The Average Wedding Gift Amount

According to recent guest research, the average wedding gift spend is around $150, with closer relationships trending a bit higher and casual connections a bit lower.

• Overall average: ~$150 per guest.
• Close friends, family, wedding party: often around $160.
• Casual friend or acquaintance: commonly around $140.
• Plus-one/date: about $120 when attending with another guest.

These figures are averages, not rules; your personal budget, travel costs and the couple’s registry options should guide your final choice.

How Much to Spend by Relationship and Situation

Gift amounts vary most by your relationship to the couple and whether you’re attending solo, with a partner, or as a family.

Solo Guests

For most individual guests, a range of $100–$150+ is common, adjusting up or down based on closeness, budget, and other costs like travel and attire.

Wedding Gift Amount Per Couple

If you’re attending with a significant other, you can give a single joint gift; typical ranges are $100 to $200+ depending on your relationship and expenses.

• Sign one card together and decide privately how to split the cost, if at all.
• Choose one substantial registry item or contribute to a cash fund as a pair.

Wedding Gift Amount Per Family

When an invitation includes your whole family, one gift is expected. Budget roughly $150 to $200+, factoring in travel and whether adult children were invited on their own.

• If adult children received separate invitations, they should plan separate gifts that suit their budgets.
• Think of it as a coordinated group gift on behalf of the household.

Cash vs. Registry: What to Choose

It’s increasingly common—and perfectly acceptable—to give cash or contribute to cash funds in addition to traditional registry items.

• Use the registry first: It reflects what the couple needs, avoids duplicates, and includes various price points.
• Cash is welcome: Couples often register for funds (honeymoon, home, experiences); money gifts are convenient and appreciated.
• Gift cards: Accepted as part of modern gifting, especially when tied to the couple’s preferred retailers or experiences.

Shopping off-registry risks duplicates or items the couple may not need. The registry streamlines gifting and returns.

How Travel and Total Guest Costs Influence the Gift

Your gift is one part of overall guest spending; many guests balance gift budgets with travel, lodging, attire and event add-ons.

• Travel-heavy attendance: If flights and hotels stretch your budget, it’s reasonable to select a gift on the lower end of your range.
• Attire pressures: Nearly half of guests report adjusting attire spend due to economic factors; that can also affect gift choices.
• Multiple events: If you’re attending showers or bach parties, plan ahead so the wedding gift remains comfortable within your means.
• Group gifts: Teaming up with friends can make larger registry items possible without overspending individually.

Smart Budgeting for Wedding Gifts

To gift thoughtfully without financial stress, set a plan early.

• Define a range: Choose a comfortable personal range (e.g., $100–$150 solo; $150–$250 joint) based on closeness and travel.
• Use time to your advantage: Small weekly savings over several months can cover both travel and a nice gift.
• Prioritize the registry: Filter by price to find something meaningful within budget.
• Contribute to funds: If physical items don’t fit your budget or their needs, cash funds are ideal.
• Split costs or group up: Coordinate shared gifts or shared travel to ease expenses.

Wedding Gift Etiquette Essentials

Etiquette today is practical and couple-centered. Keep these fundamentals in mind:

• Registry first: Start your search there; it’s curated by the couple and simplifies selection.
• Cash is polite: Money gifts and gift cards are widely accepted—and often requested via funds.
• One gift per invitation: Families or couples attending together typically give one joint gift.
• Signatures matter: Ensure all attendees included in the gift sign the card.
• Timeliness: Sending a gift around the wedding date is ideal; shipping to their home is convenient for the couple.
• Off-registry caution: Only go off-registry if you’re confident it suits their taste and home.

Handling Special Scenarios

If You Can’t Attend

It’s thoughtful—but not mandatory—to send a gift. If you choose to, select something modest from the registry or contribute to a fund within your budget.

Destination Weddings

Travel often impacts gift budgets. Choose a gift that reflects your relationship while respecting the significant cost of attendance; lower-but-meaningful registry picks or fund contributions are appropriate.

Multiple Wedding-Related Events

When you’re invited to showers or bach parties, distribute your total gifting budget across events. Prioritize the wedding gift, then scale pre-wedding gifts accordingly.

Group Gifting

Coordinate with friends or family to purchase bigger-ticket registry items without overspending individually; this is especially useful for close relationships.

What to Write on the Card (and How to Deliver the Gift)

• Sign all names: For joint gifts (couples or families), include all names on the card.
• Include a personal note: A short, warm message adds meaning to both cash and registry gifts.
• Ship to the couple: Shipping directly via the registry avoids transport hassles at the wedding.

When You’re Very Close to the Couple

If you’re a close friend, family member, or in the wedding party, your gift might trend higher, but it still should fit your budget. A typical spend near $160 is common among close circles.

• Consider a group gift for a premium registry item.
• Pair a modest physical gift with a heartfelt card if other participation costs are high.

Thoughtful Alternatives and Add-Ons

• Cash funds: Honeymoon, home down payment, or experience funds align with modern needs.
• Gift cards: To preferred stores or travel partners listed by the couple.
• Personal touches: A handwritten card, framed photo, or small keepsake alongside a registry purchase (optional).

Quick Reference: Suggested Ranges

Registry Best Practices

• Start there: Use the registry to avoid duplicates and to match the couple’s tastes and needs.
• Filter by price: Most registries let you filter to your budget range easily.
• Consider funds: If unsure about items, contribute to a specific fund (honeymoon activities, furniture, experiences).
• Ship directly: Let the retailer deliver to the couple’s address for convenience.

FAQs

What is the average amount to spend on a wedding gift?

Recent data puts the average gift near $150, with close relationships around $160 and casual friends near $140.

Is cash acceptable as a wedding gift?

Yes. Cash and cash funds are completely acceptable—and increasingly common—alongside traditional registry items.

How much should a couple attending together spend?

Couples often give $100 to $200+ as a joint gift. One person can purchase while both sign the card.

What about families invited as a household?

One gift is expected for the household, commonly $150 to $200+, adjusting for travel. Adult children with separate invitations should plan their own gifts.

Do I need to buy from the registry?

It’s strongly recommended to use the registry to get something the couple wants and to avoid duplicates; off-registry gifts carry more risk.

How do travel costs affect my gift budget?

If attendance is costly, choosing a gift at the lower end of your range is reasonable. Planning and group gifts can help, too.

What if I can’t attend the wedding?

Sending a gift is thoughtful but not required. If you do, choose something modest from the registry or contribute to a fund.

Is a handwritten card important?

Yes. A brief, personal note adds warmth and context to any gift, especially cash or gift cards.

Related Considerations for Couples

Some couples also exchange small keepsake gifts with each other around the wedding day—an optional, sentimental tradition captured privately or during a first look.