The most common question to slide in to my DM’s is ‘how much should I give as a gift’…. Now I could have had a lot of fun with that and sending you all on some mad financial journeys!
Photo credit – Noted Ireland
However, I spared you all financial ruin or being considered a big scab. I asked you all what the going rates are and you responded in your droves.
Here lies the majority based on just under 4000 responses. By no means am I telling you that this is what you HAVE to do, the decision is completely yours.
2022: (scroll down for 2023)
When it comes to the those who are in the bridal party. The main range of cash gift amount was between €200-€500 with the majority stating €400 per couple. (You wouldn’t want to be bridesmaid too often would you!)
Next, for very close friends or within close family, the going range was between €100-€300 with the main average at €200. That has gone up since the last time I ran this with €150 coming in previously. Many suggesting that they drop the card to the couple before the wedding so that they have some money to use towards the big day.
For those invited but not close circle of couple, their range was €100-€150.
63% said that they would still give the same amount as if getting married at home for an abroad wedding.
I also posed the question; ‘If invited and cannot attend, would you still give a gift?’. Surprisingly 63% of you said you still would. Terribly sound of you when you aren’t getting fed!
For those who opt to give a non-cash gift, with majority doing a hybrid of cash and sentimental gift, here are the main items you said you give.
By far experiential vouchers for Hotels and Holidays stole the show. The highest mentioned voucher type was The Blue Book Voucher. Press Up Vouchers and other restaurant dining vouchers also got a mention from a few. I absolutely love this. It gives the couple something to look forward to after their big day.
After that One4All vouchers were highly rated as well as Design Centre and Brown Thomas. We actually received a few Brown Thomas vouchers and they came in very handy when we started to buy pieces for our house.
A small number said that they were able to do vouchers towards the honeymoon cost.
2023 Update:
I recently got a temperature check on where people are at with their costs.
96% will give a cash gift – that has pretty much remained the same.
For those in the bridal party, the majority were putting €300-€400 – that has pretty much remained the same but there is a complete drop in gifts over €500 which was high last year.
For those not as close as the bridal party, the rate was between €200 and €300 which is up on last year.
Gift Guide:
Beyond vouchers, other items that were popular included; Newbridge Silverware, Newbridge Silverware and Newbridge Silverware. Always a gorgeous gift to get.
Here are the other ideas mentioned:
- Wall art
- Lamps
- Avoca hampers
- Irish made crafts
- Candles (Jo Malone engraved a firm favourite) – also here’s a tip, Dublin Airport Duty Free / The Loop is 15% cheaper than anywhere else.
- Candle holders
- Towels
- Glassware include Champagne / Wine Glasses
- Engraved giftware (picture frames, glassware etc)
- Photo frames
- Gin with glasses sets.
- Other alcohol including Champagne and Whiskey with again some getting engraving
- Paying for something in the wedding
- Pottery
- Case of wine
- Foxford blankets
- Wine decanter
- Family crest framed
Many asked me about wedding gift registries. At the moment, Wedding Club is the main one. Arnott’s used to have a brilliant one and that service doesn’t appear to be available anymore.
As you can see, there are so many different types of gifts and alternatives to cash of cash gifts are not for you. Funnily enough, outside of Ireland, the cash gift is just not as popular. We are a unique little nation that love splashing the cash.
I hope there’s some inspiration for you all here.
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