As the cost of attending weddings continues to reach unprecedented heights, a pressing question looms over many guests: How much should one spend on a wedding gift?
In a recent survey conducted by wedding experts at Hitched.co.uk, it was revealed that a staggering 71% of wedding guests find themselves unsure about the appropriate amount to allocate for a wedding gift. The surge in online searches for ‘wedding gift ideas,’ which has increased by 12% in the UK over the past year, further underscores the dilemma many Brits face in selecting the ideal present for newlyweds.
The survey, which polled over 2,500 wedding guests, delved into the financial aspects of attending weddings. Notably, 63% of respondents indicated that they are prepared to spend between £100 and £300 to attend a wedding ceremony. A significant portion, 22%, expressed their willingness to shell out even more, falling within the £300 to £500 range. Half of the surveyed individuals admitted that they consider weddings to be a financial strain, yet 40% of them would still attend despite their budgetary constraints.
Interestingly, the data indicates a shift in gift-giving preferences, with almost half of the respondents expressing a preference for giving cash rather than a physical gift. The evolving trend suggests that many couples are now moving away from traditional homeware items and instead requesting financial contributions to support significant purposes such as honeymoons or special experiences. This transition aligns with the changing dynamics of wedding gifts, where monetary presents are no longer seen as taboo but are rather considered a practical and appreciated option
Zoe Burke, a wedding expert and the editor of Hitched.co.uk, remarks on this emerging trend, stating that couples are increasingly comfortable with requesting financial gifts. Zoe said:
“Asking for money as a wedding gift has become a popular trend, but it’s understandable that it can split opinion among guests who may see it as cheeky or bad etiquette. However, it’s become much more accepted and many couples feel confident asking for money for their wedding or putting down a monetary gift option on a traditional gift list.
“Many couples themselves feel a little awkward asking for money so will instead ask for donations towards something like their honeymoon, or couples experiences. This is often done through a honeymoon gift list where you can go online and transfer the amount of money you wish to pay and even allocate it towards a specific excursion or treat, like a couple’s massage on the beach.
“The rules for how much you should spend on a wedding gift don’t change just because you’re giving money instead of a set of kitchen knives. It’s always about what feels comfortable to you and will depend on your personal relationship with the couple.
“You may feel pressured to give more than you can afford because the couple will see exactly what you spent, but this is not the point of a wedding gift. Only give what feels right.”
So what is the appropriate amount to give as a wedding gift? Zoe Burke offers some guidance to help guests navigate the matter. Zoe suggests the following rough guide for determining the suitable gift amount based on the relationship with the couple:
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- Single Wedding Guest: £50
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- Couple Attending: £100
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- Immediate Family: £100 and above
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- Members of the Wedding Party: £100 and above
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- Evening Guests: £25 – £50
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- Colleagues: £25 – £50
For those still grappling with uncertainty, Hitched.co.uk offers a convenient wedding gift calculator. This innovative tool takes into account various factors, including the level of familiarity with the couple and the style of the wedding.
The landscape of wedding gift-giving is evolving, with cash gifts gaining acceptance as couples prioritise experiences and significant investments. With couples more likely to live together first, it makes sense they may already have the traditional homeware items that used to make ideal wedding gifts. What is important is the be realistic and fair with your gift amount, don’t overstretch yourself or feel obliged to spend a lot because it’s a wedding but additionally make a conscious effort to support the happy couple on your big day.
