What's Is a "Typical" Wedding Gift?

If I were going to a wedding at Oak Brook Hills, I would give no less than $100 - $125 and usually give $150 to a close family member or close friend. And yes... I do think that you have a few posts who are a bit outraged by that amount but you asked the going rate. It hasn't been $50/couple for a VERY long time!

$100 is a perfectly acceptable and generous gift. Cash is always appreciated. Or something that they registered for.

The typical wedding gift is cash. I always give $100 min to every wedding I go to. I give more to family.

My daughter got married one year ago. Her gifts ranged from small to very expensive, depending on what the people could afford. We never would have wanted ONE person to think that they should stay home because they couldn't afford to give a big enough gift. She wouldn't have invited someone based on what they could give as a gift and would have been disappointed if they chose not to attend. Your presence is a gift in itself. Give what you feel comfortable with and have a great time at the wedding!

$100 check is what I would give in most cases.

ETA in response to Nicole. Of course any gift, a card, whatever is good. It's a gift, not a fee :-) For our wedding we got just a card from one friend, and I think we received checks ranging from $20 to a lot more, and all of those were happily received (and I couldn't tell you now who gave how much.) The James Dean cookie jar, even. Although I do remember the giver on that one, hee. I was just answering the question with the idea that S. is looking for an average of what people have given as gifts recently to people they aren't related to, like a co-worker.

I just can't imagine these dollar amounts. I mean, really? Times are tough. My philosophy is that you give what you can afford to give. Don't put yourself in credit card debt to give. They have invited you and they have chosen to spend what they are spending on their wedding. It's not for you to fund it nor is it for you to feel like you "can't go" because you can't afford the cost.

Since you don't say how much you can afford or how close you are with this co-worker, I think those things need to be taken into account.

Personally, if you don't know her very well, I think $50 is a fine amount to spend if you are on a tight budget- particularly if she is a co-worker, she will understand that. The wedding guests should NEVER be invited because of the 'gift count'! Think about the PERSON and what you know about her and what she wants/needs more than 'how much?'

On the other hand, if she is registered, many people make sure to include options in their registry for anywhere from $25 to $75 for people who they know cannot afford a 'big-ticket' amount. Giving her something like a set of wooden spoons or a salad bowl she registered for means she will be getting something she really wants and needs and is more personal than a check.

You can always say something nice like " I hope you will always remember your special day when you use this bowl". Those are the best gifts, no matter what amount you spend!!

S.: I would go w/a gift card to maybe Bed, Bath and Beyond or sears. That way they can buy what they need instead of receiving what they don't need. Did they register? If they did, just go that route, as long as it is reasonable.

I used to work in the bridal registry section at a large retailer. First and foremost, get something off the registry (or a gift card for the places they are registered). It's a real shame when people give gifts that don't match the couple's taste/decor/lifestyle etc. and they cannot be returned. If you stick to the registry (or a gift card), you can't go wrong. As far as price, I would estimate the cost per plate times two (since two of you are going). I'd say $100 is a safe estimate (you could probably go as low as $80, especially if it is a daytime reception). Then, use your judgment. Are you close friends with this co-worker? If so, you might want to spend more.

I usually go for the cyrstal, silverware or their china pattern. There is no real rule anymore. Get what ever they have left on their gift registery. The rule for me is that I give fify dollars per people that is invited. So if you and your husband is going, I usually give a gift worth $100.00. You have to make sure that you pay for your meal plus extra.

Hi S.,

I would figure out what your budget is and then check the couple's registry to find something within that range. Check out weddingchannel.com to figure out where they're registered if you don't want to have to ask them. Typically guests spend more if a) they attend the wedding and b) they are close to the bride/groom.

Best,
R.

Cash is a typical wedding gift. Between $100.00-150.00

Being brought up in Chicago land, my parents always taught me to give the price of the dinners you would be eating.
Living in Wisconsin, people seem to give presents, not cash. I am not sure ethe value of the gifts, as they are usually wrapped and I have never gone to a gift opening the next day. I belive cash is always the best. If you can not afford the price of what your dinners would be, give as close to that as is possible. have fun!!

I know you've gotten lots of responses, but I wanted to echo the sentiment that you should give what you feel comfortable giving within your budget. That's 100% acceptable and appreciated, particularly these days. Something from their registry is great if you can find an item or some combination of things that are within your budget. I used to stray from the registry but after getting married, realized how fun it is to see the things you registered for come in the mail. Even little things - a set of salt and pepper shakers, for example - are so fun to open because you and your spouse picked them out and wanted them for your table! Even the little, everyday things like that are so appreciated. And you could get something like that, add gourmet salt & pepper and a favorite cookbook and put them all together for a great gift that has more impact for less than you'd feel you have to write a check for. You don't have to be extravagant, just thoughtful.

Wow I must be way poorer than some other posters. We usually do something around $60 for friends and maybe closer to $100 for close friends. But honestly, the thoughtfulness is the most important thing. At the end of the day my husband and I were truly amazed and thankful at how generous everyone was, and we certainly didn't keep score in any way.

We try for the cost of our two plates, plus $100 for a gift, so for this location, we would probably give them $250.

I would suggest checking their registry to see what they might need. If you don't have anything particular you want to buy, a gift card from the store they are registered at is appropriate as well as good old cash! I would typically suggest at least $100. Another suggestion, is to check out the wines at some of the local wineries that we have in Illinois. There is Fox Valley Winery in Oswego and Sandwich and also Waterman Winery, in Waterman, Il. You can always fix a nice bottle of wine, a couple of nice wine glasses and a smaller gift card! makes a nice gift basket!

We would typically do $150 for a coworkers/aquaintances, and maybe $200 or so for close friends/family. When we haven't been able to afford to give that (plus pay for a sitter) usually just one of us attends or we stay home and send a wedding gift. I know its not all about the money, but I know that most couples are paying around $40-$50 a head on the low end, and I just don't feel right not at least covering my plate. Maybe its materialistic, but its just what I feel comfortable doing.

i don;t think there is a such thing as a typical gift to give. especially in these hard financial times. my wedding gifts ranged from home made sentimental gifts to monetary gifts large and small to expensive extravagant gifts and we appreciated them all. you know your financial situation so only you can decide what is appropriate. i think that the giftee will appreciate the thought

Hi S.
By all means you give what you can afford, my wedding which was 10 years ago we recieved 50.00 - 500.00. None of it mattered (of course we were thankfull), we wanted to share our day with family & friends!
1 piece of advise if you do go the gift route please use the registry, so you know it's something they can and will use.
Good Luck on your decision and most of all have fun & celebrate, that's what it is all about!!

V.

Cash is always nice, and I think you need to give what is comfortable for you. I would at least give what two plates of dinner are. If you don't want to do cash, you can find where they are registered. Maybe other co-workers would like to chip in for a gift. That way you can give a big gift with several people chipping in. Another thing I do is sometimes I wait until the day before the wedding and I go and buy all the inexpensive gifts and put them together. One gift we got for our wedding that I thought was really cool, someone bought a small soft cooler, then put a note with the card to make sure we check all the pockets. In all the different compartments were gift cards to restaurants, gas cards, movie cards and grocery gift card. I thought that was really neat, we didn't get anything else like that. I would say they spent about $25 on each card to.

Good luck!

K.

I think $100 is average but it shouldnt matter where it is held. That is up to the couple and they cant expect people to know how much the dinner costs or to cover it. At my wedding 5 years ago, we got checks from $35 up to $200. So its really what you can afford and feel comfortable with. Just give what you can and dont worry about it. You arent invited just so you can pay for your dinner. Otherwise a lot of people would not be going.

Hi S. If you can afford it, give them money. Linen and bathroom towels are always a good gift because you can always use them.

I hate to say it, but it depends on the circle of friends & family attending. People from a very humble & modest group would be happy with $50-$75. People with a moderate circle would be happy with $100-$150. People who have been financially blessed would expect $200 +. I also think that people know that not everyone can afford the same thing. I received $20 to $200 at my wedding. I know the people who gave $20 were giving me all that they could afford at that time. I didn't judge them or think they were being cheap. You sould give them what you can afford & trust that if they invited you to their wedding than they will not judge you by your gift.

Money is always good. Weddings are quite expensive these days.
Otherwise, find out where she is registered and see what is left on her registry
that you can purchase for them. : )

Any gift you wish to give is acceptable. My suggestion would be to look at their registry to see if there is something remaining in your price range.
Other thoughtful gifts could be nice picture frames with a wedding theme, photo albums for wedding pictures or honeymoon pictures. If you go that route, I would try to get a gift receipt just in case there is a duplicate.

We usually do $150 for co-workers and friends, and $200-$250 for really good friends and family.

I don't know that I would call this a "typical" wedding gift, but it is definately unique, and a wonderful gift! Why not buy them a Scentsy warmer, with the scents Lucky in Love, Welcome Home, and Skinny Dippin. A Scentsy warmer is a wonderful, safe alternative to candles when it comes to scenting your home. Check out my website at www.scentsy.com/cgreenlee Feel free to get ahold of me if you have any questions! C.

I can't help but think that most weddings are at least $50 per person to cover my "spot at the table"... so I try to do around $125 these days... otherwise we choose not to go & send a gift instead... weddings are expensive to throw & also expensive to go to (plus pay for a sitter)... which is why we've elected to not go so often these days...

If they registered, I would go off that list as it contains the things they want/need. Acceptable is pretty hard to define as it depends on how close you are and your financial resources. But if you are going to the wedding, then a present from a couple might be around $100. If you don't know them that well and they didn't register, a gift card including a visa gift card are always welcome.

I'd say $150.00 check made out to the one you know best. That way, you will be covering your plates (assuming it's only only you and your husband attending). I believe most couples hope to get enough to cover the cost of the food.

~C.

Minimum $150. We've gone to weddings in city recently and gave $200.

I think, for my group of friends, a check for $100 is typical. If it is someone very special, then I would go up to $150, or even $200 for a sibling or best pal. Funds are tight right now, but I think people appreciate the thought behind whatever you are able to give.

ADDENDUM: Nicole, I am not sure what you mean. Yes, that is really what we give. But, as I wrote, people appreciate the thought, not the amount. Everyone is in a different economic boat these days. The asker just wanted to know what others typically give at this time, without judgement; This is not to say, "this is what we think you should give."

I've always followed the philosophy of $50 per person attending, except for close friends, then I do something more like $75. I try to buy things rather than give money, unless I know the couple really needs the cash.

Unless you are purchasing something from the gift registry a cash gift which will cover at least the cost of your dinner times how many people are attending with you.

I must be a poor giver. I usually give $100 no matter the type of place. If you have lots of money and can afford it then I'm sure the recipient will appreciate hundreds of dollars. I don't think the newly married couple excepts for the people they invite to pay for the wedding.