Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce reportedly have a no-gift policy for their wedding, but for most couples, the question of what to give — and how much to spend — remains a tricky social puzzle. Wedding lists are increasingly being replaced by cash requests, leaving guests unsure of the etiquette. On average, guests contribute £116, according to wedding list service Prezola, but expectations vary widely based on closeness, culture, and the cost of attending.
The shift from physical gifts to cash or honeymoon funds has become commonplace. Invitations now often read: "Your presence is enough, but if you would like to give us a gift, please donate to our honeymoon fund." Prezola says it has seen a rise in couples inviting guests to pay for specific experiences rather than a generic cash pot. However, this trend creates new dilemmas: how much should you give, and is it acceptable to ignore the request for money?
“A guide to wedding gift etiquette in the UK, including how much to give and whether cash or gifts are expected.”
Traditionally, wedding gifts were chosen from a registry, but couples today often prefer cash to fund honeymoons, home renovations, or other expenses. The average UK couple spends around £4,000 on their honeymoon, according to wedding planning website Hitched. For guests, the amount given can depend on their relationship with the couple. Jonny, 34, says he and his wife Lottie contribute between £250 and £400 depending on closeness and affordability. At his own wedding, most close friends gave between £100 and £200, with one couple giving £400 and his father donating £2,000. Hannah Rose-Thorn, 30, says she "always gives £50 in a card" and found that the average contribution to her own honeymoon fund was the same. She received £3,000 from guests, which she used as spending money for her honeymoon.
Despite the shift to cash, some guests still prefer physical gifts. Jonny notes that some people ignore the request for money because they want to give something more meaningful. This often results in a mix of vouchers and physical items. Hannah received champagne and flute glasses despite asking for money, which she says will likely be regifted.
For UK readers, understanding wedding gift etiquette can reduce anxiety. The key is to consider your relationship, your budget, and the couple’s preferences. If they’ve requested cash, a contribution to their fund is the most helpful. If you’re unsure, a thoughtful card with a note is always appreciated.
Q: How much should I give at a wedding? The average guest contribution is £116, but amounts range from £50 to £400 or more depending on your closeness to the couple and your financial situation. Close friends and family often give more, while casual acquaintances may give less.
Q: Is it rude to give cash instead of a physical gift? No, many couples now prefer cash or contributions to a honeymoon fund. If they’ve explicitly asked for money, it’s the most practical gift. However, if they haven’t specified, a physical gift from a registry is still thoughtful.
Q: What if I can’t afford to give a lot? A heartfelt card with a modest amount is perfectly acceptable. Most guests understand that travel, accommodation, and outfits add up. As Hannah Rose-Thorn says, she always gives £50 in a card, and that’s been well received.
What happens next? The trend towards cash gifts shows no sign of reversing, especially as younger couples prioritise experiences. But etiquette will continue to evolve, and guests should always check invitations for specific requests. If in doubt, a sincere note and a reasonable contribution — whether cash or gift — will be appreciated.