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Whether you’re the maid-of-honour, a groomsman or simply a guest, we all know wedding season can be expensive.
In fact, one lifestyle brand Last Verdict estimated the cost of being a wedding guest to be staggering £541.90.
Meanwhile an American Express survey estimated it to be almost double that at £981, with childcare factored in. In this economy!
This figure is made up of the cost of a hotel, transportation, an outfit, the hen or stag do and, of course, the wedding guest, which is estimated to cost around £72 on average.
Wedding etiquette is a funny one to navigate, especially when it comes to money.
How much are you really meant to spend on a gift? Or, more accurately, how little is too little to spend on a gift?
Thankfully, personal finance experts at Ocean Finance put together a handy guide for how much you should spend based on your role in the wedding, from the average guest to the bridal party.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen, they said, typically spend about £100 on their wedding gift.
You can lower these costs by getting everyone in the wedding party to chip in for a bigger present, which always gets more bang for your buck.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen gift ideas
The most stylish toaster in the land
If you’re buying a solo pressie, this Haden 4-Slice Toaster from Anthropologie is a winner.
A kitchen kit that’s pretty and practical
Or chip in for a larger present and get the Ultimate Kitchen Set from Our Place, featuring the cult, millennial Always Pan.
Gifts for immediate family members
Immediate family members should expect to spend between £50 and £100, according to Ocean Finance, but of course your close family members will know how much you can afford, so don’t overspend for the sake of it.
The experts recommend getting the newlyweds a restaurant or hotel voucher, or a nice hamper with all their favourite things.
Dinner plates they’ll want to show off to mates
The set of four recycled havana dinner plates is is fab option at just under £75.
A beautiful vase, for a beautiful day
Alternatively, who doesn’t love a vase? This one from Arket gets our vote.
All-day guests who aren’t closely related to the family typically spend about £30 to £80.
‘While many think that their gift should reflect the cost of the wedding meal, it really depends on how much you’re comfortable spending,’ Ocean Finance experts said.
They recommend getting the happy couple a personalised gift or something for their home.
Sophisticated set of two vintage Martini glasses
If they love a drink, they’ll love these.
A classy Walnut cutting board
Much better than plastic.
A pair of matching mugs and coasters
Opt for the newlyweds’ initials for a sweet gift.
Evening-only guest reception gift ideas
Finally, evening-only guests typically spend around £20 to £40.
Smaller, yet still thoughtful gifts are a good way to show you care, though it is by no means expected of you.
You could also consider contributing to the honeymoon pot, if that option is available.
Opt for this 18cm green terracotta pot
Perfect for their plant babies.
Finally, an oh-so-delicious candle
Jo Malone London’s English Pear and Freesia Travel Candle is the one.
A spokesperson for Ocean Finance said: ‘While people might worry about how much to spend on a gift, many couples are just happy you’re able to celebrate the day with them – and realise you’ve probably already spent money doing just that.
‘If you do, however, plan on buying them a gift, we found that people tend to spend more if they’re closer to the couple, with over double the spend for a family member or close friend, compared to acquaintances, such as a colleague.
‘However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to show how much you care and opting for a personalised or handmade gift (Etsy is great for this!) can be a thoughtful and affordable way of celebrating the newlyweds.’
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