Money as a wedding gift...how much should you expect? - African American Wedding Photographer | Chip Dizard (2024)

FAQs

Is $200 cash a good wedding gift? ›

Bottom line: There's no hard-and-fast rule on how much cash to give as a wedding gift. Wedding experts advise starting at $100. From there, you may want to adjust up to $500 based on factors such as your relationship with the couple, your budget and the cost of your attendance at the wedding.

They suggest the following breakdown: coworkers or distant relatives should spend 50 to 75 dollars. Friends or relatives, 75 to 100 dollars. For close friends, family members, or if you're in the wedding party, you should spend 100 to 150 dollars—or more.

While the amount you should gift a couple depends on a number of factors, the latest available data from The Knot reveals that U.S. wedding guests spent an average of $160 on a gift in 2021. Adjust that for inflation and you're looking at about $187 in 2023. “It's common to give anywhere from $100 to $1,000.

Guests are encouraged to use the average cost of a wedding gift—$150—as a starting point but should adjust the number accordingly.

Here's the tea: The average wedding gift cost varies, but it's usually around $100 to $150 per person or per couple. So, $2,000 is definitely on the high end, honey. But if you're super close to the couple and you can afford it without breaking the bank, then go for it!

A gift in this range speaks volumes about your shared experiences and your best wishes for their marital happiness. Best friends who've been through it all with you: $250 to $500.

Exactly how to give money as a wedding gift is up to you. A wedding check or cash is always an option, though, nowadays, many couples have a cash registry, like The Knot Cash Funds, to accept money digitally, too.

Traditional etiquette suggests that you have up to a year after the wedding ceremony to send a gift, but once you've attended the wedding it's easy for this to slip your mind. That said, being late is better than nothing! You can always send an online card when you remember, and add a gift card as a thoughtful gift.

However, in 2024, a general guideline for wedding gift amounts, among family family members, might look like this: More distant relatives (Great aunts, uncles, distant cousins): $75 to $150. As a more distant relative, you can still find a meaningful gift without spending a specific monetary amount.

Anything traditional. Sorry to upset traditionalists, but wedding planners say stay away from china, crystal and similar tried-and-true “forever” items — unless the couple has specifically asked for them. “I know that it is traditional and a lot of people really appreciate the quality of this gift,” said Trotter.

Is giving cash as a wedding gift tacky? ›

While the idea of giving cash to a pair of newlyweds might make some older generations balk, etiquette experts agree that it's most certainly acceptable today. That's right: Handing over an envelope of cash is no longer considered a wedding present faux pas, which is good news for couples and guests alike.

Gifting $1,000 can be seen as exceptionally generous. It's typically reserved for very close relationships and significant milestones like college graduation. To make sure that such a substantial amount is not wasted, it's important to guide young recipients in using the money wisely.

"While it varies based on demographic, region, and culture, the average amount that I've seen a guest spend on a wedding gift has traditionally been in the $100 to $150 per guest attending range," shares wedding planner Elizabeth Priya Kumar.

She says many brides and grooms actually prefer it. On average, the typical cash gift is around $150, she says. Still, Hill says there are some exceptions. “Some people don't think that's [giving money] a great idea,” Hill said.

It's nice to send a small wedding gift if you can. Check out the couple's wedding registry and pick something that's relatively affordable (think less than $50), or maybe contribute some money to their honeymoon cash fund. The amount you put toward the gift should reflect your closeness to this family member.

Anyone who received a separate invitation from their parents to the wedding should give their own gift. Because a family gift tends to include more people, it is customary to be on the nicer end of the registry, spending in the $200 to $300 range, but, again, stick to what fits within your budget.

If you're a coworker, acquaintance, or distant relative: $50-$75. If you're a friend or relative: $75-$100. If you're a close friend, immediate family, or part of the wedding party: $100-$150+ If you received a +1 on your invitation: 1.5-2x more on the gift.

Close Friends and Relatives

If someone is a close friend or relative of yours, you may be looking at a cash gift of around £50-£100. This is a great amount to give as it is enough to really help a couple out, but still affordable for most people.

It's nice to send a small wedding gift if you can. Check out the couple's wedding registry and pick something that's relatively affordable (think less than $50), or maybe contribute some money to their honeymoon cash fund. The amount you put toward the gift should reflect your closeness to this family member.