How much to spend on a wedding gift?

You've just found out your coworker or your close friend or your half-sister is getting married. As you look forward to the wedding ceremony and dancing the night away, don't forget that you probably want to get the happy couple a gift.

Many people realize once they start shopping for a wedding present that they aren't sure about the "right" amount to spend. It can be hard to tell what's expected from you when the couple's registry list spans from a $5 spatula set to a $500 espresso machine. Knowing some general guidelines can help you choose how much to spend on a gift as a wedding guest.

What's an appropriate wedding gift amount?

Generally, people spend between $50 and $100 on a wedding gift, sometimes more if it's someone they're close to. That range offers some room to slide up or down depending on your relationship with the newlyweds, how many other upcoming gift-giving events you've RSVP'd for and your overall budget. If it's your favorite aunt and you have plenty of money saved up just for an occasion like this, you might splurge a little. But if it's a once-in-a-while friend and money is tight, you might decide to stay closer to the $50 mark or go below it.

What to consider when deciding how much to spend on a wedding gift

Here are some factors that can help you settle on a gift amount that's right for you:

• Your relationship with the couple. Usually, the closer you are to the people getting married, the more you spend.
• Your role in the wedding. If you're in the wedding party as a bridesmaid or groomsman, you'll probably have other financial obligations, such as arranging the bridal shower, renting or buying an outfit or hosting the bachelor party. Based on your budget, you may opt to spend less on the actual gift than you would if you weren't involved.
• Your personal finances. Your budget strategy has the most influence on what kind of present you can afford. Evaluate all the upcoming expenses that will affect your discretionary spending — such as travel costs or other gifts you need to give — and calculate how much, if anything, you can comfortably spend on the couple.
• Whether you're attending the festivities. If you have to RSVP with your regrets, you should still send a gift to celebrate the couple. However, you're not expected to spend as much as you would if you were attending the wedding.
• Whether you're bringing along a date. You don't have to double the cost of your gift if you've got a plus-one, but you may want to give a little extra, especially if you both know the couple.

How much cash should I give for a wedding gift?

The same $50-$100 range (or more if you're close friends or relatives) for guiding your gift spending works for cash wedding gifts as well. One benefit of giving money is that the newlyweds can spend it however they wish.

Before you tuck bills into a congratulatory card, however, consider that a check can provide security. There may be stacks of gifts and envelopes at the reception, and cash can get lost or stolen. If you use a check, it's more likely only the couple will be able to cash it, and you'll know from reconciling your checking account if they received it. Another secure payment option is to use Zelle® to send money digitally in the Citizens mobile app*.

How much should I spend on an engagement or shower gift?

If you're also attending an engagement party or wedding shower for the couple, you can factor that into your overall gifting budget. Wedding gift etiquette rules generally say you should bring a gift to the shower, but it's not required for an engagement party.

In the event you're going to the engagement party, shower and wedding, you can split your total gift spending among the three. Typically people will use a ratio of 20/20/60. For a $100 wedding gift budget, you'd spend $20 on the engagement gift, $20 on the bridal shower gift and $60 on the wedding gift. Or you could skip the engagement gift and do a 40/60 split for the shower and wedding.

Wedding gift amounts FAQs

How do you address a check for a wedding gift?

You can write out the check to both people, but it may be easier for them to deposit it if you address it to just one of them, especially if they don't have a joint bank account.

Do destination weddings require a gift?

Generally, yes. However, if you're attending a destination wedding and spending money on transportation and lodging, it's OK to reduce how much you spend on the gift based on your budget.

Can you contribute to a honeymoon fund?

In modern times, newlyweds do find contributions to funding their honeymoon welcome vs. a physical gift.

If you give a group gift, how much should you spend?

When going in on a group gift, you can plan to chip in about as much as you would if you were buying something on your own.

It's the thought that counts

In the end, how much you spend on a wedding gift doesn't matter as much as the care and effort you put into showing your support for the couple. Let your budget and financial situation be your price range guide.

Spending on gifts can be easier on your budget if you plan ahead and save up. With Citizens Savings Tracker™️, you can set up automatic recurring transfers, deposit rounded-up change from your transactions and get Smart Save alerts to put money toward your goal.¹