How Much Money Should You Give as a Wedding Gift? Try Our Calculator!

Money is becoming an increasingly popular wedding gift, with more couples choosing cash funds over traditional homeware and kitchen gadgets.

If you already live together and have everything you need, it can make much more sense to put your wedding gifts towards something bigger, whether that’s a house deposit, a new car, starting a family or an unforgettable honeymoon. But how much cash should you give as a wedding gift? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some guests like to give enough to cover the cost of their meal, while others base their gift on what the couple gave them, or take into account the cost of travelling to and staying at the wedding. And if you’re already spending hundreds on hotels, flights and outfits, working out how much money wedding present etiquette really calls for can feel like a minefield.

Whether you’ve been asked for a cash wedding gift on a wedding gift list or invited to contribute to a honeymoon fund, we’re here to make things a little easier. From cash funds vs traditional gifts to advice on how much money for wedding gift etiquette in the UK, here’s everything you need to know, including what to do if you’re not comfortable giving cash, and how couples can ask for money without making their guests feel awkward.

• How Much Money to Give as a Wedding Gift?
• Should You Feel Offended That The Couple Asked for Money?
• Etiquette for Giving Cash as a Wedding Gift in Other Cultures
• What to Consider When Deciding to Give Cash as a Wedding Gift
• Alternatives to Giving Money as a Wedding Present
• How to Ask For Money as a Wedding Gift
• How to Give Money as a Wedding Gift: Expert Tips

You can also try our wedding gift calculator, which will tell you how much money to give as a wedding gift, depending on how well you know the couple, the type of wedding they're having and more.

Wedding Cash Gift Etiquette UK: How Much Money to Give As a Wedding Gift?

The rules for how much you should spend on a wedding gift don’t change just because you’re giving money instead of a set of kitchen knives. There’s no set amount you have to give, and ultimately, it should come down to what you can comfortably afford and how close you are to the couple.

In a recent online poll, we asked couples, “How much money should you give as a wedding gift?” More than half of respondents said between £50 to £100, while almost a thousand couples said between £20 to £50.

“There’s no set amount you have to give as a wedding gift, and it should always come down to what you can comfortably afford,” explains Honor West from The Cambium Group. “As a rough guide, £50 to £100 is a common amount for an individual guest, while couples may choose to give around £100 to £150 together.”

Of course, close family members or friends may decide to give more, but there’s no expectation to stretch beyond your budget. “Close family members or friends may decide to give more, but there’s absolutely no expectation to stretch beyond your budget,” says West.

It’s also worth remembering that you’re not expected to ‘cover’ the cost of your meal or the wedding itself. While you might choose to take the venue, food or other wedding costs into consideration when deciding how much money for a wedding gift, your gift should never leave you out of pocket.

If you’re already spending a significant amount on travel, accommodation or your outfit to attend the wedding, it’s perfectly reasonable to take this into account when deciding how much to give. The best cash wedding gift is one that feels generous to you without putting pressure on your own finances.

So, how much money is appropriate? You may feel pressured to give more than you can afford because the couple will see exactly what you spent, but this is not the point of a wedding gift. Only give what feels right. Here's a rough guide to what's considered a typical amount to give:

• You're a Single Wedding Guest: £50
• You're a Couple: £100
• You're Immediate Family: £100+
• You're in the Wedding Party: £100+
• You're an Evening Guest Only: £25 - £50
• You're a Colleague: £25 - £50

Wedding Gift Spend Calculator

Finally, we'd highly recommend presenting the wedding cash gift in a wedding card or paper money wallet.

Should You Feel Offended That the Couple Asked for Money?

It's long been tradition for couples to create a wedding gift list or to leave it up to the guests to bring a wedding gift of their choice, and this was typically an item for the couple's new home.

This dates back to when couples didn't live together before their wedding, which is less likely the case now. Many modern couples live together before they get engaged and already have all the towels and toasters they need, so the traditional gift lists don't suit them.

Asking for money as a wedding gift has become more popular in the UK, but it's understandable that it can split opinion among older relatives who may see it as cheeky or bad etiquette. However, it's become more widely accepted and many couples feel confident asking for money for their wedding or putting down a monetary gift option on a traditional gift list.

After all, they will have spent a lot of savings on their wedding day and the money given will likely be saved towards the next step of their future together. If you always viewed giving a homeware gift as setting the couple up for their new life, money gifts are the modern way to do the same. 

Is Money a Good Wedding Gift? 

"Cash wedding gifts have become increasingly normal as many couples already live together before getting married and have the traditional household essentials covered," confirms Honor. 

Some couples themselves feel a little awkward asking for money and will instead ask for donations towards something like their honeymoon. This is often done through a honeymoon gift list where you can go online and transfer the amount of money you wish to pay and even allocate it towards a specific excursion or treat, like a couple's massage or dinner. 

Etiquette for Giving Cash as a Wedding Gift in Other Cultures

Expectations of how much cash to give for a wedding vary vastly between different cultures and, if in doubt, you're best to ask someone in the know, for example, a friend in the wedding party or a relative of the engaged couple.

• At Japanese weddings, money is a very common gift. A friend of the couple may give £200 in Yen, while relatives may give three times this amount. The money is put in an envelope, these are called Goshugi-bukuro, and your name and the amount is written on the front.
• In China, money is almost always given to the couple in red envelopes as a gift. Typically guests work out the amount to give based on how much the wedding meal would have cost, so the fancier the meal and venue, the more money is given. 
• At Nigerian weddings, it's tradition for there to be a 'money dance' where the couple are sprayed with money as they boogie on down. In addition, guests will fill envelopes with money or a cheque and give it to the couple. The amount you are expected to give really depends on your relationship to the couple, so we'd advise you to ask ahead of time and prepare your gift plus money to spray.
• Indian weddings will typically have no wedding registry and a 'no boxed gifts' rule, cash or a cheque in an envelope is given instead. In Indian culture, they avoid gift amounts ending in 0 and typically would give £51, for example, as it allows the couple to begin accumulating their next £50. 
• At Italian weddings, the bride often carries a special bag at the reception called la borsa and will collect envelopes of money from guests to cover wedding expenses. The amount again will depend on the couple and the size of the wedding. 

One important thing to note is that in many of these cultures, your monetary gift shouldn't be affected by whether or not it's a destination wedding. Even if you are paying for flights and accommodation, a gift is typically expected, although most couples will expect something smaller due to your expenses getting to the wedding.

What to Consider When Deciding to Give Cash as a Wedding Gift

Money as a wedding gift has become increasingly common, but before you slip your envelope into the postbox at the reception, here are a few things to consider: 

1. Is it the couple’s preference?
Some couples prefer cash gifts to help fund their honeymoon, start a home renovation, or even cover some wedding costs. If they’ve set up a honeymoon fund or included a note about cash gifts being welcome, you’re already in the clear.

2. Your relationship with the couple
Cash gifts can feel impersonal, so consider how close you are to the couple. If you’re a family member or a lifelong friend, adding a heartfelt note alongside your contribution can make it feel more meaningful.

3. The cultural context
In some cultures, giving cash is the norm, while in others, it may be seen as less traditional. Think about what’s appropriate for the couple’s background and wedding style.

4. How much to give
There’s no hard and fast rule, but it’s worth considering what you’d typically spend on a gift. Some people aim to cover the cost of their plate at the reception, while others simply give what feels comfortable for their budget.

5. How to present it
Rather than handing over cold hard cash, take an extra step to present it with meaning. Pop it in a thoughtful card, tuck it into a wedding-themed envelope, or include a personalised message explaining how you hope they’ll use it (e.g., "For a romantic dinner on your honeymoon" or "A little something towards your dream home").

6. Is there a gift list?
If the couple has created a registry or gift list, it’s always polite to check it first. They may have selected items they need or prefer over cash, which could guide your decision.

7. Consider an alternative
If you’re not entirely comfortable giving cash, why not consider gifting vouchers instead? A travel gift card for their honeymoon or a department store voucher gives them flexibility while still feeling a little more tangible.

8. Don’t feel pressured
At the end of the day, a wedding gift is a token of your love and support for the couple - not a financial transaction. Whether it’s a cash gift or something more traditional, what truly matters is the thought and care you put into it.

How Much Money to Give for a Destination Wedding? 

When it comes to destination weddings, deciding how much money to give as a gift can feel tricky. The key is to consider your overall expenses and your relationship with the couple.

If you’re attending the wedding, you’ve likely already spent a significant amount on travel, accommodation, and other costs. In this case, it’s perfectly acceptable to give a smaller monetary gift or even a thoughtful non-monetary one. The couple will undoubtedly appreciate the effort and expense you’ve gone to just to be there.

As a guideline, you might give between £50-£100, but there’s no need to stretch beyond your means.

If you’re unable to attend, it’s still a lovely gesture to send a gift. In this case, you might aim for a similar amount to what you’d typically give for a traditional wedding, depending on how close you are to the couple.

Ultimately, the amount you give should feel right for your budget and reflect your connection to the couple. Remember, destination weddings are often smaller and more intimate, so the focus is more on celebrating together than on extravagant gifts. Whatever you give, a heartfelt note will always make it extra special.

Should You Give Less Money if You're Attending With Other Guests? 

When attending a wedding with others who are also contributing a gift, such as family members, it’s natural to wonder if you should adjust how much you give. The answer depends on a few factors, but the key is to approach it with thoughtfulness and balance.

If you're part of a group gift, such as a family pooling funds for a larger present, it’s perfectly reasonable to contribute less than you might give individually. This approach can often result in a more impactful gift, like a higher-value item from the couple’s registry or a generous cash contribution towards their honeymoon.

However, if you’re giving your own gift alongside others, your amount doesn’t need to change based on what they’re giving. Everyone’s financial situation is different, and what’s meaningful is the gesture, not the amount.

The focus should always be on your personal budget and relationship with the couple. Whether it’s a group gift or an individual one, make sure to include a heartfelt note to show your love and support. At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you give but the sentiment behind it.

Alternatives to Giving Money as a Wedding Present

There is absolutely no obligation to give cash as a wedding gift if you don't want to; gifts should be given in the spirit of generosity and not as a duty. That said, there's often a reason the couple have asked for money, so it does no harm in politely asking the couple why. 

If you're uneasy about giving money as a gift, communicate this with the couple and see if there's an alternative way you can contribute to what they're putting the money towards.

• If they haven't already explained it on their wedding website, it could be they're saving up for a new addition to the family or for a new kitchen. Once you understand, you could offer to buy them gift vouchers for a large department store that will help their overall aim.
• If it's saving for a honeymoon, you could get them a prepaid travel money card or currency in notes for the country they're going to.
• Lots of gift lists give you the opportunity to buy experiences, this will also aid them in affording their dream honeymoon, but allow you to give something more tangible.

There are lots of alternatives to giving physical cash money as a wedding gift and all of them will be greatly appreciated by the couple. Here are some of our favourites: 

• A couples’ cooking class or experience: Help the newlyweds kick off their marriage with a fun activity they can enjoy together, like a cooking- or cocktail-making class, pottery workshop, or wine-tasting experience. 
• Personalised artwork for their home: A custom illustration of their wedding venue, a map of a special location, or even a quirky family portrait (pets included!) can make for a thoughtful and sentimental keepsake.
• High-quality luggage or travel accessories: For couples who love to travel, stylish and durable luggage, personalised passport holders, or even a travel journal are practical yet exciting gifts that can follow them on their honeymoon and beyond.
• A monthly subscription: Think gourmet cheese, wine, coffee, books, or even plants! A subscription box tailored to their tastes will bring joy month after month.
• A donation to a cause close to their hearts: If the couple is socially conscious, make a donation in their name to a charity they care about. It’s a meaningful way to honour their union and support their values.
• Outdoor adventure equipment: If they’re the outdoorsy type, a picnic basket with all the essentials, a high-quality tent, or matching hiking gear is perfect for future adventures.
• A custom recipe book: Gather recipes from their family and friends, or compile dishes that represent their favourite cuisines and memories together. Add personal notes for an extra special touch.
• A membership or annual pass: Gift them a membership to a local museum, botanical garden, or zoo, or consider season tickets to their favourite theatre or sports team.
• Luxury bedding or towels: Treat them to something indulgent that they wouldn't usually buy for themselves, like high-thread-count sheets, a cosy duvet, or plush towels. Bonus points for monogramming them!
• A DIY memory box or scrapbooking kit: Encourage them to preserve their wedding memories and honeymoon highlights by gifting a chic memory box or scrapbook filled with supplies.
• A unique board game or puzzle: For cosy nights in, a high-quality board game, a personalised puzzle, or even a game that reflects their relationship is a thoughtful and fun gift.
• An at-home food or drink experience: Consider a cheese and charcuterie delivery, a home-brewing kit, or a bottle of artisanal gin paired with tonics and glasses to celebrate in style.
• A custom welcome mat: Help them make their house a home with a doormat that features their last name or a cute, personalised design.
• A handwritten letter or keepsake box: Finally, if you’re looking for something ultra-personal, write a heartfelt letter or gift them a keepsake box to store their most treasured wedding mementos.

How to Ask For Money as a Wedding Gift?

If you're approaching this from the other side and are an engaged couple wondering, how do you word cash gift requests or what you can expect to be given, here's some ideas of what you can do:

• Make it clear on your invitation wording that you would welcome cash gifts on the day and state whether there will be a secure money box or gift table to leave them. We'd recommend explaining what you want to save the money towards if you have an idea in mind. If you feel awkward about asking outright or want some template wording suggestions to help you ask for money, these money poems are a cute way to do it.
• Create a wedding gift list that has both gift options and a money donation option. Guests then have the choice between buying a tangible gift for you and/or giving a financial gift.
• If you want money towards your honeymoon, set up a honeymoon gift list where funds can go towards the costs of flights and hotels, or towards specific trips and activities. A guest might love to know they're paying for a bungee jump in New Zealand, for example, and see the photos afterwards. 
• If you have a specific purchase in mind, such as saving up for a house or a brand-new kitchen, you can set up a fun website where guests can donate their cash to that specific thing. For example, there's a website called 'Buy Us A Brick' where guests can buy you figurative bricks to build your first home.

How to Give Money as a Wedding Gift: Expert Tips

Still not sure what’s expected when it comes to giving cash? Honor West from The Cambium Group shares her advice on everything from how much money for a wedding gift to whether you should choose cash or a traditional present.

1. Give what you can comfortably afford

First things first: don’t feel you need to spend more than you can afford simply because you’re attending a wedding. “There’s no set amount you have to give as a wedding gift, and it should always come down to what you can comfortably afford,” says West.

As a rough guide, she suggests that “£50 to £100 is a common amount for an individual guest, while couples may choose to give around £100 to £150 together”. Close friends and family may decide to give more, but, as West points out, “there’s absolutely no expectation to stretch beyond your budget”.

2. Don’t assume cash is the only option

If you’re unsure whether to give money or a traditional wedding present, you don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. “Increasingly, couples are choosing a combination of both,” says West.

Traditional gifts can be a lovely way to mark the occasion, particularly if you choose something the couple will use and enjoy for years to come. Meanwhile, cash gives newlyweds the flexibility to put their gift towards something they’re saving for.

3. Let the couple’s wedding list guide you

If the couple has created a wedding gift list, this should be your first port of call. “If the couple has a wedding list, that should always be your first port of call,” says West. “They’ve chosen those pieces because they genuinely want them, taking the guesswork out of gifting while still allowing you to choose something that feels personal.”

So, if they’ve asked for a particular piece of glassware, cookware or homeware, there’s no need to feel that cash would be a more appropriate wedding gift.

4. Cash can still be a thoughtful gift

While a cash gift might feel less personal than choosing something tangible, it can be just as meaningful when you know what the couple plans to do with it. “Cash wedding gifts have become increasingly normal as many couples already live together before getting married and have the traditional household essentials covered,” explains West.

If they’ve set up a cash or honeymoon fund, contributing to it isn’t impersonal. In fact, West says that couples have “specifically chosen something they’d love their guests to help make possible”.

5. If they haven’t asked for cash, follow their lead

Finally, don’t feel you need to assume that every couple would prefer money. If they’ve created a traditional gift list and haven’t mentioned cash, it’s generally best to follow their lead.

“Ultimately, the best wedding gift is one that reflects what the couple actually wants, whether that’s a beautiful piece for their home, an unforgettable experience or a contribution towards their future together,” says West.

Still considering buying a gift? Browse our edit of the best wedding gifts for couples here.