4 Rules for Buying a Wedding Gift
Shopping for a wedding gift? The perfect match is a present that aligns with your budget.

There’s no time like wedding season — with its delicate union of family, friendships and finances — to brush up on your money etiquette.
For wedding guests, choosing an appropriate gift can be especially fraught, because it can feel a bit like putting a price tag on your relationship with the couple. There are so many questions, from how much to spend, to if you should (ever) get something that's not on the registry, to the timing of gifts if you don't want to bring a box to the wedding itself.
Follow these rules of thumb to ease the gift-giving stress and congratulate the newlyweds without emptying your bank account.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
How much should I spend on a wedding gift?
There is no set price range, said Anna Post, coauthor of Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette (sixth edition). The cost of a solitary dish towel or single fork is too little. Anything outside of your budget is too much. The gift amount should be dictated by what you can afford and your relationship with the couple. If you’re especially close to the bride and groom, consider budgeting a bit more than you normally would.
Lock down a present in your price range by viewing the wedding registry early, while there are plenty of options. Couples usually select items in a wide range of prices. You can also write a check or purchase a gift certificate at a store where the couple registered. Or you could go in on a present with a few friends or family members. You’ll be able to afford a bigger item without overspending.
Does a fancier wedding require a pricier gift?
Not at all. One myth is that your gift should equal the price of your dinner. Not only is it impossible to know how much the food on your plate cost, but this strategy misses the intention behind a wedding gift. The point isn’t to help the couple recoup the cost of your filet mignon but to congratulate them on their wedding and wish them well as they start a new life together.
Do I need to send a gift if I can’t attend the wedding?
Yes. “There is an expectation that if you’re close enough to the couple to come to the wedding, you’re close enough to send a gift,” said Post. One exception is if the invitation comes out of left field — say, from a friend you haven’t seen in decades. In that case, you should decline the invitation politely and leave it at that.
If you can’t attend the bridal shower, you aren’t expected to buy a gift for it.
I have a year to send a wedding gift, right?
Wrong. Three months is your limit. That said, if it dawns on you a year later that you never mailed the check, it’s fine to send it along. You might want to include a note of apology, too.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Susannah Snider worked as a research-reporter and staff writer at Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine. She went on to serve as managing editor for money at U.S. News, overseeing articles and content covering real estate, personal finance and careers. She is a certified financial planner professional and earned her CFP marks in 2019.
-
The $33,000 Retirement: One Man's Surprising Path to Financial Freedom at 61
Forget what society tells you, even with less than $1 million, you can be happy in retirement.
-
The Best Aerospace and Defense ETFs to Buy
The best aerospace and defense ETFs can help investors capitalize on higher government defense spending or hedge against the potential of a large-scale conflict.
-
Walmart Takes on Prime Day With Competing July Deals Event
Walmart is launching its own multi-day sales event to rival Amazon Prime Day — and it could be a smart time to shop, even if you're not a member.
-
7 Golf Course Destinations to Vacation Away from the Crowds
Beat the growing crowds of new golfers at these golf course destinations off the beaten path.
-
A Financial Expert's Three Steps to Becoming Debt-Free (Even in This Economy)
If debt has you spiraling, now is the time to take a few common-sense steps to help knock it down and get it under control.
-
I'm an Insurance Expert: This Is How Your Insurance Protects You While You're on Vacation
Here are three key things to consider about your insurance (auto, property and health) when traveling within the U.S., including coverage for rental cars, personal belongings and medical emergencies.
-
The Best FSA or HSA-Eligible Prime Day Deals You Can Shop Now
Double down on savings by taking advantage of these early Prime Day deals that are FSA or HSA eligible. Save on fitness trackers, air purifiers, baby gear and more.
-
Nissan Recalls Over 440,000 Vehicles for Risk of Engine Failure
Hundreds of thousands of cars are being recalled over safety concerns. Here's how to check if your vehicle is affected and what steps to take next.
-
Five Costly Medicare Myths
Signing up for Medicare can be complicated, and mistakes can be costly. Let's demystify these five Medicare myths to avoid expensive penalties.
-
These Cities Have the Most Dangerous Drivers — And It Could Cost You
A new list shows the cities where you're most likely to encounter collisions, making it a dangerous place to drive. That factor could also raise your insurance costs.