How much money should you really spend on big-day gifting?

Confused Brits turn to Google for advice as expert spills secrets to saving cash without looking stingy 

Wedding season is fast approaching – and while many Brits are busy outfit-hunting or booking hotels, there’s one part of the big day that continues to cause confusion - how much money should you actually spend on the happy couple?

It's a question thousands of guests are turning to the internet for. In fact, Google searches for ‘how much money should you give for a wedding gift’ have soared by a whopping 5,000% over the past month*, proving just how panicked Brits are about getting it right.

Whether you're a close friend, a distant cousin or simply a plus-one, it’s natural to want to spoil the bride and groom – but with the cost of living still biting, splashing out just isn’t an option for many.

So, what should you actually be spending? Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, has done the homework for you.

Considering etiquette guidance, Anita has crunched the numbers - breaking down exactly what you should spend based on your relationship to the couple, plus clever tricks to make your gift feel luxe on a budget.

From DIY gifts that actually impress, to savvy spending swaps that can save you hundreds, Anita shares the ultimate 2025 guide to wedding gifting – so you can raise a glass, not your credit card bill…

Till debt do us part?

Shockingly, research shows 11% of wedding guests go into debt to attend a wedding[i]. From expensive outfits to obligatory hen and stag spending, the average wedding guest shells out £451 to simply attend on the day[ii].

But, how much of this cost should go directly to the happy couple, and how can you keep spending to a happy medium? After analysing guidance from a range of etiquette experts and consumer reports, Anita has settled on these figures as a practical starting point:

“These ranges reflect what’s commonly considered appropriate,” Anita explains.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to wedding gifts. It really depends on your personal finances, how close you are to the couple, and whether you’ve already spent money attending the wedding – for example on travel, accommodation, or the hen or stag do.”

‘Love don’t cost a thing’ – here’s how to make it cheaper:

Not everyone has a spare £150 lying around – and with the average person attending multiple weddings each year, the costs can quickly spiral. To help out guests across the nation, Anita shares her top hacks for thoughtful gifting on a budget:

1. The personalised print swap
“If you can’t afford to gift cash, consider a meaningful keepsake. Sites like Etsy offer affordable personalised prints of wedding dates, vows, or star maps from the night they met – often for under £20.”

2. DIY hampers that hit the mark
“Build-your-own hampers can feel even more special than expensive shop-bought ones, especially if they are tailored specially to the couple. Think a bottle of their favourite bubbly to mark the event, a framed photo featuring the couple, or even an old-school homemade playlist of ‘their songs’. With a little creativity, you can make a winning gift for under £20.”

3. Group gifting for bigger impact
“Instead of individual gifts, club together with friends or family and buy one larger present from the couple’s wish list – or offer cash as a group gift. This spreads the cost and gives you more bang for your buck, whilst still making the couple feel spoiled on their big day.”

4. Don’t underestimate a heartfelt message
“Sometimes, the most valuable gift is a thoughtful note. If money is tight, write a personal letter or card with your best wishes and memories. It's the kind of thing couples treasure long after the day has passed.”

5. Offer your services 

“Whilst the cost of attending a wedding can go into the hundreds, the cost of having a wedding is likely to go into the tens of thousands. If you have a special skill such as calligraphy, flower arranging, or crafting, offering to help DIY wedding decorations and stationery can go a long way - saving yourself (and the happy couple) some hard-earned cash.”

For better or for purse: how to save even more on wedding season…

It’s not just wedding gifting that hurts your wallet. Travel, outfits, childcare, and overnight stays all add up.

So, how can you keep costs reasonable without cutting out the fun? Anita recommends:

Travel tricks: “If you’re heading to a wedding out of town, consider using public transport where possible to save on hefty petrol and parking fees. If you are staying overnight, it is often cheaper to stay at a local hotel a few minutes away from the venue rather than utilising rooms onsite. Always run a price comparison and check for discounts available before committing to a room!”

Guest outfit deals: “Avoid splurging on a brand-new outfit every time. Rental platforms like By Rotation or Hurr let you borrow designer looks from just £20. If you’re looking for a piece to keep and reuse, check VoucherCodes.co.uk for deals on occasion wear from stores like ASOS, John Lewis, or Karen Millen.

Group child care swaps: “If you and friends all have kids and are attending the same wedding, arrange a group childcare swap or take turns supervising. You could save hundreds compared to booking individual babysitters.”

“Weddings are a time for celebrating – not stressing over how much money to give. Whether you’re spending £25 or £250, what matters most is the thought behind it. A little planning and creativity can go a long way – and mean your gift is remembered for all the right reasons.” 

For more information on VoucherCodes.co.uk, please visit here.