Wondering how much to gift for a wedding present? Apart from being so delighted and excited after seeing your friend/family member’s wedding invitation, I bet several questions also immediately popped into your mind and this is one of the most popular!
There’s nothing more joyful than watching your loved ones walk down the aisle and say “I do.” But before you get to witness that romantic scene — (even if wedding gifts are not required), I’ll bet you’re here because you are having a bit of a problem thinking about how much you should really spend on your wedding gift.
Let’s admit it, weddings can be a pricey event not just for the couple but even for the guests. Thus, whatever relationship you have with the soon-to-be or the newlywed couple, I’ll help you decide how much to gift for a wedding. I’ll also answer some of the most asked questions, and of course, recommend some wedding gifts you can consider.
Make sure to check them out below!
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How Much to Gift for a Wedding?
The amount you must spend on a wedding gift will mainly depend on two things: your relationship with the couple, and your budget.
What is your relationship to the betrothed? Is one of them your best friend? Co-worker? Family members? Cousin? Or are you just casually acquainted with both of them? The more related/close you are to the couple, the more you are encouraged to spend on your wedding gift for the couple.
According to wedding etiquette experts, acquaintances and co-workers of the betrothed should prepare to spend $50-$75, while $75-$100 for friends and relatives is more appropriate. $100-$150+ is “required” for immediate family and close friends.
If you don’t have the budget, the couple will surely understand your situation. Plus, I’ve also made sure to find some of the most affordable wedding gifts that do not look cheap so you can give a quality gift while also sticking to your budget.
Keep in mind that you can also combine gifts of your time, DIY gifts, and more to help cover the costs of your wedding gift if you don’t feel you are able to give gifts that fit into those spending brackets!
Should I Give a Gift to “Cover My Plate”?
Some say that this is the traditional rule in giving wedding gifts. Because your hosts have to pay to feed you and offer drinks and entertainment for the day, attendees occasionally give gifts based on how expensive it is to do all of that.
However, almost all wedding experts are against this method of gift-giving. If your brother will have a backyard wedding, would it mean that you’ll also get him a less expensive gift? A big NO, right?
Like I’ve said earlier, your gift should highly depend on your relationship with the couple and your budget, not on the food that will be served or the quality of the venue and entertainment during their wedding day.
Attending a wedding and preparing wedding gifts are not mandatory. These efforts are not a business transaction that will serve as a payment for whatever they offer you (foods, drinks, favors, etc). Rather, you should be present on their special day, and prepare them a wedding gift because you want to celebrate their love and you are genuinely happy for their union.
Should I still Prepare a Gift Even if I Won’t Be Able to Attend the Wedding?
Wedding experts say that you should send a gift unless you haven’t been in contact with the couple for a long time or you think that you are at the bottom of the guest list. You can opt to not give a gift and just send a congratulatory note on the RSVP card if that is the case.
If you still think that it won’t be enough, Vogue says that a gift lower than $30 will do.
Should I Spend More on My Wedding Gift if I Will Bring a Plus One?
This rule does not really exist either, but it makes sense if you think about it in terms of a transaction and not a congratulations/gift. The couple will not likely expect you to spend more based on your date but if you are considering spending more, why not go ahead and do that?
Close friends with a date can consider spending $180 to $250, while others can prepare $80 to $150.
Is It Fine to Give Gifts That Are Not on the Registry?
Yes. Of course! If you know the couple very well, and you know that they will certainly love the gift you have in mind, go for it!
If the items listed on the registry are out of your budget, you can just use them as a reference and buy gifts, not on the registry.
You can also team up with your friends. All of you will be able to save a lot. At the same time, come up with a more special group wedding gift. Pairing up with other guests to give large ticket items from the registry is a great way to give gifts you might not otherwise be able to afford.
If you can’t afford gifts on the registry it’s always a good idea to give cash or gift the couple with gift cards for the store that holds their registry so they can put them towards items that do not get purchased on their behalf.
Wedding Gifts Under $25
Don’t have enough of a budget for an extra expensive wedding gift? This list of gifts might look expensive, but they are all just under $25!
What makes this beautiful and durable cutting board special is that you can customize it to put the couple's names and the date of their special day on it. It comes in three sizes and is made of walnut and maple woods. This wedding gift is not only affordable, but it will also be useful for the newlywed couple.
Instead of just giving the super cliche wedding photo frames, why not make your gift more memorable with this Pearhead's thumbprint frame? This keepsake comes with a one clean-touch ink pad, easel, silver background mat, acid-free white beveled mat, and a triangle hanger. The newlywed couple can put a photo (4in x 6in) inside and add their thumbprint in a heart shape on the white beveled mat.
Want a wedding gift that will certainly last for a long time? The Unbreakable Love Couple Mug is made of sturdy stainless steel and multifunctional. They can be used as beer cups, toothbrush cups, or outdoor picnic cups.
Perfect for newlyweds and gifting! This adorable couple's apron gift set is neatly folded, wrapped in a red ribbon, and comes with a congratulatory message.
Make the newlywed's mornings more fun and romantic with this cute Kissing Mugs Set. Aside from its adorable face-to-face kiss design, the set also includes two matching teaspoons.
If you know that the couple loves traveling together, this insulated travel tumbler set will be a wonderful wedding gift! While the tumbler's design is simple and beautiful, it also has double-vacuum wall technology that can keep drinks cold for nine hours or hot for eight hours.
Perfect for the honeymoon! These couples luggage tags are every couple's must-have item! They're pretty, stylish, sturdy, and made of synthetic leather.
An essential oil diffuser that can help in creating a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. This will be one of the best gifts for the newlyweds!
A beautiful ornament they can hang this year for their first Christmas together! This Christmas decoration is made of white porcelain with a glossy finish, has two-side printing, and a string for hanging.
Wedding Gifts From $26 to $75
Have a little more money to spare? As an acquaintance or co-worker, you might want to check out these amazing wedding gifts that cost $26 to $75.
Made of premium bamboo, this cheese board is an ideal gift for cheese lovers! It's easy to clean and maintain, plus, it's equipped with four serving and slicing tools. It also comes in a beautiful box with a bow, so you don't have to bother with gift wrapping.
A little upgrade to the first apron set, this couple's apron set is complete with matching oven mitts, matching pot holders, and a romantic recipe book. It's also ready for gifting as it comes in luxurious gift wrapping with a beautiful gift box.
This majestic Cosmos Kitchen Knife Set will be an excellent addition to the couple's kitchen. Each knife is made of durable stainless steel and has a non-stick coating with a stunning image of the universe.
Help the newlywed beautify their home by giving them a cute figurine like this. It's handmade, hand-painted, and measures 9 inches.
Perfect to use for picnics or cuddling! This couple's blanket is not only soft, cuddly, and warm, but it's customizable too. You can add the newlywed's names and the year of their marriage to the design.
Help the couple keep their memories safe with this simply handsome keepsake box. It's customizable too, the couple's name and a short quotation can be engraved on the box.
This Glass Baking Dish Set contains four 6-ounce custard cups with lids for each, a 1-quart mixing bowl, a 1.5-quart loaf dish and casserole dish with lid, a 2-quart baker, a 9-inch pie dish, and an 8-ounce measuring cup. The newlyweds will be surely delighted to receive this gift!
$75-$100 Wedding Gifts for Friends and Relatives
A relative or a good friend of the newlyweds? Here are some wedding gifts you can give to them!
Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio features three ways of brewing. The carafe side can brew up to 12 cups of ground coffee, while the single cup coffee maker can brew a pod or ground coffee. This device is easy to use and will make an excellent gift for the newlywed couple.
A premium kitchen essential that the couple can use for a long time! Ninja Foodi NeverStick Sauté Pan has a special nonstick coating that is oven safe up to 500°F. Plus, it's dishwasher and metal-utensil safe as well.
If you know that both of the newlyweds enjoy baking or you want to inspire them to start the hobby, this high-quality nonstick bakeware set will do the trick! The set is complete with a square cake pan, a rectangular cake pan with a lid, a 12-cup muffin pan, two meatloaf pans, two round cake pans, and two baking sheets.
You'll surely make a newlywed's life easier with this amazing cookware set. GreenLife Cookware Set includes four kitchen utensils, three frying pans with different sizes (4", 7", and 9.5"), two saucepans (1-quart and 2-quart), a 7" stainless steel steamer, a 5-quart stockpot with lid, and a 2.5-quart saute pan with lid.
Encourage the couple to go on picnic dates with this beautiful picnic basket! Yasion Picnic Basket has everything you'll need for a romantic picnic date. From ceramic plates to steel forks, knives, spoons, wine glasses to cotton napkins, to salt and pepper shakers and it even includes a corkscrew, you only need to prepare the food!
Worth $100-$150+ Wedding Gifts
An immediate family of the newlyweds? The groom or the bride's best friend? If so, these gifts are what you've been looking for.
Having Alexa in the house through Echo Show 8 will be both entertaining and helpful for the newlywed couple. It has an 8 inch HD screen and stereo sound that makes it ideal for video calling, messaging, watching movies or shows and even looking for weather and traffic updates. You can also use it to control other smart devices and more!
A set of a gorgeous wine glass will never go unappreciated for sure! The newlyweds will certainly enjoy their romantic dates with this Riedel Ouverture Wine Glass set.
Want to make sure the couple has complete cookware and bakeware set for their kitchen? You'll never go wrong with this Gotham Steel set!
An adorable and helpful addition to the kitchen! The newlyweds will love this 2-quart heart-shaped enameled cast iron cocotte.
There's no better kitchen gift than an air fryer! COSORI Air Fryer Max has a spacious 5.8-quart square basket and 13 cooking functions which makes cooking easier than ever.
Which Wedding Gift Idea Appealed to You the Most?
Let us know in the comments below and feel free to give your best gifting advice for weddings!
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