Consumer Products Educational
Wedding Season: How Much Should You Spend on Gifts?
May 28, 2025
With the summer months comes not only an increase in the temperature, but also an increase in the number of people celebrating the biggest moment of their lives: Their wedding! As wedding season approaches, one question frequently lingers in the minds of the guests… “how much should I spend on a wedding gift?”
At Peoples Savings Bank, we believe you can celebrate your loved ones and protect your finances. Here’s your guide to navigating wedding gift etiquette, setting a seasonal gift budget, and making smart money moves along the way.
Understanding Wedding Gift Etiquette
There’s no strict rule on how much to spend—it really depends on:
- Your relationship to the couple
- Your current budget
- Local customs or expectations
General gift ranges to consider:
- Co-workers or acquaintances: $50–75
- Friends or extended family: $75–150
- Close family or best friends: $150+
As we said, these figures aren’t any sort of standard, but we hope they can provide you with a bit of guidance in planning your wedding gift budget.
Tips for Budgeting During Wedding Season
With summer here, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the number of weddings you have coming up on your calendar. Don’t let buying gifts for your friends and family put a strain on your budget! Here are a few helpful budgeting tips to help you stay on track with your financial goals:
- Set a seasonal gift budget: Total up what you can comfortably spend across all events and divide it accordingly.
- Open a dedicated savings account: Use a savings account from Peoples Savings Bank to set money aside ahead of time—not just for gifts, but for travel or lodging too.
- Shop early: Keep an eye out for deals or registry discounts so you’re not scrambling at the last minute (and paying more).
- Consider group gifts: Teaming up with friends or family can help you afford a higher-end gift without blowing your budget.
- Use Your Credit Card & Earn Rewards: Not ready to give up your savings? Opt for using your credit card to make the gift purchase—with a PSB VISA Signature® Credit Card you can earn rewards on regular purchases, plus air travel, hotels (hello, wedding lodgings!), and dining.
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Monetary vs. Personalized Gifts
Cash gifts are more common these days, but personalized presents still hold special value. Ideas include:
- Custom artwork
- Monogrammed home goods
- A heartfelt letter paired with a small cash gift
Need ideas? The couple’s wedding registry is a great place to start.
Protecting Your Finances While Celebrating
Financial wellness comes down to making sound, informed decisions that align with your values and goals. When you’re attending weddings this summer – whether it’s one wedding or ten – it’s important to remember to prioritize your own financial stability and to celebrate within your means. Don’t go into debt to buy gifts this season.
Need some assistance in setting up a budget for wedding gifts? Contact us today! We’ll be happy to speak with you about your financial goals and obligations and give you personalized advice that helps you keep your spending on track.
With a little planning and the right financial tools, you can celebrate in style this wedding season while also staying on track for your financial goals!