Introduction
Giving a wedding gift is a wonderful way to honor the couple’s commitment to each other and to show your support as they embark on their new adventure as a married couple. But determining the right amount to give can be tricky. In this article, we’ll explore how much you should give for a wedding gift and provide helpful tips on finding the perfect gift.
A Guide to Appropriate Wedding Gift Amounts
When deciding on a wedding gift, there are several things to consider. Here are a few factors that can help guide you to the appropriate amount:
Considerations when deciding amount
- Relationship to the couple: Your relationship to the couple is one of the most important factors in determining how much to give for a wedding gift. Generally speaking, the closer you are to the couple, the more you should give.
- Location and type of wedding: The location and type of wedding can also affect how much to give. For example, if the wedding is a destination wedding or a formal affair, it may be appropriate to give a larger gift.
- Your budget: Ultimately, what you give should be determined by what you can afford. Don’t stretch yourself financially just to give a large gift. Instead, focus on finding a meaningful gift that fits your budget.
Based on these considerations, here are some suggested amounts:
Suggested amounts
- Close family and friends: For close family and friends, the suggested amount is $150-$200.
- Extended family: For extended family, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins, the suggested amount is $100-$150.
- Coworkers: If you’re giving a gift from a group of coworkers, the suggested amount is $50-$75 per person.
- Acquaintances: For acquaintances, such as neighbors, classmates, and colleagues, the suggested amount is $25-$50.
How Much Money Should You Spend on a Wedding Gift?
When considering how much money to spend on a wedding gift, it’s important to consider your relationship to the couple as well as your budget. Here are some suggested amounts based on those factors:
Factors to consider
- Your relationship to the couple: As mentioned above, your relationship to the couple is an important factor in determining how much you should give. Close family and friends should give more than acquaintances.
- Your budget: It’s important to stay within your budget when giving a wedding gift. Don’t overspend just to give a large gift; instead, think of creative ways to make your gift meaningful.
Suggested amounts
- Close family and friends: For close family and friends, the suggested amount is $150-$200.
- Extended family: For extended family, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins, the suggested amount is $100-$150.
- Coworkers: If you’re giving a gift from a group of coworkers, the suggested amount is $50-$75 per person.
- Acquaintances: For acquaintances, such as neighbors, classmates, and colleagues, the suggested amount is $25-$50.
How to Find the Perfect Wedding Gift Amount
Once you’ve determined the appropriate amount to give, you’ll need to find the perfect gift. Here are some sources of inspiration to help you find the perfect gift:
Sources of inspiration
- The couple’s registry: Most couples have a registry of items they would like to receive as gifts. This is a great place to start when looking for a gift.
- Gift registries outside of weddings: There are also many online stores and websites where couples can register for items outside of the traditional wedding registry. These can be a great source for unique and meaningful gifts.
- Other experiences or items: Some couples may not have a registry or may prefer experiences over physical gifts. Consider giving tickets to a show, a spa day, or a weekend getaway.
Creative ideas
- Group gifts: If you’re part of a larger group, consider pooling your resources to give a larger, more meaningful gift. This could be anything from a piece of furniture to a weekend getaway.
- Gift cards: Gift cards are a great option for couples who don’t have a registry or who prefer cash. Consider giving a gift card to a restaurant, store, or online retailer.
- Experiences: Experiences can be a great way to celebrate the couple’s new life together. Consider giving tickets to a show, a cooking class, or a weekend getaway.
The Etiquette of Wedding Gift Giving
It’s important to keep in mind the etiquette of wedding gift giving. Here are some types of gifts to consider and the timing of when to give them:
Types of wedding gift giving
- Monetary gifts: Monetary gifts are always appreciated and can be used to cover any expenses related to the wedding or honeymoon. These can be given at any time before or after the wedding.
- Physical gifts: Physical gifts are a great way to show your support for the couple. These can be given before or after the wedding.
- Group gifts: Group gifts are a great way for a larger group of people to give a more meaningful gift. These should be given before the wedding.
Timing of gifts
- Before the wedding: Gifts should be given before the wedding if possible. This will allow the couple to use the gifts for any expenses related to the wedding or honeymoon.
- After the wedding: If you’re unable to give a gift before the wedding, it’s still appropriate to give a gift after the wedding. Just be sure to give it within a reasonable amount of time.
What’s the Going Rate for a Wedding Gift?
When deciding on a wedding gift, it’s important to consider the type of gift, your relationship to the couple, and your budget. Here are some factors to consider and the average cost of gifts:
Factors to consider
- Type of gift: The type of gift you give will affect the amount you should give. Monetary gifts tend to be more expensive than physical gifts.
- Your relationship to the couple: As mentioned above, your relationship to the couple is an important factor in determining how much you should give. Close family and friends should give more than acquaintances.
- Your budget: It’s important to stay within your budget when giving a wedding gift. Don’t overspend just to give a large gift; instead, think of creative ways to make your gift meaningful.
Average cost of gifts
- Monetary gifts: The average cost of a monetary gift is $100-$200.
- Physical gifts: The average cost of a physical gift is $50-$150.
- Group gifts: The average cost of a group gift is $50-$100 per person.
Conclusion
Deciding on a wedding gift can be difficult, but with the right guidance and thoughtful consideration you can find the perfect gift. When deciding on an amount, consider your relationship to the couple, the type of gift, and your budget. Remember, the most important thing is to give a gift that is meaningful and reflects your love and support for the couple.
Summary of article
This article provided an overview of how much to give for a wedding gift. We discussed considerations when deciding on a gift amount, suggested amounts for various relationships, sources of inspiration for finding the perfect gift, and etiquette for wedding gift giving. Finally, we discussed the average cost of different types of gifts.
Final thoughts
No matter what you decide to give, remember that the most important thing is to show your love and support for the couple. With the right guidance, you can find the perfect gift that will be cherished for years to come.
