5 Wedding Gift Etiquette Rules Guests Should Always Follow

Technically, technically, if you've been invited to a wedding, it's not mandatory that you give a gift. Of course, if you're reading this, you're probably not considering showing up empty-handed. You want to know what wedding gift etiquette says about what to give as a present, how much money you should spend on a wedding gift and when to deliver it. Weddings are huge milestones that deserve to be celebrated, and you want to shower the couple with love to honor their big day. So, to help you be the best wedding guest ever, we're breaking down everything to know about proper etiquette for wedding gifts. Below, find wedding gift protocols all guests should follow. By sticking to these tried-and-true rules, you'll find the perfect present for the newlyweds without running into any accidental faux pas.

In this article:

• Our Best Wedding Gift Etiquette Advice
• What is a Proper Wedding Gift?
• Do You Bring Your Gift to the Wedding?
• How Long Do You Have to Give a Wedding Gift?

Our Best Wedding Gift Etiquette Advice

1. Use the couple's wedding registry

This rule is wedding gift etiquette 101. When it comes to gifting, most guests will take all the help they can get. That's exactly why you should take advantage of the couple's wedding registry. Browsing the internet for wedding gifts can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you're not sure what the couple wants. And, while we've curated this roundup of great wedding gift ideas, every couple has different needs and preferences. That is why we recommend first and foremost checking their registry. Their curated wishlist will include plenty of wedding gift ideas at a variety of price ranges, giving you flexibility when it comes to picking something you know they'll love.

If you try shopping off-registry, you run the risk of getting the happy couple something they already have or something they don't need (and possibly don't have space for in their home). Save yourself from potential shopping stress (and save the couple a return) by using all of the resources available to you. And good news! The registry isn't just for wedding gifts. You're encouraged to use it to find an engagement gift and wedding shower gift too.

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2. Cash is completely acceptable

Rest assured that giving money as a wedding gift is no longer taboo. In fact, it's becoming increasingly common for couples to register for cash funds and gift cards in addition to traditional wedding presents. Newlywed life is expensive—they'll appreciate your generosity as they save for a house, adopt a puppy or fly off to their dream honeymoon.

3. Check their wedding website for clues

The couple's registry isn't the sole digital resource for wedding gift inspiration, you can also find clues on their wedding website. Not only is their custom site a hub for relevant wedding details, like the dress code and transportation logistics, but it may include extra information about their registry picks. Plus, some couples use their website to share their love story, which can help spark great gift ideas for you. If they wrote that their first date was over Italian food, you might consider getting them a pasta maker or a gift card to their favorite local restaurant. You can find some great insights on a couple's wedding website, which is why we encourage guests to take a peek before deciding on a gift. (Psst: Here's how to find a couple's wedding website on The Knot.)

4. Spend what you can comfortably give

What does wedding present etiquette say in terms of cost? Well, there's actually no magic number. In 2024, the average wedding gift cost was $150, according to The Knot 2024 Guest Study*. The amount increased to $160 for close friends, family and the wedding party and dipped to $140 for a casual friend. In the past, the "cover your plate" rule was considered the gold standard. The rule dictated that guests bought a wedding gift that cost about the same as their attendance at the reception. This isn't realistic for every guest's budget, though, and assumes the couple is comfortable sharing that price. So, what does this all mean? Ultimately, you should spend what you're able to comfortably afford on a wedding gift.

Use your relationship as a guide—while you might want to spend more on a gift for your best friend, it's completely okay to spend a little less on someone you're not as close with, like a coworker or a distant relative. It's also perfectly fine to lower your budget if you're a member of the wedding party and will be spending more on things like the bach party and ceremony attire. You may want to look into gifts that fall between $50 and $200, and use your personal budget to find one that you can reasonably afford.

5. Consider chipping in on a big gift

When it comes to wedding gift etiquette, group gifts are acceptable—even encouraged. Couples will likely add a few big-ticket items to their wedding registry, which are perfect candidates for group gifts. If the to-be-weds registered for something that's out of range for just one person to afford, ask some other guests to go in on it with you. The couple will be touched by your generosity and you might even be able to save some money, depending on the size of your group. Just be sure that everyone who chips in signs their name on the wedding card. This protocol for wedding gifts is essential because it's the only way the couple will know who to thank.

What is a Proper Wedding Gift?

In the simplest terms, a proper wedding gift is something the couple will like and can use—hence why shopping from their registry is so important. While you should choose a wedding gift in your budget, you shouldn't neglect the couple's wishes. They want exactly what they put on their registry, not the dupe you found on Amazon for 25% off. (That's actually #4 for worst wedding gifts.) If you need to shop off-registry, choose a gift that the couple will still value and not have duplicates of, like personalized wall art (if you know their interior style), a gift card to a local restaurant or cash.

Do You Bring Your Gift to the Wedding?

You can bring your wedding gift to the ceremony or reception, in fact most couples have a wedding gift table. While it's easy to drop off a card and check, you probably don't want to carry a beautifully wrapped blender to the soiree. Luckily, if you purchase a gift from their wedding registry, it will be shipped directly to the couple, eliminating any extra transportation hassles.

How Long Do You Have to Give a Wedding Gift?

Punctuality plays a big role in proper wedding gift manners. Traditionally, guests have up to a year after the big day to send a gift. That said, many experts agree that guests should aim to get their presents delivered to the couple within three months of the wedding. While this is a recommendation, it's a nice gesture to send your gift for the couple promptly and even before the wedding day itself. When it comes to knowing the proper etiquette for wedding gifts, giving what you can is a kind gesture—and doing so in a timely manner will make your present that much sweeter.

*The Knot 2024 Guest Study surveyed 1,000 US adults ages 18-54 who attended at least one wedding in person in 2024.

Additional reporting by Emily Rumsey.