How Much Cash to Give as a Wedding Gift?

If the couple have asked for cash as their wedding gift, it can be difficult to know just what the rules are.

Ah, the age-old question of how much cash to give as a wedding gift. It’s a question that has plagued guests for years. How much is too little? How much is too much? Is there a magic number? (Spoiler alert, not really…)

To help you best navigate this tricky gift giving task, we’ve scoured the internet, asked our friends, and done some good old-fashioned research to bring you the definitive guide to how much cash to give as a wedding gift.

How Much Cash Should You Give As a Wedding Gift?

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, it’s awkward to discuss money, but it’s necessary. Weddings are expensive, and the happy couple is likely counting on your gift to help them start their new life together. So, let’s dive in.

The general rule of thumb is to give enough to cover the cost of your attendance at the wedding. This includes the cost of your meal, drinks, and any other expenses incurred while attending the wedding. According to The Knot’s 2021 Wedding Guest Study, the average cost per guest for a wedding in the US was $196. So, if you’re attending a wedding solo, a gift of around $200 is appropriate. If you’re attending as a couple, a gift of around $400 is appropriate.

Of course, this is just a guideline, and there are other factors to consider. For example, your relationship with the couple, the location of the wedding, and your financial situation. If you’re close friends or family with the couple, you may want to give a more generous gift. Similarly, if the wedding is in a more expensive city or requires travel, you may want to give a higher amount.

On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget, and don’t feel like breaking the bank to give a large gift, remember, it’s the thought that counts. A heartfelt card or a small, meaningful wedding gift can go a long way in showing the couple that you care, and can be sometimes appreciated more than a wad of cash.

Does the Couple Have a Registry?

Another thing to consider is the couple’s registry. While a cash gift is always appreciated, couples create a wedding registry for a reason. They may have specific items they need or want for their new home together. If you’re not sure what to give, check the registry for ideas. You can still give cash, but include a small item from the wedding registry too, as that’ll add a personal touch to your gift.

It’s also worth noting that some cultures have different customs when it comes to wedding gifts. In some cultures, it’s traditional to give money in an envelope, red packet or actually have it pinned to the dress. In others, it’s customary to give a specific amount of money based on factors like your relationship with the couple and the date of the wedding. If you’re attending a wedding in a different culture, do some research beforehand to ensure your gift is appropriate.

How to Give Cash as a Wedding Gift

Now, let’s talk logistics. When it comes to giving cash as a wedding gift, there are a few different ways to do it. The most traditional way is to give cash or a check in a card at the wedding. If you’re going for this route, make sure to put the card in a secure location, such as a card box or envelope holder. You don’t want your gift to get lost in the melee of a typical wedding celebration.

Another option is to give your cash gift ahead of the wedding. This can be especially helpful if you’re attending a destination wedding or won’t actually be able to make it to the wedding. You can either send the gift via mail or give it to the couple in person before the wedding. Just make sure to let them know it’s a wedding gift, and not a loan!

Finally, there are plenty of online options for giving cash gifts. Popular sites such as Zola, The Knot, and Honeyfund allow couples to create a cash registry in minutes. Which’ll give guests the opportunity to gift cash online, a much more convenient method for both couple and guest.