Giving money at a wedding is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. The amount to be given can vary depending on the family, but generally, the general rule is to give a card or envelope with money to couples.
When it comes to weddings, cash is king. Most people prefer getting money as a wedding gift rather than something they have to find a place for in their already crowded home. If you’re wondering how much money to give at a wedding, there are several things to consider.
Though this custom might have been around for a long time, giving money at a wedding remains an important part of social and cultural etiquette. The amount you should give depends on several factors, including your relationship with the couple getting married and how well you know them.
What to consider when giving money at a wedding
When offering money at a wedding, it is important to understand some basic principles before offering some cash. In general, the amount of money to be given at a wedding depends on several factors including 1) how much you know the person getting married 2) how close you are with them and 3) what sort of relationship do you have with their parents 4) what other guests will bring other types of gifts.
Who should you give money at a wedding?
Traditionally, the parents are given money before the wedding, while the parents get the money during or after the reception. If you are attending as a guest, it is best to bring the envelope with cash to the reception to be given directly to the parents of the bride or groom.
The couples are charged with taking care of many expenses, and they will always need that extra cash after the wedding after spending all their free cash before the wedding. The money you give to the couples after the wedding will be much appreciated as couples parent most times will spend according to their means.
How much money to give at a wedding?
The answer to this question is completely up to you. Though it is generally considered appropriate to give an envelope with cash inside, how much you put in is completely up to you. Suppose you are attending the wedding and know the couple well. In that case, you need to consider the couple’s standard of living before giving them money at the wedding and consider your financial situation. If the couples are very rich, you must give according to their standard if you can afford to do so. But generally, the money given at a wedding is between $50 – $250. Although you might know the couples well and feel like they need more, it will be nice to give the couple more if you can afford to do.
How should you give the money at a wedding?
If you are attending the wedding and want to give money as a gift, you should bring an envelope or wedding card with cash inside to the reception. It is best to avoid giving cash in any other way, as it can be seen as rude or demanding. You can pick alternative options if you are close to the couple and see yourself as a true friend. You should send the money early enough to make it available for the setting up of the wedding. Sending the money a week before the wedding will be a nice time to do this. On the other hand, if you are not too close to the couples, the best practice is to put the money in an envelop or present with money with a beautiful wedding card.
What if I don’t have cash?
If you don’t have extra money to give at the moment, that’s okay. You can tell your friend or family member this in advance, and they will understand it is because of a lack of money. In this case, you can offer to give any amount you have if the couples are close relatives and promise them more if convenient for you. There’s no limit on how much cash you can give as a gift when attending a wedding! If you know the couples well and want to show it, you can always give them more money even after the wedding.
How much money should I give to a wedding in the USA?
The amount of money you give at a wedding in the USA is completely up to you, as there are no strict rules about how much cash you should bring as a gift. It is generally considered appropriate to give an envelope with cash inside, but how much you put in is completely up to you. If you are attending the wedding and know the couple well, you need to consider the couple’s standard of living before giving them money at the wedding. If the couples are very rich, you must give according to their standard if you can afford to do so. In general, the average amount of cash given as a wedding gift in the United States is $111, according to a study done by American Express. However, this is just the average amount, and you can give more or less depending on how much you like them.
What is the appropriate amount of gift cash to give to another part of the world?
Although the average is $111 in the United States, it is different per country. Although a gift of cash is a welcome present, the appropriate amount may vary depending on where the wedding is taking place in the world. For example, suppose you are attending a wedding in the United Kingdom. In that case, etiquette dictates that guests should give around £50-£100 ($67-133) as a cash gift, while those attending weddings in Australia are generally expected to give around AU$200-AU$300 ($157-236). In France, the norm is for guests to give a gift that reflects their status in life – so someone unemployed might give a small gift, while someone very wealthy might give a more expensive one. Keep in mind that whatever amount you decide to give should be personalized to the couple and their situation.
Conclusion
There’s not much advice on how much money should be given at weddings by friends or family members living abroad since culture and tradition regarding wedding gifts can vary drastically from country to country. However, it’s always a safe bet to follow the average range mentioned above or give an amount relative to your relationship with the couple. In any case, it’s better to avoid mailing your gift and instead present it in person so that the newlyweds can put it towards their honeymoon or new home. So, if you’re wondering how much to give at a wedding, the answer depends on your relationship with the couple and on what you can afford. But whatever you do, don’t hesitate to express your good wishes in whatever way you see fit! Thank you for reading.