Buying the Perfect Wedding Gift – How Much to Spend

If your mailbox is filled with wedding invitations, you are probably wondering how much to spend on each gift. There is an etiquette to wedding gifts, and it is important to follow certain guidelines in terms of spending and gift selection.

The amount you are expected to spend is dictated by a number of factors, including your relationship with the bride or groom and the nature of the ceremony. Brides who are planning a high-end wedding at the local country club may have greater expectations in terms of gifts, while other couples may be looking for nothing more than basic household items to get them started in their new home.

Co-workers and Casual Acquaintances
If you are attending the wedding of a co-worker or casual acquaintance, you should shoot for a gift costing between $75-100. A large number of popular home appliances and furnishings fall into that category, so you should be able to find something quite nice.

Be sure to consult the bridal registry when choosing a gift. Having a predetermined list to choose from will make selecting a good present – and staying within your budget – a lot easier.

Family Members and Close Friends
You can expect to spend a bit more on a wedding gift for a close friend or family member. Wedding planners and etiquette experts recommend spending between $100 and $150 on a wedding gift for a family member or close friend. If you are particularly close to the bride and groom and want to make a real impression, you are free to spend a bit more.

Personal Preference
In the end, how much to spend on a wedding present is a personal decision. You may feel that a particular wedding ceremony warrants a more elaborate and more expensive gift, even if the bride or groom is not a close relative or lifelong friend.

No matter how much you ultimately spend, it is always a good idea to review the bridal registry before going off on your own. If everything on the bridal registry has already been purchased or the remaining items are outside your price range, you may need to venture off the list. If not, buying from the registry is the best way to ensure the happy couple will get something they really want and need.