How Much Should I Spend on a Wedding Gift?

Ahhhh, wedding season. No matter how much you love weddings - they can really put a dent in your wallet. Especially when all five of your besties get married in the same year!

Deciding how much to spend on a wedding gift can be stressful, so we’re here to help you navigate the tricky waters of wedding gift-giving with some fun and practical tips. Grab a glass of bubbly and let's dive in!

Consider Your Relationship

First and foremost, think about your relationship with the happy couple. Amy O’Keefe, founder and lead event planner of New York City-based Amy O’Keefe Events says, "How much you spend on a wedding gift really depends on your relationship with the couple and on your financial situation. A twenty-something college friend might budget $50-$75, while a wealthy older relative might be more comfortable spending $400 or more.”

Close family members and best friends often opt for more substantial gifts, while acquaintances or distant relatives may choose something more modest. 

Wedding Location

If the couple has chosen an extravagant venue or is having a destination wedding, it's important to take into account the additional costs you'll be incurring. Things like airfare, hotel accommodations, time off work, and other things add up. This especially holds true if you're part of the wedding party. 

“Give yourself some leeway if you're a bridesmaid or groomsman paying for pre-wedding celebrations, travel, and clothing,” adds Amy.  “And don't stress!  Any reasonable couple will understand if your gift is less than average.” 

Budget

Now, let's talk about the big B-word: budget. It's important to be realistic about what you can afford. There's no need to stretch yourself financially or go into debt to purchase an extravagant gift. Remember, the couple invited you to share their special day, not to put unnecessary strain on your bank account. Trust us, they'll appreciate your presence far more than knowing they’ve put a financial burden on you.

Group Gifting

If you are strapped for cash, consider joining forces with a group of friends or family to purchase a larger, more significant gift together. Group gifting allows you to contribute a reasonable amount while still presenting the couple with a substantial and memorable present. In fact, £25/$25 seems to be the sweet spot for most wedding pools on Collctiv.

Looking for group gift ideas? Check out our blog for some great last minute wedding gifts.

Personalised Gifts

Putting thought and effort into a personalised gift can be incredibly meaningful. Consider the couple's interests, hobbies, or aspirations and choose a gift that reflects their unique personalities.

Glasgow-based wedding veteran Reese Traynor says, “If I’m on a budget or attending multiple weddings within a few weeks of each other - my go-to is either framing their wedding invitation or finding the music to their first dance. It’s personal, meaningful, and doesn’t break the bank.” 

Remember, it's not about the size or cost of the gift; it's about the love, support, and energy you bring to the celebration. Amy’s parting words of advice? “Be a good guest. Show up on time, don't drink too much and be present in celebrating them on their wedding day.” 

Organisers bring people together

Collctiv has helped over one million people from over 140 countries come together for the moments and experiences that matter by making it easy to collect and spend group money. Download Collctiv and start collecting money today.