Getting invited to a wedding comes with financial concerns. If you have a partner or spouse, you might wonder: how much should a couple give as a wedding gift? How do you calculate the gift price if you want to buy a gift as a couple?
The key to shopping for a wedding gift is going within your means! Make sure to consider things such as the location of the wedding, your closeness with the married couple, and other factors.
Wedding Gift Spending Based on Relationships
One of the easiest ways to determine spending is by assessing your closeness to the married couple. Since the average spending on wedding gifts is around $50 to $150, you can determine the money you will spend. The more meaningful the recipient is, the more you can splurge.
How much should a couple give as a wedding gift? While there is no strict rule about sharing budgets, you can increase the shared gift budget slightly beyond the average spending. Introduce your spouse or partner as your plus-one so you both can bring one gift.
Here are some examples of budget calculations to spend on a wedding gift.
Gift Recipients | Gift Budget for Individual | Gift Budget for Couple |
Family member and close friend | $100 – $200 | $150 – $250 |
Acquaintance and casual friend | $75 – $175 | $100 – $200 |
Coworker (adjusted based on closeness level) | $50 – $100 | $75 – $125 |
Wedding Gift Exceptions
The previous table is a rough guide based on common wedding gift etiquette. However, there are times when exceptions can be made. Here are some examples:
The Cost to Attend the Wedding
Some weddings are more expensive than others; one is a destination wedding. Traveling and its preparation is costly enough for guests. Social decorum says it is okay to reduce the wedding gift budget, especially if you do not have extra cash to splurge.
Times when Gifts Are Not Expected
Events before a wedding, like an engagement party, are times when guests are usually not expected to bring gifts. If you are invited to a bachelor or bachelorette party, you can buy a cheap but fun present in the event’s spirit. If you contribute something to the wedding, like time and energy for preparation, you are usually not expected to splurge on gifts too.
Buying Gift Outside the Registry
Wedding etiquette says it is best to refer to a wedding gift registry. However, it is okay to compromise if you are close to the couple and know their taste. Skip the registry list and buy something more affordable to please the newlyweds.
Wedding Gift Ideas
Now that you understand the average costs of wedding gifts, what can you buy for the newlyweds with your budget?
Luckily, many stores now offer myriads of beautiful, memorable gifts under $200 or even $100. Here are some ideas to consider:
Marble Bath Accessories
Bath accessories like pump bottles, soap plates, toothbrush cups, and candle holders are great gifts for newlyweds. For a more exclusive touch, find marble sets with elegant designs. You can find many such sets with a price range between $100 and $150.
Cotton Couple Robes
Unisex couple robes are cute, fun, and affordable wedding gifts. They exude comfort and “bedroom elegance” and can be used for a long time. You can find a couple of robes with different price ranges depending on the brands and materials, from $50 to $100 for a set.
Room Aromatherapy Sets
A set of diffusers and aromatherapy candles are nice wedding gifts that can be aesthetic and practical. Some fancy sets are available with price ranges around $50 to $75. Make sure you know the aroma preference of the couple first!
Unique Set of Glass Cups
Glass cups can be both practical and aesthetically pleasant. It can be a special gift even if you only choose a simple set of four. There are many options for beautiful, elegant glass cup sets that will fit any possible kitchen or dining room design. Most glass cup sets that are beautiful enough to be wedding gifts come in the $50 to $75 price range.
Serving Platter
A serving platter, especially the stylish one made of marble or wood, is a simple yet elegant wedding gift. The couple can use it to serve anything they like, from snacks to cheese platters. It would be best if you could order a personalized one. Exclusive, personalized serving platter usually comes in the price range of $100 to $150
Picnic Basket Set
The picnic basket is a fun idea to give the couple an idea for a casual outing. A set of wicker baskets with a set like plates, cups, napkins, and utensils may cost between $75 and $120, depending on the brand and quality.
Knowing how much should a couple give as a wedding gift helps you calculate the spending, even with a plus-one. Don’t break your wallet while giving the newlyweds something special for their joyful day!