How Much to Spend on a Wedding Gift: Amounts by Relationship

How much to spend on a wedding gift by relationship

The Knot's guidance gives ranges by closeness to the couple. Treat them as a guide and not a requirement. They describe what many guests consider typical, and your own budget should come first.

The Knot also reports from its most recent Guest Study that the average wedding gift is $150, and the average for casual friends is $140. The page does not state the year of that survey, so treat the figures as a general benchmark.

Attending alone versus as a couple

The Knot says guests attending with a partner might spend anywhere from $100 to over $200. A couple can give one gift together, with both names on the card, rather than two separate gifts.

If the invitation is addressed to a whole family, one gift is expected. The Knot suggests budgeting $150 to more than $200, depending on travel costs. Adult children who receive their own invitation should give a separate gift within their budget.

• One invitation to a couple: one gift from both of you.
• One invitation to a household or family: one shared gift.
• Adult children invited separately: each gives within their own budget.
• Plus-one guests: the person who was invited gives the gift.

Destination weddings and the cost of attending

Travel, hotels and time off add up quickly. The Knot's advice for family invitations ties the gift budget to travel costs, and we suggest the same approach for any guest: let your total costs shape the amount.

Many guests choose to spend less on the gift when they have already paid for a flight or a stay. Couples who invite people to a faraway wedding generally understand that attending is itself a gift. A thoughtful card, a modest registry item or a small group contribution is a gracious choice.

Registry gift or cash?

Both are welcome. A registry item tells you exactly what the couple wants, and cash gives them flexibility. The Knot's Guest Study found that 40 percent of guests gave cash, 50 percent gave a physical gift and 10 percent gave a gift card, though the page does not give the survey year.

• Check the registry first and pick an item in your range.
• If you give cash, put it in a card with a short, personal note.
• Consider a group gift if the item you want is above your budget.
• Send the gift to the address the couple provided, or bring it to the wedding if they ask.

If you are choosing something outside the registry, our anniversary gifts by year list ideas that also work as a first-anniversary follow-up.

What to give if you cannot attend

The Knot says sending a gift is best practice even if you cannot attend. It suggests checking the registry for gift cards, cash funds or affordable home items, or joining a group gift.

A smaller amount than you would spend if attending is common, and a warm note explaining that you will miss the day is enough. Our gifts under $50 give ideas for lower-cost gifts that still feel considered.

Shower and engagement gifts

If you are invited to a shower, a gift is expected there as well. The Knot says that you can spend less on the wedding gift itself, and it suggests using the same numbers as a guide for the combined total of both gifts.

Keep shower gifts small and practical, such as a kitchen item or a bundle from the registry. Our experience gift ideas also work well for couples who prefer memories over objects.