Money as a wedding gift...how much should you expect? - African American Wedding Photographer | Chip Dizard (2024)

FAQs

Is $200 per person a good wedding gift? ›

Bottom line: There's no hard-and-fast rule on how much cash to give as a wedding gift. Wedding experts advise starting at $100. From there, you may want to adjust up to $500 based on factors such as your relationship with the couple, your budget and the cost of your attendance at the wedding.

Anyone who received a separate invitation from their parents to the wedding should give their own gift. Because a family gift tends to include more people, it is customary to be on the nicer end of the registry, spending in the $200 to $300 range, but, again, stick to what fits within your budget.

They suggest the following breakdown: coworkers or distant relatives should spend 50 to 75 dollars. Friends or relatives, 75 to 100 dollars. For close friends, family members, or if you're in the wedding party, you should spend 100 to 150 dollars—or more.

Though the average wedding gift amount is within the $100 to $150 range, your relationship with the couple will greatly influence how much (or little) you should ultimately spend.

Spending $500 or more on a wedding gift is not expected, and would customarily come from close friends and family.

The average wedding gift is $100 per wedding guest. But many factors can nudge that gift amount up or down. Make sure you aren't giving more than you can afford.

Catey Hill, resident financial expert at David's Bridal, says it's perfectly fine guests to write out a check to you. She says many brides and grooms actually prefer it. On average the typical cash gift is around $150, she says. Still, though, Hill says there are some exceptions.

While the amount you should gift a couple depends on a number of factors, the latest available data from The Knot reveals that U.S. wedding guests spent an average of $160 on a gift in 2021. Adjust that for inflation and you're looking at about $187 in 2023. “It's common to give anywhere from $100 to $1,000.

That all depends on whether the gift is off the registry, an experience, or cash. Upon consulting the experts, a wedding gift should range from $75 to $750—but most agree that $300+ is the sweet spot.

While the idea of giving cash to a pair of newlyweds might make some older generations balk, etiquette experts agree that it's most certainly acceptable today. That's right: Handing over an envelope of cash is no longer considered a wedding present faux pas, which is good news for couples and guests alike.

What is the appropriate wedding gift amount for 2024? ›

According to Gitnux's Metadata Report 2024, Americans, on average, spend about $120 on a wedding gift and $200 on a wedding gift for a close family member. There's also a “rule” that the amount you spend on a wedding gift should be equivalent to what the couple is spending to host you.

It's a gesture of goodwill and a lovely way to express your support of the newlyweds. That said, it's highly likely that not every guest at a wedding will oblige. In fact, it's been estimated that between 7 and 10% of guests at a wedding fail to give a gift.

The groom's family traditionally paid for all costs associated with the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon, wedding day transportation, and the officiant. The groom paid for the bride's engagement ring, wedding ring, and groomsmen gifts. It is also common for the groom's family to pay for the alcohol at the reception.

There is no set amount for a wedding gift for your daughter, as it depends on your budget and relationship. Etiquette suggests spending an amount that reflects your financial situation and the level of closeness with the couple. It's thoughtful to consider the couple's registry or give a meaningful personalized gift.

When it comes to paying for the wedding, there are differing views. While traditionally, the bride's parents were responsible for hosting (and paying for) the entire celebration, today, many couples join both sets of parents in contributing.

If it's a co-worker or a distant friend, TheKnot.com recommends guests give at least $75-$100 on the wedding present. If your guest is a relative or a friend, the wedding website suggests somewhere between $100 and $125.

She offers these guidelines to wedding-goers wherever they might be: A distant relative or co-worker should give $75-$100; a friend or relative, $100-$125; a closer relative, up to $150. If you are wealthy, are you expected to inflate the gift? No, Cooper says. “If they do, it's because they're just generous people.”

Gifts for weddings or civil partnerships

You can give up to: £5,000 to a child. £2,500 to a grandchild or great-grandchild. £1,000 to any other person.