How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding Gift?

You've been invited to a wedding, and you've looked through the bride and groom's registry. You can afford some of the things on their list, but not everything. Here are some tips on how much you should spend on a wedding gift.

Think About Travel

If you're traveling to the wedding, you have some wiggle room on how much you spend on a gift. The couple probably understands that you're traveling a distance, and, for many, the fact that you made the trip actually means just as much (if not more) than the gift itself does! Regardless, try to find something small from their registry to place on the gift table. Even if it's a gift card to Target or a local store they can use to purchase decor in their home, you never want to show up to a wedding empty-handed.

Think About Your Personal Budget

Look through the items on the registry and find one or two that are within your personal budget. Find those items instead of looking for a big item that will knock everyone else's out of the park. A wedding isn't the time or the place to show off your gifting skills. If your budget is too small to get something the bride and groom have on their list, consider splitting the cost with another attendee or talking with the couple about getting them an alternative gift. While it's typically a faux pas to get the couple a gift that isn't on the registry, talking with the couple about it beforehand not only shows that you consider them close enough to know about your financial situation but that you care about their wedding. An intimate personalized wedding gift that doesn't break the bank can be a great option.

Think About Your Relationship with the Bride and Groom

If you're not in consistent contact with the bride and groom, you don't need to go all out for a gift, but that doesn't mean you should avoid getting them one. They invited you to spend their special day with them, so you should still bring something. However, if you grew up with the groom and have remained close during your adult years, you shouldn't just get him and his bride something from the dollar store. Find something much more personal that not only symbolizes your relationship with them but also the importance of their union. Look for home decor items, such as unique personalized cutting boards, or something they can both use, like matching monogrammed robes.

Go Traditional

Wedding gifts were traditionally things the couple would need in their new life together. In the past, most couples didn't live together prior to getting married, so the friends and family attending the wedding would gift them practical items their parents might not have let them take into their new homestead. Today, many more couples are already living together prior to tying the knot - but that doesn't mean tradition can just fall to the wayside! You should not arrive with a $20 gift card to Chili's. Instead, if you know Chili's is their favorite restaurant to visit on date night, arrive with a $50 gift card. Additionally, tradition dictated that you should 'pay-by-plate' - think about how much the bride and groom probably paid for your seat at the table and your food. While some etiquette experts have indicated that this line of etiquette thinking is long gone, you should still keep it in mind when picking a gift. Even if you don't pick the most expensive version of the non-stick pan on their registry, you should still consider adding a couple of additional, smaller items to your gift to show your thanks for the invite.

Consider Their Lifestyle

If the couple isn't the type who would enjoy an espresso maker, don't buy one for them. If they love to eat Chinese takeout, consider some personalized metal chopsticks. Think about the couple, what they like to do and how they live their lives - individually and together. Even though they might be sharing the same last name, they are still individuals. You could consider getting them each something to represent their individual tastes, but make sure it's packaged together.

Other Things to Remember

When attending a wedding, don't just focus on the gift. While that's a large part of the celebration, there are a few other things you should keep in mind in preparation, especially if you're attending on a budget:

When considering wedding gifts, it can be hard to find the right gift that won't break the bank. Focus on finding a personalized piece for the couple that symbolizes their new union and stays within your personal budget.