As wedding season picks up in various parts of Canada, many attendees are facing a familiar dilemma during a time of rising expenses: the question of how much they should spend on a wedding present. With costs for travel, accommodations, and attire adding up quickly, the financial burden of attending a wedding can be significant. Moreover, an increasing number of couples are opting for cash gifts or contributions towards their honeymoon rather than traditional registry items, leaving guests uncertain about gift expectations.
Sydney MacDonald, speaking in Calgary’s Beltline to CBC, highlighted the challenge of determining a fixed amount for each wedding, recognizing the varying circumstances that come into play. She mentioned that, in her experience, she typically leans towards a range of $100 to $200 for wedding gifts. Meghan McKay suggested a slightly higher amount of $250, while Patrick Griffin from St. John’s mentioned $100 as his preference. Faye Bian expressed a preference for a gift within the $50 to $100 range.
These considerations reflect the evolving landscape of wedding etiquette as Canadians navigate the realities of a higher cost of living. Lauren Dubie, who is planning her own wedding for 2028, emphasized the importance of factoring in personal financial constraints and proximity to the couple when deciding on a gift. She highlighted a preference for cash gifts over traditional registries, which she views as outdated.
In tandem with changing gift-giving norms, the overall expenses associated with weddings are on the rise. According to the 2025 Global Report from WeddingWire Canada and The Knot, the average Canadian wedding now costs between $30,000 and $42,000. This increase in wedding costs is reflective of broader inflationary trends, with prices for various wedding components surging. Amanda Figueredo, the owner of Day of Diva Planning & Coordination, noted significant hikes in expenses, particularly in food and beverage costs, with signature drink prices rising substantially in recent years.
While there is no fixed rule for wedding gifts, industry experts emphasize that guests should not feel pressured to adhere to specific expectations. Lenora Kingcott, a seasoned wedding industry professional, stated that the sentiment behind the gift should take precedence over the monetary value, aligning with one’s financial capabilities. Kingcott debunked the outdated notion that guests should “cover their plate” and suggested an average of around $100 per guest as a starting point, which can vary based on individual circumstances and personal connections to the couple.
The changing dynamics of modern relationships, where many couples cohabit before marriage and already have established households, are reshaping traditional gift-giving customs. Jennifer Bruce, who married in Calgary last year, opted for a honeymoon fund instead of physical gifts, recognizing that they did not require traditional household items. This trend towards experiential gifts is reflective of shifting preferences among couples and guests.
Moreover, cultural traditions play a significant role in shaping gift-giving practices at weddings. In communities such as the South Asian culture, monetary gifts hold symbolic significance, representing wishes for abundance and prosperity for the couple. Industry professionals in the wedding planning sector corroborate the prevalence of monetary gifts in various cultural contexts, with trends indicating an increase in gift amounts over time. Gifts like red envelopes, symbolizing good fortune, are commonly exchanged at weddings within these cultural traditions.