How Much to Put in a Wedding Card: A Friendly Guide

Choosing the right amount to put in a wedding card can feel challenging. It’s common to wonder if you’re giving too much or too little. The amount you decide to give often depends on your relationship with the couple and what you can comfortably afford.

Weddings are special events, and your gift should reflect your connection to the couple. By understanding a few general guidelines, you can feel more confident in your choice and ensure your gift is both meaningful and appropriate.

Table of Contents

1) $50 for a close friend

Giving $50 to a close friend for their wedding is okay if that fits your budget. Your friend will appreciate the thought and effort you put into giving a gift.

You can make your gift feel more special by adding a heartfelt note in the card. Personal touches go a long way in showing you care.

$100 for a family member

Giving $100 for a family member’s wedding is a generous gesture. It’s a common amount that balances showing your love and staying within a budget.

This amount is close to the average wedding gift cost, which many guests aim for. Your family will appreciate the thoughtful gift.

Write a heartfelt note and place the cash in a card.

3) $75 for a coworker

When attending a coworker’s wedding, $75 is a thoughtful amount to put in the card.

It’s a nice gesture that shows you care without going overboard.

Coworkers can appreciate this as a balanced and appropriate gift.

$150 for a sibling

You might want to give $150 if your sibling is getting married. This amount shows that you care and want to support them on their big day. It’s a thoughtful amount that signals the special bond you share.

Giving $150 can help cover some of the wedding expenses, like the meal or drinks. Your sibling will appreciate the gesture. Plus, it’s a nice way to contribute without overextending your budget. This amount fits well within common ranges for sibling gifts, making it a suitable choice.

$200 for Best Friends

Giving $200 to your best friend for their wedding shows you care. It’s a generous amount that reflects your close bond and appreciation.

Your best friend will treasure your gift and the thought behind it. You don’t have to spend more than you can afford, but $200 is a thoughtful gesture.

Consider adding a heartfelt note to the card to make it extra special. Your friend will appreciate both your generosity and your words.

6) $25 for an acquaintance

When you are not very close to the bride or groom, a $25 wedding gift is appropriate.

This amount works well for co-workers or distant relatives. It shows you care without going overboard.

You can include cash or a small thoughtful gift in the card to stay within this budget.

7) $500 for parents

Giving $500 to your parents for their wedding gift is a generous gesture. This amount shows your appreciation and love for them on such a special day.

A thoughtful addition is to include a heartfelt note inside the card. Share your feelings and good wishes for their new journey together.

8) $300 for godparents

Being a godparent is a special role, and your participation in the wedding is important. Typically, godparents spend around $300 on a wedding gift. This amount shows your love and support for the couple.

Besides the gift, your presence and guidance mean a lot. Remember, your role goes beyond just the wedding day, offering encouragement and spiritual support.

$250 for Grandparents

When deciding how much to put in a wedding card, $250 is a generous amount for grandparents. This shows love and support for the newlyweds.

Grandparents often give more because of their close family connection. If you can afford it, $250 is a thoughtful gift.

Remember, it’s the gesture that counts most. Your presence and well wishes are invaluable.

10) $20 for Distant Relatives

When it comes to distant relatives, you might not feel the need to spend a lot. A $20 gift in a wedding card is often enough.

This amount shows that you care without going overboard. It fits within most budgets and still feels thoughtful.

Distant relatives usually understand that their connection to you isn’t very close, so a smaller amount is appropriate.

Understanding Wedding Card Etiquette

Giving money in a wedding card can be a thoughtful way to celebrate the couple’s new journey together. The rules can vary widely based on your relationship with the couple and cultural norms.

Why Giving Is Important

Giving a monetary gift in a wedding card is a way to support the couple as they start their life together. Weddings can be expensive, and many couples appreciate financial gifts to help cover costs or save for their future.

Your relationship with the couple often affects how much you choose to give. Close friends and family typically give more, while coworkers or distant relatives might give a different amount.

Suggested amounts:

Distant Relatives or Coworkers: $50-$75
Friends or Closer Relatives: $75-$100
Immediate Family or Closest Friends: $100 or more

Cultural Differences

Cultural backgrounds can significantly impact how much to give and the form of the gift. In some cultures, it is customary to give monetary gifts, while in others, physical gifts might be preferred.

For instance, in many Asian cultures, giving money in red envelopes is a traditional practice. The amount given often ends in an even number, as odd numbers are considered unlucky. In contrast, in Western cultures, gifts are often from a registry, but monetary gifts are still welcomed.

Key cultural points:

Asian Cultures: Red envelopes with even amounts
Western Cultures: Gifts from a registry or monetary gifts
Middle Eastern Cultures: Gold or money, usually in large gatherings

By understanding these etiquette rules, you can ensure your gift is both meaningful and appropriate for the couple.

Factors To Consider

When deciding how much to put in a wedding card, you need to think about a few different things. Your relationship with the couple, the style and budget of the wedding, and regional customs all play a role.

Relationship To The Couple

Your relationship with the couple can heavily influence the amount you decide to give.

If you are a close friend or family member, a more significant amount may be expected. For example, parents or siblings might give anywhere from $150 to $500.

If you are a distant relative or a less-close friend, you might consider giving between $50 to $100. This reflects a thoughtful gift without going overboard.

Keep in mind that it’s important to give what feels comfortable for your budget. Your presence and good wishes are what matter most.

Wedding Budget And Style

The wedding’s style and budget also play a role in your decision.

A lavish, high-end wedding might signal that a more generous gift is appropriate. Guests attending an extravagant wedding might give around $200 or more.

On the other hand, a small, intimate wedding may call for a modest contribution, such as $50 to $100.

Consider if the couple is paying for everything or if they have help. If they are bearing the cost themselves, a larger gift can be a considerate way to help them offset expenses.

Regional Customs

Regional customs can vary widely and may influence your decision.

In some areas, it is common to follow a “cover your plate” rule, where guests give an amount that roughly equals the cost of their meal. For instance, if the wedding reception is at a high-end venue, you might give more.

In other regions, people might have set traditions, like giving $100 as a standard amount regardless of the wedding’s expense.

It’s useful to talk with other guests or look up local etiquette to get an idea of what’s customary. This ensures that your gift is in line with local expectations.