1. Don’t feel pressured to spend more than you can afford
The most important factor when deciding how much to gift for a wedding is to be honest about your own financial situation.
Although it could be useful to know the average wedding gift cash amount in the UK, these figures should only be taken as a rough guide. Everyone’s financial circumstances are different, and you should never feel pressured to spend more than you can afford.
A wedding should be a fun occasion for everyone involved, and simply making the effort to attend can go a long way and be just as meaningful to newlyweds.
If you do decide to bring a physical gift, set a personal budget. It’s the thought that counts, and your loved ones wouldn’t expect or want you to put financial strain on yourself just to buy them a gift.
2. Consider your relationship and role in the wedding
When thinking about how much to spend on a wedding gift, consider how close you are to the couple, as well as your role in the big day.
Immediate family, close friends and guests attending the main event may choose to spend more on a gift. Likewise, if you’re playing an active role in the ceremony, such as carrying out bridesmaid or groomsman duties, you might set aside more of a budget for gifts.
On the other hand, if you’re only attending the evening ‘do’ or you’re a plus-one, you might choose to spend less.
Again, it’s important to remember that these are simply suggestions; there are no rules about how much to spend on a wedding gift. It’s important to stress that you should only commit to spending an amount that you can afford and feel comfortable with.
It’s worth noting that guests are under no obligation to buy a wedding gift at all. While gifting a present or cash amount to the newlyweds is a nice gesture, it should never be an expectation.
If you choose not to buy a wedding present, you shouldn’t feel as though you need to explain your reasons to anyone.
3. Budget alone or group together
How much to gift for a wedding can be a tricky topic to debate, but the answer should always reflect your personal budget.
Grouping together with other members of the wedding party is a great way to spread the cost of a present. This takes the pressure off gift-buying by allowing each person to contribute towards a larger gift that an individual may not be able to afford on their own. For example, a group of five people could spend £50 on a joint wedding gift while only having to contribute £10 each.
4. Make your own gift
How much money should you give for a wedding gift in the UK?
As we’ve discussed, there is no one set answer to this question.
The best news is that a present doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. If you’re racking your brain for budget wedding gift ideas, then thinking outside the box and coming up with a personal or homemade item is a great way to save money without compromising on sentimental value.
You could start brainstorming wedding gift ideas on a budget by thinking about your own talents and ways that you could incorporate your skills into the big day.
Are you a keen artist? Why not draw or paint the newlyweds, or their wedding venue?
Star baker? Could you perhaps offer to make the wedding cake, or maybe homemade cookie favours for guests?
How about some post-wedding IOUs, such as offering to look after the couple’s pets so that they can enjoy a weekend away somewhere?
DIY gifts are the perfect chance to really tailor and put a unique stamp on your present. The time and effort put into making a gift can often be more meaningful than the present itself.
Don’t let wedding gift spending tie your finances in a knot
From a new outfit to transport to and from the venue, attending someone’s big day can be expensive enough without the added pressure of wondering how much money to give at a wedding.
While treating the newlyweds to a present or money is a lovely gesture, stepping back and spending a modest amount, making a DIY present, or simply respecting your finances by bowing out of gift-giving altogether is also okay.
Your friend or family member would hate to think that you have put yourself in an uncomfortable financial position for their sake, and you shouldn’t let guilt or pressure influence how much or little you spend on a wedding gift.
A wedding is a momentous event, and celebrating with loved ones is a gift in itself.
Worried about money?
Please know that you don’t have to deal with money and debt worries on your own. You can access free, impartial advice through StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.