Garringer advises spending as much as you would if you attended the wedding — which would mean around $100 for a close friend or $150 and up for an immediate family member. For more distant relations, a smaller gift is acceptable (or, as we mentioned earlier, a simple "Congratulations!" will do).
Cash gifts are always appreciated, but generally if you're not going to a wedding, a physical gift is more suitable as a gesture - particularly if you're spending a little less. If the couple has a gift registry, your job is easy, you can purchase something directly from that, and your work is done!
They suggest the following breakdown: coworkers or distant relatives should spend 50 to 75 dollars. Friends or relatives, 75 to 100 dollars. For close friends, family, or if you are in the wedding party, you should spend 100 to 150 dollars—or more.
While the amount you should gift a couple depends on a number of factors, data from The Knot reveals that U.S. wedding guests spend an average of $160 on cash gifts. "It's common to give anywhere from $100 to $1,000.
Here is a general rule of thumb: For acquaintances and coworkers, giving the couple a gift of $50 may be appropriate. However, if a guest is closer to them, they may want to aim for at least $75 to $100. If a guest has a close relationship with the couple, $200 is an excellent cash wedding gift amount.
$100 to $250 is a safe range for a cash gift at a wedding
Farnam Elyasof, the founder of Flex Suits, which sells wedding suits and tuxedos, has worked with his fair share of wedding parties. “Most couples request cash gifts on their wedding day to help them begin their new life chapter.
Howser recommends not gifting less than $300 if you opt to give a cash gift. The packaging also matters. "If you do give cash, it should be done in a way that's thoughtful and has a lovely presentation to it. Present it a gorgeous envelope, or maybe have the packaging calligraphed," Easton suggests.
THE ETIQUETTE
She offers these guidelines to wedding-goers wherever they might be: A distant relative or co-worker should give $75-$100; a friend or relative, $100-$125; a closer relative, up to $150. If you are wealthy, are you expected to inflate the gift? No, Cooper says.
Instead, consider your relationship with the couple and your financial means while selecting a present. For every plus one who accepted your invitation, spend 1.5–2 times as much on a present for the bridal party. The typical range for a wedding gift or wish well contribution in Australia is between AU$51 and AU$125.
An acceptable cash gift amount typically ranges between $75 and $100, but you can also spend more if you are comfortable doing so. If you are unable to spend up to $75, you may consider gifting the couple a smaller gift from their registry instead.
But since most people (me included!) are looking for a solid number, Seidel offers the following figures as a guideline: For a co-worker or acquaintance: $50 to $100. For a friend or relative: $75 to $150. For a close friend or relative: $150 to $250.
There's no hard-and-fast answer to this question. “The average gift that people give for a wedding is around $100, and that stays consistent whether they're giving a physical product or a cash gift,” says Emily Forrest, director of communications for Zola, a wedding registry website.
We're seeing the same general amount to give for a wedding gift of cash: anywhere within the $75 to $200 range is the norm. On average, most wedding guests give a gift of around $150 to $160 as a wedding present. According to etiquette experts, though, the minimum amount is around $75.
Make It Up to the Couple
Although you likely have a viable reason for missing the wedding, you may still feel guilty about the circumstances. Following up with a heartfelt note or phone call is essential. Make sure to express your apologies and avoid pestering the bride and groom with a series of excuses.
The average wedding gift amount hovers right around $100, which is a great place to start, and you can increase or decrease that based on how close you are.
While the intention behind them is absolutely noble (“your presence in our lives is the gift”), they still raise two issues: 1) Technically, you're not supposed to “expect” wedding gifts, and traditional etiquette rules hold that addressing the gift issue at all is rude (I'm not actually on board with this one; I think ...
How much should a cash wedding gift be? The average wedding gift is around $100 (per guest), and this baseline is a great place to start. If you're bringing a plus-one, then you can give $200 as a couple.
It's a gesture of goodwill and a lovely way to express your support of the newlyweds. That said, it's highly likely that not every guest at a wedding will oblige. In fact, it's been estimated that between 7 and 10% of guests at a wedding fail to give a gift.
There seems to be a consensus that monetary gifts for weddings should fall within a certain range, from $75 to $200. The typical gift given by wedding guests is between $150 and $160. While there is no hard and fast rule, etiquette experts agree that $75 is appropriate.
Upon consulting the experts, a wedding gift should range from $75 to $750—but most agree that $300+ is the sweet spot.
Wedding check or cash—is one better than the other? Writing a check is best because only a person with the exact name as the payee on the check can deposit it and you can cancel the check if it gets lost or stolen in the mail.
It's not too much if that's what you want to spend, especially if it is someone in your family who is getting married and/or if you are aware of a gift that the couple would particularly want or need. And of course a big cheque is always gratefully received!
If you received an evening invitation, a cash gift of between £20-£30 should suffice. It makes a nice gesture, without being too much. At the end of the day, it is still completely up to you.
Some people do use cash and place it in the card, however I have seen gift tables at weddings with obvious cash/gift card/checks inside cards that could fall behind or under a table and be missed. To be safe, I would choose to use a check, because if lost, it could be replaced, and cash could not.
While it's not required, it's always a nice gesture and will make the couple smile—and there's no harm in that. Some couples designate a table for cards and gifts, particularly for any guests determined to do things the old-fashioned way.