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Giving money as a gift at weddings has been a staple practice throughout time. It benefits the guests since you don’t have to guess what kind of present to give. The newlyweds also appreciate it as a way to fund the start of their married life together. That said, it is natural to wonder how much to give at a wedding when the time comes. 

Average Wedding Gift Cash Amount

The average wedding gift spend is between $100 and $150, with $130 being the most common amount guests give. That said, you’re always welcome to name your own number so you can give an amount you feel comfortable with. You can also refer to the expected range that the couple-to-be may have on their wedding registry. 

Is Giving Cash The New Wedding Tradition?

Giving cash has been part of many cultural traditions because it helps express love and appreciation for the union of two people. Plus, from a practical perspective, the funds are a great way for the newlyweds to establish their new life together. 

Asking for cash instead of gifts has gotten mixed reviews and impressions from weddinggoers. In 2023, 44% of Americans think asking for cash instead of gifts is appropriate. Meanwhile, 17% are unsure and 39% are simply not in favor of it. 

Determining How Much To Give At A Wedding

The average cash gift amount is already a good rule of thumb for how much to give at a wedding. However, if you want to think about it a little more, here’s an overview of how you can come up with the final number. 

1. The Cover-Your-Plate Tactic

Some guests use the “cover-your-plate” tactic, which means paying for the cost that the newlyweds paid for each guest. The meal served at weddings is usually the only basis, though some may also consider wedding transportation expenses. 

It can be a reasonable guideline for how much you should pay, especially if you have a plus-one that the couple has covered. However, this kind of calculation can make the cash gift feel more transactional. Just like your presence and participation at the wedding, it’s the thought behind your present that matters. 

2. Converting Your Wedding Gift Funds

Another clever way to determine how much you should spend is to check how much you’ve spent up to the wedding. Ideally, you should follow the 20-20-60 budget rule. An initial 20% should go to the engagement gift, while another 20% goes to the bridal shower present. The remaining  60% should be for the wedding present. 

Say you spent $50 on an engagement and bridal shower gift separately. It makes sense to allocate about $150 toward a wedding cash gift if you have the means. 

3. Considering the Overall Relationship

Your role in the wedding can also help guide how much to give. For example, you might have already contributed time and money to the wedding planning portion or hosted a pre-wedding party. If that’s the case, it’s warranted that you potentially give a smaller cash gift. 

Regular guests who didn’t have those responsibilities but went the extra mile to attend the event could pay a low- to midrange amount. For instance, paying for tickets and accommodation for a destination wedding can take a toll on your wallet. 

4. Checking Your Schedule for The Year

Before deciding how much to give, check what your schedule looks like for the rest of the year. If you have five different weddings lined up throughout the months, it can be a little heavy to pay $150 at each of them. Scaling it down to $100 doesn’t make your cash gift any less meaningful. It just makes it more practical for your wallet.

That said, you can still re-evaluate your role and relationship with the newlyweds-to-be. If you happen to be closer to a certain couple, don’t be afraid to buff the amount according to your means. 

How to Give the Wedding Gift Cash

Giving cash can feel absolutely different from handing a wrapped present. Thankfully, there are many classy or creative ways you can bring it to the newlyweds. Here are some suggestions. 

In a Simple Envelope

Giving the cash as-is or through a check in an envelope is one of the simplest ways to hand the money to the couple to be. It’s easy to read who it’s from and to carry it around. Plus, you can add a handwritten note securely. 

Just make sure you’re handing it to the appropriate recipient and not some random person at the party. The newlyweds might be a little busy with the festivities to get it from you personally, so it’s best to check in with a coordinator to see who’s verified to receive all the cash. 

With a Congratulations Card

If you want to get a little more creative, consider getting a congratulations on your wedding card. There are many ready-made cards that you can buy at the store, but you can also handmake your own. Decorating it yourself can help make the gift feel more special. 

A card may have less surface area for a dedication, so keep it as short and sweet as possible. Make sure the cash or check is secured on the card with extra paper and tape. 

Through the Couple’s Traditions

Try to ask if the newlyweds have a portion in the program dedicated to giving the cash gift. Some people may have a plan or tradition for how the money is presented. For example, some people hold a money dance because of their cultural significance. 

In the Philippines, male guests pin money on the bride’s dress while the women pin cash on the groom’s suit. Meanwhile, in Portugal, the bride dances with her father, her shoes off. Guests are meant to pass along these heels to collect money. 

Transfer Through Venmo

Transferring cash online can be one of the most convenient and secure ways to ensure that the newlyweds receive your gift. The Knot recently integrated Venmo into its wedding registry system, following a survey where 89% of couples said they wanted ease of use for their guests. 

Even without using that specific system, the couple could set up a QR code that people can scan for their online bank portals. You could even suggest it to them if they don’t have it available already.  

Wish the Couple Well with Cash

Now that you know how much money to give at a wedding, all that’s left is to present it to the couple. Remember to wish the couple well on their new chapter in life and to enjoy the festivities!