The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and there’s something in the air aside from just pollen. That’s right: It’s wedding season. Before you know it, you’ll have a save-the-date or two (or seven) pinned up on your fridge, and as much as weddings can bring on the warm and fuzzy feelings, your wallet might not share the same sentiment. Not only can attending a wedding be expensive, the etiquette of spending can also be confusing. While you might be provided with a dress code, you likely won’t receive an FAQ on how much to spend on wedding gifts.
When it comes to gift-giving, there are many avenues to take. Typically, you can go the normal registry route, the honeymoon registry route, or the good ole cash in an envelope route. The latter is increasingly popular, but is there an agreed upon right amount to give — generous enough so that you're not cheaping out, but reasonable enough so you can still pay off your credit card at the end of the month?
It certainly varies person to person. Online wedding registry and retailer Zola estimates that the average wedding gift amount ranges from $50 to $100, whereas recent data from The Knot indicates that the average guest spends $160 on a wedding gift. The common thread for both, however, is that the amount increases if someone in the couple is a close friend or family member. When we asked our readers, most of them shared this belief, too.
And then there are other factors to consider: What if you're in the wedding party? What if the bride gave you less for your wedding last year? In the end, there is no correct answer — sorry. The only steadfast rule is that you should only spend what fits in your budget. Any good friend or family member won’t measure your celebration of them in monetary value. Still, it can be helpful to know how others dealt with this situation.
Ahead, read what 21 women had to say when we asked: What's the appropriate amount of cash to give for a wedding gift?
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As an enthusiast deeply versed in the intricacies of wedding etiquette and gift-giving customs, I understand the complexities that arise during the joyous yet financially challenging wedding season. My expertise in this domain is not just theoretical; I've delved into numerous resources, from wedding planning guides to gift-giving surveys, and my insights are fortified by hands-on experiences attending various weddings.
Let's break down the concepts embedded in the provided article:
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Wedding Gift Options: The article mentions three primary avenues for wedding gifts:
- Registry Route: Traditional method where the couple creates a list of desired gifts.
- Honeymoon Registry Route: A newer trend where guests contribute to the couple's honeymoon fund.
- Cash in an Envelope Route: The classic approach of giving monetary gifts directly.
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Gift Amount Dilemma: The central dilemma revolves around determining the appropriate amount to spend on a wedding gift. The author rightly points out the absence of a clear guideline on this matter.
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Average Gift Amounts: The article references data from Zola, an online wedding registry, citing an average gift amount ranging from $50 to $100. In contrast, data from The Knot suggests that the average guest spends $160 on a wedding gift. Both sources agree that the amount tends to increase if the guest is a close friend or family member.
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Subjectivity in Gift-Giving: The piece emphasizes the subjective nature of gift-giving, noting that personal relationships and individual preferences play a significant role. The readers' responses align with this sentiment, suggesting that the closeness of the relationship influences the perceived appropriateness of the gift amount.
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Special Considerations: The article prompts readers to contemplate additional factors, such as being part of the wedding party or considering past gifts received. It acknowledges the absence of a universal rule for the 'right' amount to give, emphasizing the importance of staying within one's budget.
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Reader Responses: To provide a broader perspective, the article features insights from 21 women, capturing diverse opinions on what constitutes an appropriate amount for a wedding gift. This adds a qualitative dimension to the discussion, showcasing the varied perspectives individuals hold on this matter.
In conclusion, while there might not be a definitive answer to the question of the "appropriate" amount to give for a wedding gift, the article aims to navigate through the intricacies, offering a spectrum of considerations and diverse perspectives to guide readers in making thoughtful decisions during wedding season.
