Your situation
“Cover your plate”: we suggest about 1×–2× this amount if you know it.
Compared to the suggested range after you calculate.
Typical bands by country (illustrative)
| Region | Very rough cash band | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| India | ₹1,000 – ₹10,000+ | City and venue matter; shagun often avoids round hundreds. |
| USA | $50 – $200+ | Higher in expensive metros; couples may give more than solo guests. |
| UK | £40 – £150+ | Similar logic to US; relationship drives the spread. |
How much should you give as a wedding gift?
Most people balance closeness to the couple, what others in their circle tend to do, how big the event is, and their own budget. There is no single correct number—generosity should not strain your finances.
Wedding gift etiquette by country
Norms differ by region, religion, and generation. Registry gifts, cash in envelopes, and digital transfers are all common. When unsure, discreetly ask friends who know the family or follow local custom.
Cash vs physical gifts
Cash is flexible for the couple and easy to transport—especially for destination weddings. Physical gifts can feel personal but may duplicate registry items. Many weddings in India and elsewhere prefer or accept cash.
Mini etiquette quiz
Pick the best answer—just for fun (not a score on your character!).
1. You’re a coworker attending a large city wedding. The most important factor is:
2. “Cover your plate” means:
3. You cannot attend but want to send love. You should:
Embed
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FAQ
- How much money should I give for a wedding?
- Use relationship, how many of you attend, and how formal the wedding is, then stay inside a budget you are comfortable with. Our calculator turns those knobs into a range.
- Is ₹5,000 a good wedding gift?
- It can be reasonable for a friend-level wedding in many Indian cities, but expectations vary. Compare with the optional per-plate estimate if you have a sense of catering cost.
- Should I cover my plate?
- Some people aim to gift roughly what the hosts spend per guest (often discussed as 1–2× per plate). It is only one guideline alongside closeness and affordability.
- What is a typical wedding gift amount in the US or UK?
- Broad bands are often quoted around tens to low hundreds in local currency for many guests, with higher amounts for close family—region and venue matter.