Close Menu
The Wedding Showcase
    The Wedding Showcase
    • Home
    • Wedding Dress
    • Wedding Ceremony
    • Wedding Gifts
    • About Us
      • Contact
      • Privacy Policy
    The Wedding Showcase
    Home»Wedding Gifts»How Much to Spend on a Wedding Gift
    Wedding Gifts

    How Much to Spend on a Wedding Gift

    SarahBy SarahJuly 19, 20257 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
    How Much to Spend on a Wedding Gift
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    When that beautiful, thick envelope arrived in the mail, I felt a mix of total excitement and absolute dread. I loved my friend, but looking at her registry felt like looking at a foreign language I couldn’t afford to speak. I spent hours Googling things like “is fifty dollars too cheap for a wedding gift” and “will she hate me if I just buy the salad tongs.”

    Table of Contents

    Toggle
    • 1. Debunking the “Cover Your Plate” Myth
    • 2. The Baseline Numbers (A General Guide)
    • 3. Consider Your Own Financial Reality
    • 4. The “Plus One” Factor
    • 5. Destination Weddings and Extra Costs
    • 6. When to Send the Gift
    • 7. Cash vs. Registry Items
    • Final Thoughts

    We have all been there. There is this weird, unspoken pressure around wedding gifting in America. We want to be the person who gives the perfect, meaningful gift that the couple uses for the next forty years. But we also have rent to pay, student loans to handle, and maybe three other weddings to attend in the same summer. It feels like a math equation where the variables are constantly shifting.

    The truth is that there is no magical, one size fits all number. The “rules” your grandmother followed are different from the rules your boss follows, and they are definitely different from what you see on TikTok. If you are stressing about the dollar sign on that check or the price tag on that blender, take a breath. Here is a realistic, non-judgmental breakdown of how to figure out what to spend without breaking your bank account or your friendships.

    1. Debunking the “Cover Your Plate” Myth

    You have probably heard this one before. The old school rule says you should figure out how much the couple is spending on your dinner and drinks, then give a gift that equals that amount.

    Honestly, it is time to let this rule die. For one thing, how are you supposed to know what they spent? Are you supposed to call the caterer and ask for the per-head cost of the filet mignon? It also makes the wedding feel like a business transaction rather than a celebration. If a couple chooses to have a lavish, five hundred dollar per person gala at a museum, they shouldn’t expect their guests to foot the bill. Conversely, if they have a casual backyard barbecue, you shouldn’t feel like you only owe them twenty bucks. A gift is a gesture of love, not a reimbursement for your meal.

    See Also  What Are the Gifts for Each Year of Wedding Anniversary: A Complete Guide to Meaningful Celebrations

    2. The Baseline Numbers (A General Guide)

    While every situation is unique, it helps to have a starting point. If you are looking for a ballpark figure that fits most standard American weddings in 2026, here is what the averages look like:

    • Distant relative or casual co-worker: 75 to 100 dollars.
    • Friend or typical relative: 100 to 150 dollars.
    • Close friend or immediate family: 150 to 200 dollars plus.

    If you are attending as a couple, these numbers usually represent your total gift. If you are a bridesmaid or in the wedding party, you might actually spend a little less on the final gift because you have already dropped a fortune on the dress, the bachelorette party, and the bridal shower. Most brides understand that your presence and your participation are a huge gift in themselves.

    3. Consider Your Own Financial Reality

    This is the most important part of the entire article. Do not go into debt to buy a wedding gift. A true friend would be horrified to know that you skipped your car payment or skipped a week of groceries just to buy them a fancy espresso machine.

    If you are in a season of life where money is tight, it is okay to give what you can. A fifty dollar gift given with a heartfelt, handwritten card is worth so much more than a two hundred dollar gift given with resentment. If you truly can’t afford a gift from the registry, consider a sentimental gift that costs less but means more, like a framed photo of the couple or a hand-knitted blanket. People remember how you made them feel, not the balance of their Venmo account.

    See Also  How to Track Wedding Registry Gifts on Amazon: Tips for Staying Organized and Thanking Guests

    4. The “Plus One” Factor

    If you were invited with a plus one and you are bringing a date who doesn’t really know the couple, the financial burden usually falls on you. You shouldn’t expect your boyfriend of three months to chip in fifty percent of a wedding gift for your college roommate.

    Pin This Now to Remember It Later
    Pin This

    However, bringing a second person does mean you are taking up two spots at the table. If your budget allows, it is polite to bump your gift up slightly to acknowledge that the couple is hosting both of you. If you were going to give 100 dollars alone, maybe try to give 150 dollars as a pair. Again, this isn’t a strict rule, but it is a nice gesture if you have the means.

    5. Destination Weddings and Extra Costs

    The rules change when you have to fly across the country, book a hotel for three nights, and take time off work. Destination weddings are a massive financial commitment for guests.

    Most couples who host destination weddings understand that their guests are spending thousands of dollars just to be there. In these cases, your “presence is the present” is often a very real sentiment. If you are already spent out on airfare, a smaller gift or a very nice card is perfectly acceptable. You have already invested a lot of resources to show your support, and that doesn’t go unnoticed.

    6. When to Send the Gift

    There is an old myth that you have a full year after the wedding to send a gift. While technically true according to some etiquette books, it is a bit of a stretch in the modern world.

    See Also  What Gifts for Wedding Anniversary: Thoughtful Ideas for Every Milestone Celebration

    The best practice is to send the gift as soon as you get the invitation or within a month after the wedding. If you wait six months, it looks like an afterthought. Plus, sending it early via the registry means one less thing for you to remember and one less thing for the couple to keep track of during their honeymoon phase. If you are bringing a check to the wedding, make sure it is in a secure card and put it in the designated card box as soon as you arrive so it doesn’t get lost on the dance floor.

    7. Cash vs. Registry Items

    In recent years, “Honeyfund” registries and cash funds have become incredibly popular. Some people feel that giving cash is “tacky,” but I am here to tell you that most modern couples actually prefer it.

    Many couples are already living together before they get married. They don’t need a toaster or a second set of towels. They need help with a down payment on a house or a dinner on their honeymoon in Italy. If the couple has a cash fund set up, don’t feel guilty about using it. It is what they actually want. If you feel weird about just sending a number, write a note in the digital gift box saying something like, “Can’t wait for you guys to have a beautiful dinner on the beach with this!” It makes the cash feel more like an experience.

    Final Thoughts

    At the end of the day, a wedding is a celebration of a relationship, not a fundraiser. If you are lucky enough to have friends and family who want you there, it is because they value your company.

    Don’t let the “etiquette” of gifting steal the joy of the celebration. Pick a number that feels generous but responsible for your current life. Sign the card with a message that actually means something. Then, put the money stuff out of your mind and go have a glass of champagne with your friends. That is what they will actually remember.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
    Sarah Crawford
    Sarah
    • Website

    Hi, I’m Sarah! Weddings have always been a passion of mine, and I love helping couples bring their unique visions to life. From the little details to the big moments, I enjoy exploring all aspects of wedding planning. Writing for The Wedding Showcase gives me the chance to share ideas and inspiration with couples who are looking to make their special day unforgettable. Whether you're just starting out or putting on the finishing touches, I'm here to help make your dream wedding a reality.

    Related Posts

    Wedding Gifts December 20, 2025

    Wedding Gift Etiquette Explained Simply

    Wedding Gifts November 11, 2025

    Common Wedding Gift Mistakes Guests Make

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    About The Wedding Showcase
    About The Wedding Showcase

    I’m Sarah, the creator of this site. I built The Wedding Showcase to help couples like you plan meaningful weddings without the stress.

    Whether you’re just getting started or down to the final details, I hope you find tips here that make things a little easier (and a lot more beautiful).

    All articles on The Wedding Showcase are written with a focus on real-world wedding planning experience and practical guidance couples can actually use.

    Pinterest
    Start Planning Your Dream Wedding
    • Wedding Dress
    • Wedding Ceremony
    • Wedding Gifts

    Wedding Dress Styles Explained in Simple Terms

    November 13, 2025

    Common Wedding Ceremony Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    November 10, 2025

    What to Know Before Your First Wedding Dress Appointment

    September 25, 2025

    What to Do If You Can’t Afford a Wedding Gift

    September 9, 2025
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Editorial Guidelines
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    © 2026 The Wedding Showcase.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.