As wedding season picks up in Canada, many guests are facing a familiar dilemma in a time of rising expenses: how much to spend on a wedding gift? With the costs of travel, accommodations, and attire adding up, attending a wedding can become pricey. Additionally, more couples are opting for cash gifts or contributions towards their honeymoon instead of traditional registry items, leading guests to ponder the expected gift amount.
Sydney MacDonald, a resident of Calgary, mentioned that determining a specific amount for every wedding is challenging due to various circumstances. She usually leans towards a gift range of $100 to $200 for the weddings she attends. Meghan McKay suggested $250, while Patrick Griffin from St. John’s proposed $100. Faye Bian expressed a preference for a gift, suggesting a range of $50 to $100 as max.
These considerations are increasingly common as Canadians navigate wedding etiquette amidst a higher cost of living. Lauren Dubie, who is planning her wedding in 2028, emphasized the importance of considering her current financial situation and closeness to the couple when deciding on a gift amount. She shared a preference for cash gifts over traditional registries, which she views as outdated.
The evolving landscape of wedding costs reflects the broader trend of rising expenses. Statistics from WeddingWire Canada and The Knot’s 2025 Global Report indicate that the average Canadian wedding now ranges from $30,000 to $42,000. Inflation has surged by nearly 20% since 2021, with notable increases in hotel prices (over 40%) and flower costs (around 18%). Amanda Figueredo, the owner of Day of Diva Planning & Coordination, highlighted significant spikes in food and beverage expenses, such as higher prices for signature drinks.
Figueredo cautioned against directly linking gifts to wedding costs, emphasizing the complex factors influencing overall expenses. She recommended a starting point of around $100 for wedding gifts, emphasizing the importance of giving within one’s means. Wedding industry experts agree that there is no fixed rule for gift-giving, stressing that gifts should be heartfelt and aligned with the guest’s financial capacity.
Changing lifestyles are reshaping traditional gift-giving norms, with many couples already established in their households before marriage. Jennifer Bruce, who got married in 2025, opted for a honeymoon fund instead of physical gifts, reflecting a trend away from traditional registries. In some cultures, like the South Asian community, monetary gifts hold significant cultural value, symbolizing prosperity and abundance for the couple.
As wedding etiquette evolves and costs rise, guests are encouraged to give gifts from the heart within their means, with an emphasis on the sentiment behind the gesture rather than the monetary value.