There's no single "too cheap" amount, as it depends on your budget and closeness to the couple, but generally, $50-$100 is common for acquaintances/coworkers, $100-$150 for friends, and $150+ for close family/wedding party, with many Australians seeing $100-$200 as a good average for a wishing well. A gift of $25 or less might feel too low unless it's from a registry or for a distant relation, but a thoughtful card or registry item is always acceptable if money is tight, as the main goal is to celebrate with them without causing financial stress.
Do what feels comfortable. For some that might be $25, or $60, $200, or more. My personal barometer is to gift close to the amount my husband and I would spend if we went out to a nice dinner. But that's for a good friend or family member. If it's someone I don't know that well, it's about 1/3 of that amount.
How much should you give for a wedding gift? The choice on how much to give at a wedding is really up to you, but a good starting point is $100–$150 per guest, the average amount according to Brides.com.
So, how much money should you give as a wedding gift?
Spend at least $50, and spend according to your relationship with the couple. Rule of thumb-- spend $50-75 for a coworker or distant relative, $75-$150 for a relative or friend, and $150+ for a close friend or relative.
According to recent data and search trends, the average wedding gift amount in 2025 falls between $100 and $150 per guest. This range reflects the rising costs of living we're all feeling while still honoring the couple and their big day and can change based on your relationship to the couple!
"Close friends and relatives may give anything from £100, but anything over £75 is considered generous," she adds. You may feel pressured to give more than you can afford because the couple will see exactly what you spent, but this is not the point of a wedding gift. Only give what feels right.
Average Wishing Well Contributions Across Australia
Close Friends: $100-$200 Your best mates, wedding party members, and friends you see regularly typically fall into this range. Extended Family: $80-$150 Cousins, aunts, uncles, and family friends usually contribute in this bracket.
According to the experts, the average wedding gift amount for an individual person hovers right around $100 to $150, though that can increase or decrease based on how close you are to the couple and whether or not you're attending with a plus-one.
“The amount of money you spend on a gift depends on your relationship with the couple," she says. Start at a lower amount for a coworker, somewhere in the $50-$75 range. For a closer family member, spend a bit more; $100 is a reasonable starting point.
Best Cheap Wedding Gifts From $20-$50
Bride and Groom Offer Guests 'Guidance' for Gift Giving at Their Wedding and Suggest 'Minimum' $250 Per Person.
Economists often argue that the same monetary value in cash provides more “utility” to the recipient. Cash gifts allow recipients to allocate the funds according to their specific needs or desires, ensuring that the monetary value is used optimally.
The right amount depends on your relationship with the couple. Friends typically gift $50–$100, while close family often gives $100–$200+, paired with something thoughtful or traditional.
Gift cards are slowly but surely losing their reputation as being lazy presents, and according to Meier, giving a gift certificate is acceptable for most occasions these days. "Ten years ago it wasn't so much," she says, "but now it's very commonplace."
I got married two years ago, average gift was $100-$150 per person attending. So single friends gave around $100, couples $200, families $300-$500 etc. If it's just you and you don't have a plus one I think $200 is fairly reasonable. Unless you are significantly well off and want to do $500 or something.
Immediate family or very close friends: $200–$350 is common, sometimes higher for milestone celebrations. Friends, colleagues, or more distant relations: $75–$150 is typical, though a memorable, smaller gift can be just as appreciated.
If you're close friends, family members, or part of the wedding party, you might decide to send a gift in the $50 to $100 range. For people who you don't know as well, like co-workers, shopping from the registry for something around the $25 mark is more than OK.
A hundred dollars strikes the ideal balance between affordability and significance. It's enough to secure a high-quality, brand-name item that feels substantial and well-considered, without the financial strain of a luxury splurge.
Cash wedding gift amounts in Australia typically range from $50-$500 AUD depending on your relationship with the couple, financial situation, and regional expectations. Close family members usually give $200-$500, friends contribute $100-$300, and acquaintances offer $50-$150.
The 30/5 Rule for weddings is a time-management guideline that says tasks normally taking 5 minutes can take 30 minutes on your wedding day due to distractions, while important 30-minute events (like the ceremony) can fly by in 5 minutes, so you must build in buffer time for the former and savor the latter, creating a realistic, relaxed schedule that accounts for unexpected delays. It helps ensure smooth transitions by adding extra minutes for setup, photos, and guest interactions, preventing stress and allowing couples to enjoy the day.
We generally do $200+ as a couple. We gave ~$500 to each of my nieces and nephews when they were married 2015-2025. For friends we gave gifts worth $100-$150 depending on their registry. My daughter was married 5 years ago.
We suggest the following breakdown: coworkers or distant relatives should spend $50 to $100. Friends or relatives, $100 to $150. For close friends, family members, or if you're in the wedding party, you should spend $150 dollars or more.
The average amount for a cash wedding gift is usually between $100 and $150. One guideline is to gift enough to “cover your plate,” or the cost of hosting you as a guest. You might consider giving more if you're close to the couple and can afford it.
"The price point is absolutely up to you and what feels comfortable to you. For some, spending a little more might make sense because they aren't spending to attend the wedding. But the key is to spend what feels comfortable and generous for you," Maureen says.