You saved the date well over a year ago now and as the big day draws closer, you’re still left pondering over what you’re going to buy for a wedding present. Will you be choosing from that department store gift list? Or braving the high street? Perhaps you’re racking your brains and frantically scouring the internet? Let’s take a look at what your options are and how much you may want to consider committing to your purchase.
Wedding gift price tags – How much do other people spend?
The uncertainty over what to buy the couple-to-be is perhaps only rivalled by the confusion guests experience when it comes to cost. According to Hitched-wife.org, the average wedding guest spends approximately £48 on a wedding gift. But even with this figure, there will be drastically differing prices at either end of the scale. What’s more, there have been plenty of stories that have ended up in the media where gifts have been given only to be commented upon as to their value (take this story on Mumsnet about one guest who received an email from the bride stating that she was “surprised that your contribution didn't seem to match the warmth of your good wishes on our big day”). Wow, just wow.
Is there really a set price?
Despite there being statistics and forums of gifts being berated for their price tag, the value that you spend on a wedding present will likely depend on many factors, including how well you know the couple, what they may need at the time and even whether they’ve requested money over gifts.
A study by Marie Claire surveyed 2000 people, and averaged out how much they each spent on various people to whom they had different relationships. Here’s the full rundown:
1. Your sibling – £79
2. Grandchild – £79
3. Your parent – £72
4. Partner’s parent – £65
5. Best friend – £65
6. Your partner’s sibling – £63
7. Good friend – £40
8. An aunt – £38
9. An uncle – £38
10. Your cousin – £37
11. Your partner’s cousin – £33
12. Your partner’s friend – £30
13. Friend of the family – £27
14. Second cousins – £26
15. The boss – £24
16. Your neighbour – £22
How much can you really afford?
Getting married is expensive. Even for the guests. After all, you need to fork out for outfits, drinks and accommodation if travelling. All in all, the average wedding costs a guest £377 (Daily Mail), and a staggering one in six people decide not to attend the wedding of a loved one owing to their not being able to afford it (Experian). So, the question over the cost of a gift may also come down to how much you can afford – and it’s really better to attend with a moderate gift, than to have to skip the event owing to cost.
A personal touch – It’s priceless.
For all the money in the world, and no matter how expensive a gift you may buy, there’s only one thing that is priceless, and that’s a gift carefully selected to be personal and completely unique to a couple. When creating a personal gift, consider their qualities as a couple, their history and any memorable moments – if you have photos from some years back, all the better.
If you’re looking for something truly individual, our wedding and anniversary gifts section should have all that you need to celebrate “Happily Ever After” for the couple who are soon to exchange vows.
