How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding Gift?

If you have been invited to a wedding, it can be very difficult to decide how much to spend on a wedding gift. If you want to be generous without being lavish, it can be difficult to know where to draw the line. On the other hand, if you have little spare cash available, you may be worried that your small gift will look mean. Here are some points to consider when deciding how much money to spend on a wedding gift.

Your Relationship to the Bride or Groom

If the bride or groom is a member of your family or if they are very close friends, it is appropriate to spend as much as you can afford on a gift that displays your affection for them. If, however, the bride and groom are acquaintances or neighbors, a reasonably-priced gift will be sufficient.

The Location of the Wedding

Attending a wedding in another city or overseas can be expensive, with money being spent on transportation, accommodations, and food. Therefore, the bride and groom will understand if you cannot afford an expensive gift. A small yet thoughtful wedding present will be gratefully received.

Your Invitation

If you are invited to the wedding ceremony, reception and evening celebration, it is appropriate to purchase a more expensive gift than if you are invited only to the evening celebration.

In the past, it was said that you should estimate how much the bride and groom had spent on your food, drink and entertainment and spend approximately the same amount on a gift. Nowadays, it is much more appropriate to give a gift because you care about the couple and are happy to share their special day.

Your Budget

Last but by no means least, don’t feel obligated to spend more than you can reasonably afford on a wedding gift. The bride and groom will value your company at the wedding much more than an expensive gift. A truly thoughtful and memorable gift that fits your budget will be appreciated more than a very expensive, impersonal gift that they did not want or need.

A gift costing between $50 and $75 would be expected from a co-worker or other acquaintance, according to a survey of 15,000 brides-to-be and recently married people carried out by The Knot, a wedding website, for Kohl’s Bridal Aisle, a gift registry company. The survey respondents anticipated that friends or relatives would spend between $75 and $100, while their closest friends and family members would buy a gift costing $100-$150 or more.

When deciding on your budget for a wedding gift, take into account your relationship with the bride and groom, your own expenses for attending the wedding, whether or not you have been invited to the entire celebration, and your financial circumstances. Whatever your budget, if you give a gift that will surprise and delight the bride and groom on their special day, it will be appreciated and remembered for many years to come.