How much should guest be expected to spend on wedding gifts?

Dlhoney

Hello Ladies,

Now I know some of you might of been scared by the subject title. But, before you jump all over me let me explain myself.  First I dont expect gifts from everyone, some people just dont have it and that is fine.  But, for those who do want to give us wedding gifts, I just want to make sure that I am not asking for gifts that cost too much. Currently I have been keeping my gifts under $ 100 with a cap of $ 150.00.   I ask because recently I just visted a friends of mines gift registry that is getting married soon,  and I thought their gifts were really expensive ( i.e asking for picture frames that cost $275).  So my question is how much should you expect the average guest to spend on your wedding gift?

ehathewa

Just have a wide variety.  Some people will only be able to spend $20, while others will spend $200.  It really depends on your guests and their situations. 

I personally usually spend about $100. 

kalizoomba

I think it depends on how close they are to you. Grandparents, parents will probably spend more than your second cousin from Seattle.

My mom said she'd buy me something around $150. I know. I have a very extensive family (my grandparents had 5 siblings each, and I have about 40 cousins.) and since they all live in the state (and most of them live in the same town as me) they're all planning on coming, but I'd never expect them to spend over $50 on me. Friends from church might spend around $20-$40, same for coworkers and friends.  

I like to think, "If this person was getting married, how much would I spend on her wedding gift" thats an idea of what they might spend on you.

All this is my opinion, so it may be way off normal "ettiquite." it's just what i think.

gottahavashorti

Just make sure to register for items in each price range.  Which price ranges are the most popular will depend on how much your friends and family typically spend - that could be $20, or it might be $300. 

All but two things on our registry were below $100, with a lot in the $20-60 range and smaller items in the $4-20 range.  The boxed gifts we received were typically in the $20-60 range or groups of coordinating items (a couple towel sets, bath rugs, a couple place settings, etc).

AdeleDazeem

Yup - keep up the variety and price range.

We're going to a wedding on Saturday and the registries are all but sold out.  What is left appears to be $150 salt and pepper shakers among other redonkulously priced items.  I really want to believe that they had a better variety earlier.  Really.

caseyandlizzie

Ditto PP, just make sure you have a variety of price ranges. Most of our items are under the $150 mark, but we do have a few in the $200-$300 range. I know for past weddings of friends I've been to, a few of us went in together to purchase big ticket items for them. Also, you never know, someone may surprise you and want to spend that much by themselves on one gift for you guys.       

rknox88

Just have a variety of price ranges. While I was in college I was only really able to afford about $20 for a shower gift and $50 for a wedding present. Now that I work full time I will probably start giving gifts in the $75-100 range for a wedding.  It really just depends on a person's financial situation as well as their relationship with you.

It is fine to have some pricier items-sometimes a few friends might want to go together to get a gift or someone like a grandparent or aunt and uncle may want to give something bigger.

Galaxy8227

I agree with PP's. Have a wide variety of prices and you'll be all set.  I just shop off the registry for the shower (cash for wedding gift) and I usually spend about $50 for a friend, $100 for close friend or family. 

BlueBoxBride

It really depends on your social circle and where you are getting married. We're getting married in downtown Chicago and most of our guest list has Dr. in front of their names. Judging by past weddings in this group, very generous gifts are given so we don't feel too guilty having more than a few items over $200. I asked my MIL about our registry, and she doesn't think anyone on their side will be offended.

We have four smaller registries (so we can exactly what we want from four specialty stores) and our registries range from $2- $2500. For those wanting to spend less than $20, we registered for helpful things like avocado peelers and cookbooks. On the expensive end, we registered for some furniture for our new condo (and we can buy at a discount after the wedding!!!), cookware, Shun knives, few sterling silver serving pieces from Tiffany, fine china...

I'm not expecting gifts from some of our guests and really, we just want them there hitting the dance floor and making it a party

DanielleZZ

I agree with PPs. 
We registered for things ranging from $1 to $400 majority were under $50.  At my wedding shower on average people spent about $40 but some gave about $10 worth(my younger cousins in college) and a few as much as $200 worth.  I have no idea what to expect for the wedding.