Second Wedding Gift Etiquette: What to Give in 2025

Second wedding gifts follow different etiquette than first marriages—gifts are appreciated but generally smaller, and cash or experiences are often preferred over traditional household items.¹ With remarriage rates accounting for approximately 20% of all weddings, knowing how to navigate gift-giving for second unions has become increasingly relevant.²

Quick Answer: Second Wedding Gift Amounts

These amounts represent approximately 50-75% of typical first wedding gift values, reflecting the widely accepted etiquette for second marriages.¹

Do You Need to Give a Gift at a Second Wedding?

The short answer: gifts are appreciated but not expected. Second wedding etiquette differs from first marriages in several key ways.

When Gifts Are Expected

• You're attending the wedding: Bringing a gift (even a small one) is courteous
• You're close to the couple: Close friends and family typically give something
• They have a registry: If they've created a gift list, they're signalling they welcome gifts

When Gifts Are Optional

• You gave generously at the first wedding: A heartfelt card is perfectly acceptable
• You're a distant acquaintance: Your presence is enough
• You're spending significantly on travel: Destination wedding attendance counts as a gift
• They've requested "no gifts": Respect their wishes with a nice card

The Relationship Factor

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

• Did you attend their first wedding and give a substantial gift?
• How close are you currently?
• What can you genuinely afford?

How Much to Spend: Regional Norms

Gift expectations vary by country and culture. Here's what's typical for second weddings in different markets.

United States

The Knot's 2024 Guest Study found that wedding guests spent an average of $150 on gifts overall.³ For second weddings, etiquette experts recommend $50-$100 for most relationships—roughly 50-75% of first wedding amounts.

Key US considerations:

• 40% of guests gave cash in 2024
• Cash is particularly welcomed at second weddings
• Group gifts from colleagues are increasingly common
• No expectation to match first wedding gift amounts

United Kingdom

British wedding gift norms tend to be more conservative. According to YouGov, 56% of Britons recommend spending £50-£100 for close relationships at first weddings.⁴ For second marriages, £30-£75 falls within the acceptable range.

Prezola data shows:

• Average physical gift: £87 (first weddings)
• Average cash gift: £102 (first weddings)
• Second wedding gifts: typically £30-£75⁵

Cash gifts have increased 29% since 2020, making monetary contributions increasingly acceptable for second unions.

Australia

Australian wedding culture has shifted dramatically toward cash contributions via "wishing wells." For second weddings, contributions of $50-$100 per person are typical for friends and family.⁶

Key Australian trends:

• 75% of couples prefer wishing well contributions
• Second-time couples often prefer smaller, meaningful contributions
• The "cover your plate" rule is less relevant for remarriages
• Metropolitan areas (Sydney, Melbourne) may see slightly higher amounts

Canada

Canadian norms closely mirror the US market. Second wedding gift amounts typically range from CAD $50-$100 for friends and CAD $100-$200 for close family—approximately 60-70% of first wedding levels.

Best Gift Ideas for Second Marriages

Since couples marrying for the second time usually have established households, traditional registry items often miss the mark.

Cash and Gift Contributions

Cash remains the most practical option. Second-time couples can direct funds toward what they actually need—whether that's a honeymoon, home improvements, or starting fresh.

Experience Gifts

Experience gifts work exceptionally well for second weddings:

• Restaurant gift cards: A nice dinner for the newlyweds
• Spa day vouchers: Relaxation after wedding stress
• Concert or theatre tickets: A date night to look forward to
• Travel vouchers: Contributing to honeymoon experiences
• Cooking class: A shared activity for the couple
• Wine tasting experience: Perfect for wine-loving couples

Upgrade Items

Instead of basic household items, consider quality upgrades:

• Premium wine or champagne
• High-end kitchen appliances they wouldn't buy themselves
• Quality home accessories (luxury throws, premium candles)
• Artwork for their new shared space
• Upgraded versions of everyday items (premium bedding, quality cookware)

Meaningful and Personalized Gifts

For close relationships, consider:

• Custom photo session (especially for blended families)
• Personalized keepsakes (engraved items, custom artwork)
• Memory book or scrapbook supplies
• Donation to a cause meaningful to the couple
• Subscription services (streaming, meal kits, wine clubs)

What to Avoid

Duplicate Household Items

Second-time couples likely own:

• Toasters, kettles, and small appliances
• Basic cookware and kitchen tools
• Linens and towels
• Everyday dishware and glassware

Unless they've specifically registered for replacements, skip these categories.

Overly Traditional Gifts

Items that may feel inappropriate:

• Formal china sets (unless requested)
• Traditional starter kitchen bundles
• Items associated with "first home" milestones
• Anything that assumes they're starting from scratch

Registry Items They Didn't Request

If the couple hasn't created a registry, don't assume they want household items. Ask directly or default to cash.

Special Situations

Blended Families with Children

When the couple is merging families, consider gifts that include everyone:

• Family photo session voucher
• Group experience (theme park tickets, family cooking class)
• Board games or family entertainment
• Personalised family items (custom family portrait, family tree artwork)
• Gift cards for family activities

Destination Second Weddings

If you're travelling significant distances, your presence is the gift. Etiquette experts agree that when guests spend $500+ on travel, they can reduce gift contributions by 30-50%.⁶

Appropriate options:

• A heartfelt card with well-wishes
• $25-$50 contribution
• Small meaningful keepsake

Intimate Ceremonies

Many second weddings are smaller and more intimate. For micro-weddings or elopement celebrations:

• Match the scale of the celebration
• A thoughtful card carries significant weight
• Focus on quality over quantity in your gift choice

If Not Attending

When you can't attend but want to acknowledge the occasion:

• Close friend/family: $50-$75 or meaningful gift
• Friend/colleague: $25-$50 or nice card
• Acquaintance: Card with warm wishes is sufficient

Registry Etiquette for Second Weddings

For Couples Creating Registries

Second-time couples who create registries should:

• Focus on upgrade items rather than basics
• Include experience-based options (honeymoon funds, date nights)
• Offer contribution tiers to accommodate different budgets
• Consider charity registries for couples who truly have everything

For Guests Using Registries

When a second wedding has a registry:

• Check it first—they've signalled what they actually want
• Group gifting works well for higher-priced items
• Cash funds are legitimate registry items
• Don't feel obligated to spend more than your budget allows

Second Wedding vs. First Wedding Gift Comparison

The Bottom Line

Second wedding gift etiquette is more flexible than first marriages. The couple likely has household basics, may have received generous gifts previously, and often prefers experiences or cash over traditional presents.

Key takeaways:

• Gifts are appreciated but not obligatory—especially if you gave generously the first time
• $50-$100 is the sweet spot for most relationships in the US and Australia, £30-£75 in the UK
• Cash and experiences are typically preferred over physical items
• Your presence matters more than the price tag
• A heartfelt card carries more weight than you might think

When in doubt, ask the couple what would be most meaningful—or default to a cash contribution with a warm message celebrating their new chapter together.

Sources and References