How Much Money Should You Give As A Wedding Gift?

Ah, wedding season… a time for love, laughter, and a hint of panic as you wonder what on earth to gift the happy couple. These days, many couples opt for gift lists or honeymoon funds. And let’s be real, some are just cutting to the chase and saying, "Cash, please!" Handy for them, and honestly, convenient for you.

But then comes the tricky question: how much money should you give as a wedding gift? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to consider before popping those crisp notes in an envelope or transferring a sum into their honeymoon fund.

How much should you spend on wedding gifts? Find your wedding gift budget with these simple questions 

How Much Money Should You Give as a Wedding Gift?

Before deciding how much money to give, here are a few questions to mull over:

What’s Your Relationship to the Couple?
Are they your childhood BFF, a second cousin twice removed, or someone you sort of know through your gym buddy? The closer you are, the more generous you might feel inclined to be.

How Important Are They to You?
If the couple is in your inner circle, you’ll likely want to reflect that in your gift. If they’re acquaintances, you might not feel the need to splash out. Business partners? You might want to go all in. 

What’s the Style of the Wedding?
A grand affair in a stately home probably cost the couple a small fortune, while an intimate backyard gathering might have a smaller price tag. The vibe of the wedding can help guide your gift amount.

Are You Attending the Wedding?
Can’t make it? A smaller gift is perfectly acceptable. If you’re there for the whole day, you might want to give a little more to match the hospitality you’ll be enjoying.

Are You Bringing a Plus One?
Bringing someone? That’s two mouths to feed, two glasses of champagne to pour, and two slices of cake to plate. A bigger gift is in order!

Are You Taking Children?
If your little ones are tagging along, factor in the cost of entertaining them too. (Or at least covering the crumbs they’ll leave behind!)

Do You Have Travel or Accommodation Costs?
Destination weddings or events requiring overnight stays can add up. If you’re spending a lot just to attend, don’t feel pressured to give more than you’re comfortable with.

The Tradition of “Covering Your Plate”

It’s often said that if you’re giving cash, you should aim to “cover your plate”. In other words, give enough to match the cost of your meal at the wedding. While this tradition isn’t set in stone, it’s one reason many couples feel awkward about requesting money. (Spoiler: they shouldn’t. It’s practical, and most guests prefer it!)

Why Giving Cash Isn’t Rude

If the couple has opted for cash gifts instead of a traditional wedding registry, it’s a win-win situation! Sure, some people might think it’s cheeky to ask for money outright, but really, it’s not. Giving cash:

• Saves you time agonizing over what to buy.
• Ensures the couple gets something they genuinely need.
• Avoids duplicates or gifts that end up gathering dust in a cupboard.

Honeymoon funds are an especially popular option. They’re a more subtle way for couples to request money without actually saying it. Contributing to their dream getaway feels far more meaningful than picking up another toaster, right?

Wedding Gift Traditions Around the World

In case you’re curious (or attending a multicultural wedding), here’s how other cultures handle wedding gift-giving:

Japan: Cash is presented in an envelope called Goshugi-bukuro. Friends typically give around £200, while relatives give three times as much.

China: Red envelopes (hongbao) are filled with money, and the amount often reflects the cost of the wedding meal. A fancy venue means more cash!

Nigeria: Guests bring cash-filled envelopes and participate in the ‘money dance’,  where they spray the couple with money as they dance often at the end of the evening.

India: Cash gifts are the norm, but amounts often avoid zeros, so £51 or £101 are popular as they signify starting the couple’s journey toward the next “round” figure.

Italy: The bride may carry a special bag (la borsa) to collect cash-filled envelopes during the reception.

Poland, Greece, Philippines: In Greek and Polish weddings, guests will pin money to the bride and groom in their own version of a ‘money dance’. The same happens in the Philippines too! Sometimes, in the Philippines, there’s even a decorative money tree where envelopes of cash are hung as gifts for the couple.

Jewish: While there isn’t a formal cash-giving tradition, money is a popular gift. Guests typically give amounts in increments of 18, representing chai, which means “life” in Hebrew. For example, £36 or £180 are common amounts.

What If You Don’t Want to Give Money?

Not keen on giving cash? That’s totally fine! Gifts should always come from generosity, not expectation. If you’re unsure why the couple has chosen cash gifts, check their wedding website or invitation for an explanation. 

Other thoughtful options include:

• Gift cards for their favourite stores or experiences such as spa days or afternoon teas.
• Contributions to something specific, like their first home or honeymoon fund.
• A personalised or sentimental gift that means something to them (but our advice is just to get what the couple asked for!). 

Discover how much money you should spend on wedding gifts if you’re attending a multicultural wedding

Ultimately, how much money you give as a wedding gift is entirely up to you. Consider your relationship with the couple, your budget, and the circumstances of the event. Remember, weddings are about celebrating love, not maxing out your credit card. So, whether it’s a crisp £50 note or a cheeky dance move at a money dance, give with a full heart and enjoy the day! For any couples reading this, we have everything you need to know about wedding gifting etiquette as well as all our tips on gift wording to make sure you come across in the right way when asking for gifts or cash.