Big wedding this weekend? Use this calculator to find out how much money you should give to the couple. You might be surprised by the answer.
Weddings are a huge deal. You need to figure out what to wear, transportation and lodging, and your wedding gift.
Nowadays, most couples don't have Macy's wedding registries. Instead, they prefer the convenience of gift cards or regular old cash. But the amount you should spend depends on a few factors:
- Your income
- Their income
- Your relationship to them
- Wedding location
- Is this their first marriage?
Maximize Your Money with Us
Want to save more? Subscribe to our newsletter for a regular dose of money-saving tips for all your life's events.
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.
Is $25 an appropriate amount for a wedding gift? $25 may be appropriate if you're simply an acquaintance or co-worker of the bride/groom. But it's definitely on the low side. If you can, spring for $50 at the least.
What is a good cash wedding gift amount for one person?
If you're flying solo and just a casual friend of the bride or groom, then you can spend $75-$100 on your gift.
Even if you're a super close friend of the couple, $500 is the most you should give. $2,000 might be too much.
What is an appropriate amount for a cash wedding gift?
As a rule of thumb, you can give $50-$500 as a single guest, depending on your relationship to the couple. For a casual guest who might not be making a ton of money, $75 should be sufficient.
Of course, if you can afford it, then spend a bit more to help this couple start their new lives. It's no secret that planning a wedding is notoriously expensive and time-consuming. You want to share in this couple's joy.
Is it better to give cash or a check for a wedding gift? A check may be
easier to write than swinging by the ATM, but cash is definitely more convenient for the couple. If you can, give cash. But either should be just fine.
How to attend a wedding without breaking the bank
Weddings can be pretty pricey for guests, too. Here are a few tips to help you celebrate the happy couple without spending too much.
- Send the gift after the wedding: If you're short on cash when the wedding rolls around, don't worry! It's acceptable to send the gift a couple of months after the big day.
- Look at the gift registry ASAP: Guests buying an item (instead of giving cash) should be sure to look at the registry early. If you wait 'til the day of the wedding, all the affordable gifts will be gone.
- Respect the couple's wishes: If the couple asks for no gifts at all, or maybe just a honeymoon contribution, listen to them! It's much easier on you, too.
Bottom line
Marriage is a big, big milestone for couples. And they want to share this special moment with you.
This calculator gives you a point of reference on how much to spend on your wedding gift. Give what you can afford - and consider how expensive the event might be for the couple to host.
And, of course, dress tastefully and enjoy the night. These two people want to see their friends and family laughing and having a good time.
Offers You May Like
Member FDIC
Offer DetailsTo qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY924 at application, deposit into your Account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Qualifying deposit(s) may consist of multiple deposits and must post to Account within 45 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.
What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers, including co-branded, or affinity accounts. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of the account qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 03/13/2025, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. Due to new customer funding limits, you may wish to initiate fund transfers at your other institution. For information on funding your Account, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.
Member FDIC
Offer Details- The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 01/31/2025.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Offer Details- Open an Acorns account (new users only)
- Set up the Recurring Investments feature
- Have your first investment be made successfully via the Recurring Investments feature
Member FDIC
Offer DetailsEarn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through December 30, 2024. Member FDIC.
Earn up to $450 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account.
Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposits(s) totaling $2,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $250, $5,000 to $7,999.99 to earn $350 or $8,000 or more to earn $450.
Fund your new account within 30 days to start qualifying activities. Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.
Member FDIC
Offer DetailsStart an HSBC Premier relationship today. You'll enjoy premium banking with both local and global benefits and access to wealth solutions offered through HSBC Securities, (USA), Inc*.
You could earn $1,500 or $2,500 if you open a new, eligible HSBC Premier checking account from July 1, 2024 through November 22, 2024, and complete qualifying activities.
- Get a $1,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $100,000 to $249,999 in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months.
- Get a $2,500 Cash Bonus: Add New Money of $250,000+ in deposit and/or eligible investment accounts within 20 days of opening your new checking account and maintain the Qualifying Balance for 3 full consecutive months.
- Cash Bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 8 weeks of meeting all the offer requirements.
Member FDIC
Offer Details
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Offer DetailsGet your LLC in just a few quick steps, includes:
- Free business plan included (no credit card required)
- Lifetime compliance alerts
- Comprehensive name check
- Lifetime customer support via email and phone
Offer Details
- Get up to $700 when you open and fund a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account with qualifying new money.
- $700 when you fund with $250,000 or more
- $325 when you fund with $100,000-$249,999
- $150 when you fund with $25,000-$99,999
- $50 when you fund with $5,000-$24,999
- Get unlimited commission-free online stock, ETF, fixed income, and options trades when you open an account.
- $0 Online Commission trades
- Choose an account that's right for you: General Investing, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA.
- Access our secure, easy-to-use trading experience online or through the Chase Mobile® app.
- Our powerful tools and resources are built to help you take control of your investments.
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
Offer DetailsEnroll Cash sweep to enjoy 4.6% APY base rate plus 3.5% APY booster for the first 3 months after opening your account
Make a net deposit of $1,000 or more to receive 15 draws, each for a free stock worth $2 - $2,000 each. Maintain average assets totaling $1,000 or more for 60 days to unlock the free stocks.
This offer is available to new and existing customers who have not made a deposit nor an ACAT Transfer before May 29, 2024 04:00 ET and who will or are planning to make an ACAT Transfer during the duration of the offer. Terms and conditions apply.
Offer DetailsMember must "Activate" the Bonus in the Swag Ups section of your account. Bonus value is earned in the form of points, called SB. Get a 1000 SB bonus, which is equivalent to $10 in value, when you spend at least $25 at a store featured in Swagbucks.com/Shop. You must receive a minimum of 25 SB for this purchase, which you must complete within 30 days of registration. MyGiftCardsPlus.com and travel purchases do not qualify.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
