How much to give for a wedding gift — a definitive guide for the UK

Ah, weddings – where love is in the air, fizz flows, and dance floors become impromptu stages for some truly questionable moves. But before you break out your best Macarena, there's the age-old conundrum that's been stumping wedding guests since forever: How much should I give as a wedding gift?

Fear not, dear guest, for we're about to lift the veil on this wedding gift-giving mystery. You want your gift to reflect the excitement of the occasion – but without going broke. As the UK's favourite wedding registry service, we've crunched the numbers on thousands of our couples wedding gift lists and honeymoon funds to reveal how much a guest spends on average.

So, whether you're heading to a posh do in London or a rustic shindig in the heart of the countryside, we've got your back. In this guide we'll help you decide how to strike the perfect balance between generosity and keeping that precious wallet of yours from shedding tears. So, let's get started on the quest for the ultimate wedding gift!

First things first: Don’t forget that there’s no need to break the bank; your gift should be a joyful gesture, not a financial burden. But there are three main factors that might influence how much you spend on a wedding gift.

1. The type of wedding: If you want to give a gift and you're not sure what to spend, the type of wedding and scale of it might guide your budget. If it's a lavish affair in a fancy venue, you may lean towards the higher end. For smaller, intimate gatherings, a more modest gift could be appropriate.
2. Your relationship with the couple: For most people, the relationship to the couple is the main influencing factor of what they spend. Immediate family, close friends and those in the wedding party typically spend more than the average guest.
3. Your invite type: While wedding party guests usually spend more than other guests, day guests typically spend a little more than those just coming along in the evening too.

But remember, there's no fixed amount you must give. The golden rule is to give what you're comfortable with and what you feel reflects your relationship with the couple. And if you can't afford it, don't buy it. Most couples would agree that your presence is present enough!

Since 2020 the average amount a guest spends on a wedding present hasn't changed much — it's increased by just +6%. But the average cash gift has jumped up by a whopping +29%. If you want to get a gift that's inline with the national average spend, then the type of gift you're giving will influence how much it costs you. That's because typically, when people give money as a wedding gift, they spend more.

How much to spend on a wedding gift

In 2024 the average amount a guest spent on a physical wedding present was £87. This is up from £82 in 2020. The typical price bracket for gifts is usually between £40-100.

How much money to give as a wedding gift

When giving cash as a gift, guests tend to be more generous. £102 is the average amount gifted, which is up from £79 in 2020. We see a range of cash amounts gifted though, between £50 - £500 is the norm.

if you do want to give cash, many couples will be delighted. How to ask for cash as a wedding gift in a polite way is something that most agonise over. So if you tell them early that you intend to give them money you'll save them some stress!

Is £50 enough for a wedding gift?

Although the average wedding gift spend has gone up to around £94, in the UK, it's common for guests to give anywhere from £40 to £100, depending on their relationship with the couple. Fifty quid, while at the lower end, definitely falls within that bracket, and it can still buy you brilliant wedding gifts under £50.

If you're part of a group of people who know the couple, coordinate your gift with others to ensure a collectively generous amount. Sure, it's the thought that counts, but a substantial sum can make a big difference to the recipients. Clubbing together could mean you can treat them to something really special, or put a nice chunk of dosh into their honeymoon fund. 

If the couple are using a wedding registry service (don't know what we're on about? Then read our what is a wedding registry explainer) like Prezola, then group gifting is easy. With one click you can all chip in to buy that next level coffee machine or flights to their dream destination. You'll all feel great about it, as will the lucky couple!

Once you've decided how much you're going to spend on your wedding gift, head over to our most popular wedding gifts for some crowd-pleasing ideas. Happy shopping!