Deciding the right amount to spend on a wedding gift can be tricky. How much is appropriate? What factors should you consider?
This guide will explore key elements to help you decide on a budget that fits your financial situation and your relationship with the couple.
Let’s get straight to the point
Deciding on a wedding gift budget depends on your relationship with the couple, financial situation, and personal preferences.
Common guidelines suggest spending around 120-150 AUD, with close friends or family warranting a bit more, while casual acquaintances may merit less. Factor in related expenses (travel, bridal shower, engagement party), and aim to spend within your means.
If attending as a couple, one meaningful gift is sufficient. Cash gifts are often appreciated, but personal or registry-based items work too. Ultimately, thoughtfulness matters most—whether a small token or generous gesture, the couple will value your support.
Basics of Wedding Gift Spending
Determining an appropriate wedding gift budget involves assessing a few core factors:
- Your Relationship to the Couple: The closer you are to the couple, the more you may wish to spend.
- Personal Finances: Ensure your gift choice aligns with your financial capabilities.
- Gift Registry Options: See if the couple has a registry. It can provide insight into their preferences and price range.
In the end, remember that there is no strict rule on wedding gift spending. Consider these general guidelines to help you find a comfortable amount.
Typical Wedding Gift Amounts: A Quick Overview
According to wedding planning sources, the average amount spent on wedding gifts ranges around 120 aud-150 aud. However, this is just a ballpark figure, and your final amount should reflect your unique relationship with the couple.
A General Breakdown of Wedding Gift Spending:
- Wedding Gift: 60% of your total budget
- Bridal Shower Gift: 20% of your total budget
- Engagement Gift: 20% of your total budget
If your total gift budget is 300 AUD, you might split it as follows:
- 180 AUD for the wedding gift
- 60 AUD for the bridal shower
- 60 AUD for the engagement party
Key Tip:
If you are not attending the bridal shower or engagement party, consider directing that portion towards the main wedding gift.
Factor in the Cost of Attending the Wedding
When deciding on your wedding gift budget, consider your expenses for attending the event, particularly if it requires travel or accommodation.
- Local Wedding: Less travel costs allow you to allocate more toward the gift.
- Destination Wedding: High travel expenses might justify a smaller gift, as the couple will likely understand the financial effort involved in attending.
Pro Tip:
If you've invested significantly in attending, a modest gift is still a thoughtful gesture, reflecting both your presence and effort.
Stick to Your Budget
Choosing a gift that fits your financial situation is essential, as wedding-related expenses can add up quickly.
Here’s a simple process to create a budget if you haven’t already:
- Calculate Your Income (post-taxes).
- List Your Expenses to determine available funds.
- Set a Spending Limit that comfortably fits within your finances.
- Track Spending to ensure you stay within your budget.
Budgeting tools such as Goodbudget, Mint, and You Need a Budget (YNAB) can help you manage wedding gift expenses without financial strain.
Assess Your Relationship with the Couple
Your relationship with the bride and groom often determines the type of gift and amount you might spend. Consider the following scenarios:
- Close Friend or Family Member: Spending 100 AUD -200 AUD + may feel appropriate if you’re close to the couple.
- Acquaintance or Distant Relative: For a less familiar relationship, a 75 to -150 AUD gift is generally acceptable.
- Coworker or Casual Friend: Spending between 50 AUD and 100 AUD is a thoughtful yet budget-friendly approach.
Remember, even if you’re close to the couple, avoid overspending if it will stretch your budget too thin.
Attending as a Couple: How Much Should You Spend?
If you’re attending the wedding with a partner, you might wonder if you should double your gift amount. Generally, you don’t have to. A single, meaningful gift between 100 aud -200 and is usually sufficient.
Considerations for Couples Attending Weddings:
- Joint Contribution: Both partners can contribute to the gift cost equally.
- Sign Both Names: Ensure both names are included on the card, making it clear the gift is from both of you.
This approach allows you to spend within your means while presenting a thoughtful gift from both.
Gift Etiquette for Wedding Showers
Wedding showers traditionally require a gift, as the event’s purpose is to celebrate the couple with presents. To avoid financial stress, it’s wise to budget separately for the shower gift.
- Allocate Funds: Dedicate a portion of your budget to the shower, keeping in mind other related events.
- Coordinate Small Gifts: Use any remaining budget to buy small gifts for additional celebrations, such as the engagement party or bachelorette party.
Budgeting in advance will help you celebrate without compromising your finances.
Money vs. Gifts: How to Decide
With more couples creating registries for cash funds, some guests may feel they need more time to give cash. If you prefer a traditional gift, gift cards to the couple’s chosen stores are a great alternative.
- Cash Preference: Many couples today appreciate financial contributions over physical gifts.
- Gift Cards: These can be a thoughtful alternative, offering flexibility while avoiding the formality of cash.
Fun Fact:
A recent survey revealed that 84% of people would prefer cash as a wedding gift, underlining how practical and appreciated this option is.
Special Cases: When the Registry Isn’t Helpful
Some couples register for only a few items, leaving you with limited options. In such cases, consider these alternatives:
- Personalised Gifts: Items that reflect your connection with the couple.
- Completing Sets: Purchase items like serving utensils that complement their dinnerware.
If the listed registry items exceed your budget, remember that meaningful, personal gifts often hold more value than price tags.
Ideal Timing for Sending Wedding Gifts
While most people bring gifts to the wedding, sending them before the ceremony is ideal.
- Two Weeks Before the Wedding: This is the best time to send gifts.
- Up to One Year After the Wedding: Tradition allows for late gifts, though sooner is always better.
Planning ensures your gift reaches the couple quickly and avoids potential delays.
Should You Send a Gift if You Can’t Attend?
If you RSVP "no," you’re not obligated to send a gift. However, a small gesture, like a card or a modest gift, is a thoughtful way to convey your best wishes.
- Close Friends or Family: A small token of appreciation is always welcomed.
- Distant Acquaintances: Consider a heartfelt card or personal note instead.
This approach acknowledges the invitation and your well-wishes for the couple.
Do You Have to Buy from the Registry?
It’s perfectly acceptable to purchase a wedding gift outside of the registry. Registries are simply suggestions that provide insight into the couple’s tastes and needs.
- Browse for Inspiration: Use the registry as a guideline for items or themes.
- Select Something Unique: A personalised or handmade gift can be memorable.
Whether you follow the registry or choose an independent gift, aim for something that complements the couple’s style.
Should You Give Gifts for Both Shower and Wedding?
If you RSVP to both events, etiquette suggests bringing gifts to each. However, it’s perfectly fine to coordinate with other guests to pool resources for a single, larger present.
- Pool with Friends: Group gifts can be both meaningful and cost-effective.
- Plan Ahead: Splitting costs with others allows you to contribute to a more substantial gift.
This approach can help you stay within your budget while honouring the couple.
When and How to Confirm the Registry
If registry information isn’t readily available, reaching out to the couple's wedding party, family members, or close friends is perfectly acceptable. Registry websites also often allow searches by a couple of names.
Conclusion
The amount you spend on a wedding gift ultimately depends on your relationship with the couple, financial means, and personal preferences. Following these general guidelines can help you confidently navigate the world of wedding gift etiquette.
Remember, the thoughtfulness of your gesture matters most. Whether you give a simple card, a personal keepsake, or contribute to a honeymoon fund, the couple will appreciate your presence and support on their special day.
FAQs About Weddings
Yes and no. Whether it's a 30th birthday or a wedding, if you're invited to a celebratory party, it's customary for a guest to bring a gift. But if you don't bring one, you aren't breaking any laws. More than likely, you won't be called out for your social faux pas, but it will probably be noticed.
It's a gesture of goodwill and a lovely way to express your support of the newlyweds. That said, it's highly likely that not every guest at a wedding will oblige. In fact, it's been estimated that between 7 and 10% of guests at a wedding fail to give a gift.
It's not necessarily wrong to bring a gift to the wedding, but it's not the most thoughtful way to present it to the couple, either. Someone has to lug all the gifts back home after the reception is over, and there's a slim chance your gift might get lost in the scramble.
Answer: Yes. According to the survey, more than 92% of respondents said gift cards are acceptable wedding gifts. Since gift cards top holiday wish lists, it is no surprise that the flexibility and convenience afforded by gift cards make them perfect wedding presents.
Ideally, gifts should be sent to the couple before the wedding. According to various etiquette experts, though, guests should do their best to send a gift within two months after the wedding date at the very latest. While this is a recommendation, it is a nice gesture to send your gift promptly.