The Perfect Wedding Gift: A Guide to Etiquette and Timing

There are many expectations around wedding etiquette that can be difficult to navigate, particularly when it comes to the wedding gift. To begin, a good rule would be to send a physical gift within three months of the wedding date, or soon after getting the invitation. An e-card and gift card can be sent later.

Brides offers the following price guide for wedding gifts:

• Coworkers, distant relatives, and general acquaintances: $50 to $70, on average
• Friends: $75 to $100, on average
• Close family, best friends, and the wedding party: $100 to $150+, on average

Their guide further explains that, while guests should give a wedding gift that celebrates the couple's special day, they should also take into account their budget and relationship with the couple. The average gift amount is $100-$150 (USD) per guest, but this can vary, based on factors like the guest's connection to the couple, whether they are attending with a plus-one, and if they’re traveling for the wedding. The key is to give what you can afford; attending the celebration is ultimately more important than the extravagance of the gift.