Wedding Gift Calculator
Calculate how much money to give as a wedding gift based on your relationship with the couple, wedding style, and budget. Get personalized recommendations with 2025 etiquette guidelines.
Quick Guide: Average wedding gift is $100 - $150 per guest
Close friends & family: $150-$200+ | Coworkers: $75-$125 | Attending as couple: 1.5-2× single amount
💒 Your Details
💡 Tip: Give what you're comfortable with. A thoughtful gift matters more than the amount.
🎁 Recommended Gift Amount
Suggested Gift Range
$100 - $150
Target: $125
Good
$100
Better
$125
Great
$150
How we calculated this:
💵 Cash or Check?
Both are appropriate! Checks are safer for large amounts. Include a heartfelt card with your gift.
💒 How Much to Give for a Wedding Gift
Figuring out how much money to give as a wedding gift can feel stressful. You want to be generous enough to honor the couple, but you also need to stay within your budget. The good news? There's no single "right" amount—it depends on your relationship, circumstances, and what you can comfortably afford.
The National Average
According to The Knot's 2024 Guest Study, the average wedding gift in the United States is around $150 per guest. However, this varies significantly based on your relationship with the couple and where you live.
Key Factors to Consider
- Your relationship: Closer relationships typically warrant larger gifts
- Your budget: Never go into debt for a wedding gift
- Attendance status: Attending guests usually give more than those who can't make it
- Plus-one: Couples attending together should give more than a single guest
- Travel costs: Destination wedding guests can reasonably give less
The "Cover Your Plate" Myth
You may have heard that you should give enough to "cover your plate" at the reception. While this was once common advice, modern etiquette experts say this is outdated. Your gift should reflect your relationship with the couple and your personal budget—not the cost of the wedding venue.
Cash is King
Many modern couples prefer cash gifts over physical items. It gives them flexibility to use the money for what they need most—whether that's a honeymoon, home down payment, or everyday expenses. Don't feel awkward about giving money; it's often the most appreciated gift you can give.
📋 Quick Reference
• Average gift: $100-$150
• Close friend/family: $150-$200
• Coworker: $75-$125
• Not attending: 50-70% of normal
• As a couple: 1.5-2× single rate
💡 Did You Know?
78% of couples today prefer cash or honeymoon fund contributions over physical gifts.
Source: The Knot 2024 Study
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Frequently Asked Questions
The 50/30/20 rule (sometimes 20/20/60) helps you budget across multiple wedding events. If attending the engagement party, bridal shower, and wedding, allocate 20% for the engagement gift, 20% for the shower gift, and 60% for the wedding gift. For example, with a $200 total budget: $40 engagement, $40 shower, $120 wedding gift.
Yes, $200 is a generous and appropriate wedding gift amount. It's suitable for close friends, family members, or when attending as a couple. According to The Knot's 2024 Guest Study, the average wedding gift is around $150, so $200 exceeds the typical amount and would be well-received by most couples.
$100 per person is perfectly acceptable and aligns with the national average for wedding gifts. It's appropriate for friends, coworkers, and most family members. If attending as a couple, giving $200 total ($100 each) is considered generous and thoughtful.
While there's no exact formula, consider: 1) Your relationship to the couple (closer = more), 2) Your budget comfort level, 3) Whether you're attending or bringing a plus-one, 4) The wedding style and location. A good starting point is $100-150 for average relationships, adjusted up for close family/friends or down if you're on a tight budget.
If you can't attend but want to send a gift, giving 50-70% of what you would have given in person is appropriate. For example, if you'd normally give $150, sending $75-100 is thoughtful. You're not obligated to give a gift if declining, but it's a nice gesture, especially for close friends or family.
Absolutely! Cash is not only acceptable but often preferred by modern couples. It gives them flexibility to use the money for what they need most—whether that's a down payment, honeymoon, or paying off wedding expenses. Present cash in a nice card, and consider using a check for security at large receptions.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides suggestions based on general etiquette guidelines and averages. The most important factor is giving what you can comfortably afford. A thoughtful card and heartfelt wishes are always appreciated, regardless of the gift amount.