How Much to Give for a Wedding Gift: The EXACT Cash Amount (2024)

If you’d like to give cash as a wedding present, what is an appropriate wedding gift amount? This blog post is for you! We’re showing you how to give money as a wedding gift to the soon-to-be weds and some mistakes to avoid. Be sure to subscribe for the latest to your inbox!

Are you thinking of giving money as a wedding gift, but you’re not sure of the acceptable amount to give, or what wedding cash gift etiquette really is?

Today we’re tackling it and explaining exactly the appropriate wedding gift amount 2023 + 2024 seems to average, as well as, is money an acceptable wedding gift?

According to wedding experts, there are different amounts suggested based on your relationship with the couple. A distant relative, colleague, or non-close friend should give $50 to $75 upwards to $100. A family member or a friend should give $100 to $150 as a gift. If you’re a close relative, a starting amount of $150 as a cash gift and going upwards is a great starting point.

The important factor to consider when giving a cash wedding gift is your relationship to the couple.

For an in-depth discussion on this topic, let’s discuss it!

How much do you give for a wedding gift?

As a rule of thumb, if you’re giving a gift from the registry, start with a gift of no less than $50 and go upwards from there.

If you’re giving money as a wedding gift, we recommend $75 to $150, upwards of $300. We’re covering this more in-depth in this article, but if you’re just skimming, those are the basics. :)

We’re here to tackle all of this — and more — on how much to give for a cash wedding gift. This question came to us from Katie, who writes,

“Dear Emmaline, I’m invited to a cousin’s wedding and I want to give cash as a wedding gift because I know they can use it on anything they wish. Is it tacky to give money for a wedding gift? If it is acceptable, how much money should I give for a wedding gift of cash? Thanks for your help!”

Ahhh, great questions here, Katie! Thanks for writing. First and foremost, cash is a completely acceptable wedding gift! How much to give as an appropriate cash wedding gift varies, and we’ll tackle that in a moment. But know this: money consistently makes for a nice and thoughtful gift for a wedding and no, it definitely is NOT tacky to give money as a wedding present.

The proper answer on how to give money as a gift is all about presentation, giving an appropriate amount, and whether or not you think it makes a good gift for the particular couple in mind.

Does Money Make a Good Wedding Gift?

Yes, cash is a great gift for a wedding!

You mentioned how money as a wedding gift is a good idea because they can use it on anything they wish; I couldn’t agree more! Instead of a wedding registry item that they may not necessarily use often, money is a great way to start their lives together, go on a fun honeymoon trip, or use it in any way they deem a priority.

In fact, many couples prefer cash as a wedding gift vs. a tangible gift. It can go towards anything they dream of. And coffee makers don’t last forever. Honestly, I think we’re on our third already. :)

With that being said, there are some proper tips on how to give money as a wedding gift and we’re here to help. Here’s exactly how to give money as a wedding gift to a couple and what you need to know BEFORE you fill out that card.

How much to give for a wedding gift 2023 + 2024

If you’re wondering about the average amount to spend on a wedding gift in 2023 or 2024, here’s the answer. For a wedding gift amount, most couples give anywhere from $75 to $300, give or take, depending on the formality of the wedding, closeness in relationship to the couple, and the formality of the wedding.

Is $300 a good wedding gift?

Yes, that amount is a very nice amount of money to give at a wedding.

Is $200 a good wedding gift?

Yes! Don’t overthink it. Give a nice gift of money you know the couple will appreciate (and you can afford).

1. Give the proper amount.

You were wondering how much money to give as cash wedding gift this year, and for 2023, it seems the norm is anywhere from $75 to $300 — more or less, depending on what you can reasonably afford. If the wedding is very formal, consider giving a larger gift of cash if you can afford it.

Typically speaking and etiquette-wise, a nice wedding gift of cash is anywhere in the sum range of $75 and upwards. Some things to consider are:

• How close are you to the couple?

Most times, a money wedding gift is larger if you’re close to the couple, i.e. the couple is a sibling, best friend, or a family member.

• How formal is the wedding?

• Are you standing up in the wedding?

If you’re a bridesmaid or groomsman, the standard amount to spend on a wedding cash gift is $100 and upwards. Take into account how much you’ve spent on your dress or suit, how much you’ve given for the bachelorette party and/or bridal shower, and how much travel is required. It is still a nice gesture to give a gift to the couple as an attendant, so start at the $100 mark and go upwards from there.

• Is there a lot of travel involved?

How much to give for a wedding gift cash 2023

Each year, the typical amount varies just a bit, but to be honest, the amount for how much to give for a wedding gift cash 2023 vs. 2024 isn’t much different! We’re seeing the same general amount to give for a wedding gift of cash: anywhere within the $75 to $200 range is the norm. On average, most wedding guests give a gift of around $150 to $160 as a wedding present.

According to etiquette experts, though, the minimum amount is around $75. Start there and go upwards depending on what you’re comfortable with (and what you can afford).

2. Include the cash inside a card.

Do not give money as a wedding gift without a proper card. You will want to enclose the cash or check inside a nice card with a sweet sentiment on it; include a handwritten, thoughtful message from you and sign it, so the couple knows who the gift is from.

In addition, you’ll place the card inside a card box at the reception so make sure it is placed there upon arrival.

If you’re in need of card inspiration, here are some cute wedding cards we found that make for the perfect places to include your wedding gift of money.

Papercut Wedding Card for Money Gift by PaddingPaws

Funny Wedding Card by PrintsAndRecreation

Origami Minimalist Wedding Card for Cash Gift by OrigamiRetreat

Congrats on Tying the Knot by PaperConnectionsDemi

This one is so cute!

Here’s another fun way to enclose money inside a card:

3. The Easy Wedding Cash Gift Equation

If you’re still stuck, do this: figure out an estimate of how much the wedding meal cost (plus your guest’s). Then, add a little more for a present. This is a nice gesture and a simple way to give an appropriate wedding gift amount.

Do you still have questions? Let us know in the comment box below!

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma

Emma Arendoski

Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.