend The Wedding Do You Still Have To Send A Gift
This may come as a surprise to you, but the answer is yes. A gift is just a small gesture and a way for the couple to know that they are important to you. After all, they invited you sincerely wishing that you would be joining them to celebrate, thus sending a gift is the least that you can do, especially if you are not attending their special day.
How Much To Spend On A Wedding Gift Depends On 2 Factors
While a big gift might be right for some situations, it’s not a requirement. Etiquette expert Lizzie Post of the Emily Post Institute says a range can be appropriate, but for each person it depends on two factors: your budget and your relationship to the couple.
“It’s really about your budget. What can you afford?,” she says. “I do think that in terms of what you might give, the closer you are to the couple, the more likely you are to do something that, if not terribly expensive, is of good quality.”
Pay attention to the couple’s wedding registry for ideas on what to give, but don’t be afraid to see it as a guide rather than the rule. “If there’s nothing on the registry that falls within your budget, that’s when you’ve got to remember that it’s perfectly OK to go off-registry and do something that does work within your budget,” Post says.
Affordable, creative gift ideas can be good options on a limited budget. “Really good and thoughtful handmade, hand-crafted gifts can be awesome. For example, a really beautifully written out collection of family recipes that’s a really nice gift,” Post says.
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How To Attend A Wedding Without Breaking The Bank
Weddings can be pretty pricey for guests, too. Here are a few tips to help you celebrate the happy couple without spending too much.
- Send the gift after the wedding: If you’re short on cash when the wedding rolls around, don’t worry! It’s acceptable to send the gift a couple of months after the big day.
How Much Money Should You Spend On A Wedding Gift
When it comes to questions around wedding gifts, there’s nothing more common than confusion surrounding gifting or receiving cash at weddings. How many times have we heard the saying that you want to cover the cost of your plate plus a little extra? I’m here to say forget that rule!
The most important thing is to consider your relationship with the couple and what you are comfortable spending. The level of formality of a wedding might impact the timing of the day , and what you might wear but definitely not how much money you should gift.
The 60-20-20 rule suggests that if you are attending more than one formal event, you can spread out your budget accordingly, i.e. 20 per cent on the engagement gift, 20 per cent on the shower gift, and the remaining on the wedding gift.
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What If You’re In The Wedding Party
Swann said being a part of the wedding party gives you leeway to buy a less expensive gift or none at all.
“If youre in the wedding party, there are some instances in which you have spent a lot of money and on so many different gifts, for example maybe the bridal shower, and bachelorette party and your dress and your shoes and your jewelry,” she said, adding that all those costs can be considered part of your gift.
But Margulis disagreed. She said being in the wedding does not “automatically excuse” you from purchasing a gift.
Instead, she said to once again consider your budget, your relationship with the couple and what holds meaning for you.
How Much To Spend On A Wedding Gift For A Close Friend Or Family Member
Perhaps your best friend or a close cousin is getting marriedyou likely want to spend a little more on the wedding gift amount. According to our data, the average guest spend on a wedding gift is $120, though guests spend closer to $130 for a couple they’re close to. Depending on your budget, you might consider spending anywhere between $100-$200+ on a gift.
If you’re also in this person’s wedding party, though, Volkom suggests evaluating the amount you’ve already spent on an engagement gift, a shower gift, the bachelorette party, and any other wedding-related expenses. “With this in mind, it’s perfectly acceptable to opt for a more sentimental gift rather than an extravagant gift,” she says. You can always give something on the lower end of this spectrum considering the large role you’ve already contributed to their big day.
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How Much To Give For A Wedding If Theres An Engagement Party Too
How much to give for a wedding is synonymous with your availability for the wedding. It is well-advised that you split your budget for the wedding gift into 25% / 75%. 25% on engagement gifts and the remaining 75% on gifts for the main wedding. Something like wine, a box of chocolates or a box of cupcakes will do.
If you will not be available for the main wedding and the couple means a lot to you, follow Diane Gottsmans principle. Browse through their engagement gift ideas and pick something thats equivalent to the amount you would spend on a wedding gift.
Should You Send A Wedding Gift If You Rsvp No
If you cant attend the wedding for some reason, you may find yourself wondering if you still owe the bride and groom a gift. The answer depends on your relationship with the couple.
If your RSVP no because you dont know the bride and groom very well or you arent on good terms, then you probably dont have to send a gift. If you cant attend for another reason, like an important commitment, but you are a close friend or relative of the couple, send a gift.
Your gift can be simpler and less expensive if you cant attend the wedding, but a friend or relative should still send the newlyweds some kind of congratulatory gift. For those who RSVP no and dont know the happy couple very well, a card with well wishes is good enough.
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How Long Do I Really Have To Give A Gift After The Wedding
The honest fact is that the earlier you can send a new couple your gift, the better. It is more interesting opening gifts while the wedding glow and rush are still present. But do not put yourself under any kind of pressure. If you are not financially or emotionally up to the task of getting a gift during the wedding, rest easy. You have up to one year after the wedding to send in your gifts. Do it at your own convenience and who knows? It may be a pleasant surprise to the couple.
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As much as the experts know, it will be nice to hear real people who have had actual experiences talk. Many of them consider the cost of gifts based on their closeness to the couple and some match whatever they were gifted at theirs. Others think the luxury of the wedding should count, while a few prefer donating cash or paying towards a cause.Testimonials from real people:
- Miki, a 34-year old female who has helped plan weddings for lots of people is sympathetic to the plight of couples. She says wedding expenses are not cheap and everyone should give at least $100 for wedding gifts. Give from $200 above if you come with a plus one. She, on the other hand, says she has given up to $500 for her close friends.
- Jess who is 27 years old says that she will give more towards wedding gifts if the wedding is a luxurious one.
How Much Should You Spend On A Bridal Shower Gift
If your friend or family member is getting ready to walk down the aisle, you may have received an invitation to their bridal shower. A bridal shower is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the bride-to-be as they get ready for their upcoming nuptials. And typically, where theres a party, theres also the opportunity to give gifts.
While attending a bridal shower for your BFF or your cousin is certainly a time to party, it can also be confusing for some guests. Do you have to bring a gift if you plan to attend? And how much should you be spending on a bridal shower gift? We consulted relationship etiquette expert to get all the answers you need.
Meet the Expert
Mara Opperman is a relationship etiquette expert and the founder of I Do Now I Don’t.
Read on to find out how much you should be budgeting for a gift, along with other bridal shower gift etiquette and tips to keep in mind.
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Simple Guidelines For Giving Cash As A Wedding Gift
Below are some helpful ways to determine how much to give at weddings.
Wedding Of A Family Member
Your relationship to the couple is certainly one of the biggest factors that would determine how much you should give. A good ballpark for close relatives is $150 and above. If you are however a student or an intern etc and not financially established yet, $75-$100 is fine as well.
If the couple is a family member, they most likely are aware of your financial situation and therefore would not expect or even want you to give something beyond your means.
If the wedding is of a distant family member like a second cousin etc who you havent seen in a long time. You dont have to give as much if you were a close family member but you should still gift a decent amount.
If you do attend the wedding, the gift should be above $100. If you are not planning to attend the wedding but still want to send a small token along with your good wishes it is completely fair to gift just $50.
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Wedding Of A Colleague
No matter if its the wedding of a beloved or not so beloved colleague, this is the time to display the best of your social manners since you have been extended a wedding invite. $50-$100 is the standard gift amount depending on if you are going to attend the wedding and your relationship with the colleague.
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A Friends Wedding
When Bringing A Guest Along
Is It Rude To Give Money As A Gift
Although one might think that, it is not considered to be rude if you give money as a gift to the wedding couple. In fact, it might be preferred over other items as it gives the couple the freedom to spend the money on what they need. In a lot of weddings, the couple usually ends up with a lot of duplicate items such as kitchen appliances and other household items. By gifting cash, they can either choose to add it to their savings or they can use it to buy something useful.
As they begin their new chapter in life, they will surely be grateful for any financial assistance in setting up their new home. The only thing you need to keep in mind is to always leave a note in the cash envelope. It not only adds a personal touch to the gift but it also allows you to express your wishes to them in a heartfelt manner. If you are worried about the envelope getting lost, then feel free to use a check instead of bills. If you want to know more about it, I recommend the article: Do You Give Cash or Check As a Wedding Gift?.
Although one might think that, it is not considered to be rude if you give money as a gift to the wedding coupl
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How Much Should A Single Person Spend On A Wedding Gift
When youre giving money for a wedding gift and attending solo, the proper etiquette says you should spend about $50 to $75.
In the words of wedding etiquette expert, Diane Gottsman, wedding gifts are neither mandatory nor costs set in stone, but a show of support to the couple. She opines that how much you spend on a wedding should depend mainly on your budget and relationships with the couple. Other factors to note are how much of the wedding expenses are covered by the couple and your role in the wedding.
As such, research by NerdWallet shows that the average gift amount is about $151 and guests are willing to spend up to $350 per situation. This may see wedding gifts amount in 2020 rise. From buying bridal shower gifts to wedding proper, people are willing to spend more.
The RetailMeNot poll shows that an American will spend an average of $140 on wedding gifts.
41% believe that gifts are mandatory for weddings. 37% believe that even if you got them something before the wedding, say bachelor party gifts, you should still get them a wedding gift.
Now, for every amount featured, you are to double if you have extras tagging along . Again, these amounts are only calculated per adult head, no kids.
