How Much to Give at a Wedding: 2025 Gift Amount Guide

The average wedding gift in 2025 is $150 in the US, £87-102 in the UK, and $150-200 in Australia.¹²³ Your actual gift amount should depend on your relationship to the couple, your budget, and whether you're attending the wedding.

Quick Answer: Wedding Gift Amounts by Relationship

These ranges reflect 2024-2025 survey data and account for inflation since pre-pandemic gift-giving norms.¹⁴

Regional Gift-Giving Norms

Wedding gift expectations vary significantly by country due to cultural traditions, cost of living, and how couples celebrate.

United States

According to The Knot's 2024 Guest Study of 1,000 wedding attendees, the average guest spent $150 on a wedding gift.¹ Close friends and family members gave slightly more at $160 on average.

Key US statistics:

• 40% of guests gave cash
• 50% gave physical gifts from registries
• 10% gave gift cards

A Shane Co. survey found that nearly half of guests (47%) spend under $100, suggesting that while averages skew higher due to generous family gifts, most guests feel comfortable in the $75-$125 range.⁵

United Kingdom

British guests tend to be more conservative with gift amounts. A YouGov survey found that 56% of Britons consider £50-£100 appropriate for someone they're very close to.² For acquaintances, 77% believe £50 or less is suitable.

According to Prezola's 2024 data:⁴

• Average physical gift value: £87
• Average cash gift: £102
• Both figures have increased from 2020 (£82 and £79 respectively)

These findings remain consistent across social classes, genders, and generations, indicating a strong cultural consensus on appropriate amounts.

Australia

Australian wedding gift culture has shifted dramatically toward cash contributions. A Canstar survey found guests typically give $100-$200 per person, with wedding expert Gemma Gallagher noting that $200 per person is a comfortable average for most relationships.³

Key Australian trends:

• 75% of couples now prefer wishing well contributions over registry gifts
• Close friends commonly give $150-$250
• The "cover your plate" principle remains influential
• Metropolitan areas (Sydney, Melbourne) often see higher contributions

Canada

Canadian gift-giving norms closely mirror the US market. Typical amounts range from CAD $100-$200 for friends and CAD $200-$500 for close family. Cash gifts have become increasingly popular, particularly for couples already living together who may not need traditional household items.

Factors That Influence Gift Amount

Your Budget Comes First

The most important rule of wedding gift etiquette: never go into debt for a gift. A thoughtful card with a modest gift given happily is better than a larger amount that strains your finances.

If money is tight:

• Choose a less expensive registry item
• Write a heartfelt letter about your wishes for the couple
• Offer a service (babysitting, homemade dinners, help with moving)

Relationship to the Couple

Your closeness to the couple matters more than any price guide. Consider:

• How long have you known them?
• How often do you see each other?
• Did they give generously at your wedding?
• Are you in the wedding party?

Wedding party members typically give $150-$200, recognising that their time, effort, and contributions leading up to the wedding are already significant gifts.

Wedding Location and Cost of Living

Weddings in expensive cities cost more to host. While not required, some guests adjust their gifts upward for weddings in places like New York, London, San Francisco, or Sydney. A gift of $150-$200 rather than $100-$150 acknowledges the higher costs the couple is bearing.

Your Travel Expenses

If you're spending significantly on flights, hotels, and time off work to attend, a smaller gift is perfectly acceptable. Many couples understand that for destination or out-of-town guests, your presence is the gift.

Type of Wedding

• Destination wedding: $50-$100 or a nice card is fine
• Elopement with celebration: Standard gift amount
• Backyard casual wedding: Standard amount still applies
• Second wedding: Gift appreciated but not expected; $50-$100 is appropriate

Cash vs. Physical Gifts

Both options are acceptable in 2025, though preferences vary by region and generation.

When to Give Cash

Cash is often preferred when:

• The couple lives together and has household items
• They're saving for a house, honeymoon, or specific goal
• The registry is empty or limited
• The couple has specifically requested monetary gifts
• You're unsure of their taste or needs

When to Give a Physical Gift

Consider a physical gift when:

• The couple has a registry with items you'd like to give
• You want to give something meaningful or personal
• Family tradition involves specific gifts
• You've found something perfect they haven't registered for

Special Situations

Destination Weddings

When you're spending £1,000 or more on travel, accommodation, and time off work, your presence truly is the gift. A card with well-wishes and a modest £50-£75 or $75-$100 is perfectly appropriate. Most couples understand and appreciate the sacrifice guests make to attend.

Not Attending the Wedding

If you can't attend but want to send a gift:

• Close friend or family: $75-$150
• Friend or colleague: $50-$75
• Acquaintance: Card with well-wishes is sufficient

A gift isn't required if you're not attending, but it's a thoughtful gesture for people you care about.

Second Weddings

Gifts are appreciated but not expected. Many guests give smaller amounts ($50-$100) or focus on experience gifts rather than household items. If you attended and gave at the first wedding, a nice card is perfectly acceptable.

Coworker Weddings

Individual gifts typically range from $50-$100. Group gifts are increasingly popular—colleagues pooling together for a $200-$500 gift from the team removes individual pressure while providing something meaningful.

Group Gifting

For expensive registry items, group gifts work well:

• Clearly designate one person to purchase
• Set clear contribution amounts upfront
• Include all contributors' names on the card
• Collect money before buying, not after

How to Give Your Gift

Timing

• Before the wedding: Traditionally preferred; ship to couple's home
• At the wedding: Bring to reception if giving cash or small item
• After the wedding: Acceptable within 2-3 months (the "one year rule" is outdated)

Presentation for Cash Gifts

For cash or cheques:

• Use a quality card with a personal message
• Enclose in an inner envelope for discretion
• Write both names on the cheque
• Hand to the couple or place in the card box at the reception

Registry Etiquette

• Check the registry first, even if giving cash
• Registry items should be purchased at the listed store (couples may have exchange benefits)
• Off-registry gifts should be returnable with a gift receipt
• Don't expect the couple to display or use items that don't suit them

The Bottom Line

Wedding gift amounts in 2025 range from $50-$500+ depending on your relationship, budget, and circumstances. The average sits around $150 in the US, £87-£102 in the UK, and $150-$200 in Australia.

Remember:

• Give what you can genuinely afford
• Closer relationships warrant larger gifts
• Cash is increasingly preferred
• Your presence matters more than the price tag
• A heartfelt message adds value no amount can match

Sources and References