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Written by Liz Knueven; edited by Libby Kane
2021-06-11T15:30:41Z
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- The average cost of a wedding gift in the US is around $100, although people may spend much more or less.
- How much to spend on a wedding gift start with your budget, and how close you are to the couple.
- Wedding gifts and their size can also vary across cultures, with some cultures giving larger gifts.
- Read more Personal Finance Insider coverage »
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According to several surveys on wedding gifts, the average cost of a wedding gift in the US is around $100.
A survey by American Express Spending and Saving Tracker found that the average wedding gift ran $99, Vogue's Brooke Bobb reports. A study by wedding planning website The Knot surveyed 1,000 wedding attendees in 2019 to see how much they spent, and found that the average gift was even higher, at $120. Guests close to the couple spent about $10 more. Wedding party members, who had likely spent money on other pre-ceremony items and events, spent about $5 less than the average guest. Jeffra Trumpower, senior creative director at WeddingWire, finds that the average is a bit lower. "Most guests spend between $75 and $200 on a wedding gift," she tells Insider by email. "If you're attending a wedding solo, somewhere around that lower end is appropriate, but if you're going with a plus one, we encourage guests to look more towards $150 or more." "Our general rule of thumb is to avoid giving a check less than $50," she adds, and the budget for a gift should be the same whether you're giving cash or a physical gift. While a big gift might be right for some situations, it's not a requirement. Etiquette expert Lizzie Post of the Emily Post Institute says a range can be appropriate, but for each person it depends on two factors: your budget and your relationship to the couple. "It's really about your budget. What can you afford?," she says. "I do think that in terms of what you might give, the closer you are to the couple, the more likely you are to do something that, if not terribly expensive, is of good quality." Pay attention to the couple's wedding registry for ideas on what to give, but don't be afraid to see it as a guide rather than the rule. "If there's nothing on the registry that falls within your budget, that's when you've got to remember that it's perfectly OK to go off-registry and do something that does work within your budget," Post says. Affordable, creative gift ideas can be good options on a limited budget. "Really good and thoughtful handmade, hand-crafted gifts can be awesome. For example, a really beautifully written out collection of family recipes — that's a really nice gift," Post says. Where your budget falls will be the most important factor in what you can give. But, you may also want to consider cultural norms. In some cultures, cash is a traditional gift. Japanese weddings, for example, tend to have rather generous cash gifts ranging from $300 to $1,000 depending on the closeness of the couple, according to The Knot. Similarly, in traditional Cantonese weddings, cash gifts tend to be rather large — $888 is a common gift, according to The Loop Hong Kong, as 8 is a lucky number. Cash gifts have meaning in other cultures, too, Trumpower says. "Money in multiples of $18 is common at Jewish weddings, as 18 is the numerical equivalent to 'chai' in Hebrew, meaning 'life' in English. In Hindu culture, the number one is considered lucky, so guests may want to consider gifting in these denominations, for example: $101, $151 or $201. Buddhist culture also views the number one as lucky." If you're attending a wedding for someone of a different culture than your own, start by doing your research. If it's inconclusive, it's OK to ask knowledgeable friends if there's anything you should know about gifting norms — gifting according to your own norms could come across as insensitive or even offensive, in some cases. If you need to ask, be clear that you've tried to do the research yourself, and you want to make sure you're being respectful. Liz Knueven Personal Finance Reporter Liz was a personal finance reporter at Insider. Before joining Insider, she wrote about financial and automotive topics as a freelancer for brands like LendingTree and Credit Karma. She earned her bachelor's degree in writing from The Savannah College of Art and Design. She lives and works in Cincinnati, Ohio. Find her on Twitter at @lizknueven. How much to spend on a wedding gift depends on 2 factors
Don't forget about cultural norms
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Now, let's dissect the article you provided:
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Average Cost of a Wedding Gift in the US:
- The article cites surveys on wedding gifts, highlighting that the average cost of a wedding gift in the US is approximately $100. Various surveys, such as the one by American Express Spending and Saving Tracker and The Knot, contribute to this assessment. It's crucial to note that different studies may yield slightly different averages.
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Factors Influencing Gift Amount:
- The piece emphasizes that the amount one spends on a wedding gift is influenced by two primary factors: budget and the relationship with the couple. Etiquette expert Lizzie Post suggests that the closer the relationship, the more likely the gift should be of good quality, though it doesn't have to be excessively expensive.
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Wedding Registry and Gift Ideas:
- The article recommends paying attention to the couple's wedding registry for gift ideas, viewing it as a guide rather than a strict rule. If registry items don't fit the budget, it's acceptable to choose a thoughtful off-registry gift. Creative and handmade gifts are also suggested as excellent options, especially for those on a limited budget.
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Cultural Considerations:
- Cultural norms play a significant role in wedding gifts. For example, some cultures have a tradition of giving cash. The article mentions Japanese weddings where cash gifts can range from $300 to $1,000, and in traditional Cantonese weddings, $888 is a common gift due to the lucky significance of the number 8. Other cultures, such as Jewish and Hindu, also have specific considerations when it comes to the amount and meaning of cash gifts.
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Researching Cultural Norms:
- Attending weddings from different cultural backgrounds requires research into specific gifting norms. It's mentioned that gifting according to one's own norms might be perceived as insensitive or offensive. The article suggests asking knowledgeable friends if unsure about the cultural expectations and being respectful in such inquiries.
By combining evidence from surveys, expert opinions, and cultural insights, the article provides a well-rounded guide on how to navigate the complex decision of determining an appropriate amount for a wedding gift based on various factors.
