The average wedding gift spending is usually around $100 per person , with many modern etiquette sources placing it in the $100 to $150 range. Emily Post-style etiquette also emphasizes that your budget and relationship to the couple matter more than any fixed rule.

Quick Scoop

A practical way to think about it is:

[6] [8][5] [2][7][5]
Relationship Common amount per person
Friend / coworker $50 to $100
Close friend / family $100 to $150+
Typical overall average Around $100 to $120

Emily Post angle

The main Emily Post principle is that wedding gifts should fit your comfort level , your relationship with the couple, and what feels appropriate for your situation. That means there is no single required amount, even though people often use about $100 as a baseline.

Simple rule of thumb

  • Give about $100 if you want a safe, standard amount.
  • Give more if you are especially close to the couple.
  • Give less if your budget is tight; a thoughtful gift is still appropriate.

The short answer: about $100 per person is the common average, and $100–$150 is a very typical modern range.