21 June 2026

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How Much to Give for a Wedding Gift in Australia (2026)

WEDDING REGISTRY GUIDE

How Much Should You Give as a Wedding Gift in Australia?

Written by Robert James· Updated October 2026 · 10 minute read

The invitation’s on the fridge, the outfit’s sorted, and now comes the question almost every wedding guest asks quietly: how much should I actually give? Spend too little and it can feel awkward; stretch too far and you’re paying off someone else’s big day for months.

There’s no single right answer, but there are some clear guidelines Australian guests use. Here’s a practical guide to wedding gift amounts by relationship, plus the etiquette that makes giving easy.

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Start with the "cover your plate" idea

A long-standing rule of thumb is to give at least enough to cover the cost of hosting you. It isn’t a strict rule, and couples don’t expect guests to calculate it, but it’s a useful starting point because weddings aren’t cheap to host.

According to the latest Australian wedding statistics from Ever After Weddings, the average Australian wedding now costs around $38,252, and the full cost per guest (venue, catering and drinks) typically lands between $180 and $300 depending on the venue. Sydney and Melbourne weddings tend to sit at the higher end.

That doesn’t mean you need to match the per-head cost exactly. It just explains why a gift in the low hundreds is common for close relationships.

How much to give, by relationship

The same Ever After Weddings figures put the typical Australian wedding gift at between $100 and $200 per person, with $150 the most common single amount. As a rough guide:

Your relationship	Typical gift (per person)	Good to know
Close family	$200 to $400	Parents and grandparents often give more, or contribute to a bigger item or experience.
Close friends	$100 to $200	The sweet spot for most guests. $150 is the most common amount.
Colleagues	$50 to $100	A shared group gift from the office is a popular option.
Acquaintances	$50 to $80	A thoughtful card matters as much as the amount.

These are guides, not rules. Give what feels right for your relationship and your budget.

Giving as a couple or a family

If you’re attending with a partner, most couples give a combined gift rather than two separate ones, often around double the individual amount, or a little less. Families with children usually give one gift from the household.

What about destination weddings?

If you’re travelling interstate or overseas to attend, your travel and accommodation are already a significant contribution. Many couples say outright that your presence is the gift. A smaller gift, or a contribution to their honeymoon fund, is perfectly acceptable.

If your budget is tight

A wedding gift should never cause financial stress. Some easy alternatives:

Group gifting: chip in with friends or colleagues towards something bigger, like a piece of furniture, an experience or a honeymoon activity.
Contribute to a fund: put a smaller amount towards their honeymoon, home deposit or a shared experience.
Write a meaningful card: a heartfelt message the couple will keep for years is worth more than people realise.

Cash or a gift from the registry?

Cash gifts have become the norm in Australia, with wishing wells and honeymoon funds largely replacing traditional store registries. Many couples already live together and would rather put money towards a honeymoon, a home or a big experience than receive another set of towels.

The easiest option is to check whether the couple has a registry. A flexible registry lets you choose how to give: contribute to a cash fund, buy a physical gift from any store, or put money towards an experience, all in one place. If the couple uses Sent With Love, you can find their registry on our Find a Registry page.

Wedding gift etiquette, quickly

When to give: before the wedding through the registry is easiest for everyone. If you’re giving cash on the day, use the wishing well or a card, never hand it over loose.
What to write: a warm, personal message, a favourite memory, and your wishes for their future together.
If you can’t attend: it’s still kind to send a gift if you’re close to the couple, although a card alone is fine.
Engagement and kitchen tea gifts: these are usually smaller than the wedding gift and don’t change what you give on the day.

The bottom line

Most Australian guests give somewhere between $100 and $200, with more for close family and a little less for colleagues and acquaintances. Above all, give what’s comfortable and add a thoughtful message. Couples remember the kindness far more than the number.

For couples, the easiest way to remove the guesswork is to give guests clear, flexible options. Sent With Love brings your online wishing well, contribution funds, experiences and gifts from any store together in one personalised registry. Guests can then choose a gift or contribution option that suits their budget, leave a personal message and give securely online. All through one convenient link.