Some of the links on this blog may be affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertasing program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate websites.
All weddings have the same goal in every geographical location: to unite two people in marriage. The wedding ceremony and gift customs vary around the world. In the US, Canada, and Australia, wedding gifts reflect a blend of long-standing customs and modern trends. In this article, we explore how gift-giving trends have evolved in these three countries—from traditional registries to the growing preference for monetary gifts.
Table of Contents
The Wedding Industry’s Economic Impact
The wedding industry is a multi-billion-dollar business across the USA, Canada, and Australia. In 2023 in the United States alone, the industry was valued at approximately $70 billion with the average wedding costing around $30,000. In Canada, couples spend an average of C$29,000 on their big day, while in Australia, wedding costs hover around A$36,000. With such significant expenses, wedding gifts play an essential role, whether by helping newlyweds offset costs or contributing to their future plans.
The Rise of Sustainable and Non-Traditional Weddings
Eco-friendly weddings are becoming more popular in the US, Canada, and Australia every year. This trend is leading to changes in wedding gift preferences. This trend is leading to changes in wedding gift preferences. Across the three countries, over 50% of customers are ready to participate in sustainability initiatives and activities.
This trend reflects a broader shift toward mindful wedding gift choices. Couples are more often requesting sustainable gifts, charity donations in their name or experience-based presents.
Factors to Consider When Giving Monetary Wedding Gifts in the US, Canada and Australia
1. Your relationship with the couple: Think about how close you are with the couple. Closer relationships usually mean more generous gifts. For a sibling or close friend, you might go bigger than for a coworker or distant relative.
2. Your budget: Stick to your budget and always give what you can comfortably afford. If cash is not an option, picking something thoughtful from the registry works just as well.
3. Cost of attendance: If attending the wedding involves considerable travel expenses, it’s perfectly acceptable to adjust your gift amount to fit your budget.
4. Cultural expectations: Before you decide what to give, find out if the wedding-gift traditions depend on the region where the wedding is taking place.
5. Your role in the wedding: If you contributed significantly to the wedding in other ways, such as hosting a bachelor or bachelorette party, then you may want to give a smaller cash gift.
6. Costs of living: In cities with a higher cost of living (e.g., New York, Toronto, Sydney), guests often give more money and high-value gifts. In smaller towns, the cost of living tends to be lower, which typically results in lower wedding expenses, leading to more modest wedding gift prices.
Wedding Gift Traditions in the US
The variety of wedding traditions in the United States is a reflection of many cultures and nations, resulting in a rich and diverse blend. Traditional American weddings are quite big and lavish, especially when it is the first wedding for the bride.
In the United States, wedding gift-giving has evolved over time, mixing traditional practices with modern trends. The most common American wedding gift tradition used to be solely registry-based, a curated list of gifts that the couple needed or wanted. Based on this list, guests usually provided household items to help newlyweds set up their new home.
However, recent trends indicate a shift towards monetary gifts. On average, US wedding guests spend around $150 on a gift, but due to inflation, that amount has increased to an average of $187 in 2023. This shift reflects a growing preference for flexibility, allowing couples to allocate funds towards experiences like honeymoons or significant investments such as their new house.
How much should I spend on a wedding gift in the US?
Experts recommend monetary wedding gifts starting at $100. You might want to work your way up to $500 based on factors like your relationship with the couple, your budget, and the cost of attending the wedding.
Nevertheless, there is no one strict gift-giving rule for all different types of American weddings. What matters most is to stay within your budget and show newlyweds that the gift is thoughtful.
- 💰 Coworkers or distant relatives: $50 to $100
- 💰 Friends and relatives: $100 to $150
- 💰 Close friends and family members: $150 or more
American Wedding Registry
Wedding planning often begins with the couple sending “save the date” notices, giving guests an early heads-up about the big day. These invitations often include details about the wedding logistics and a link to the couple’s wedding registry.
In the United States, the concept of a registry is deeply rooted in the wedding planning process. Couples prepare a list of desired items and gadgets that are usually related to their new home. The advantage of the registry is that guests are able to choose gifts that the newlyweds really need and want.
As online platforms have become more popular, wedding registries have moved online, making gift-giving more convenient. Online shopping has changed the way guests shop for wedding gifts, allowing them to do so more conveniently.
As a result, many retailers have adapted to this trend and offered direct gift shipping to the couple’s homes just after the wedding day. Additionally, modern registries include monetary wedding gift options like honeymoon funds and mobile payment methods for cash gifts, making contributions easier than ever.
Traditional wedding gifts in America often include:
- Kitchen Appliances: Items like blenders, toasters, or a trendy stand mixer.
- Home Décor: Picture frames or artwork to decorate the couple’s new home.
- Bedding and Linens: High-quality sheets, comforters, or monogrammed towels.
Wedding Gift Traditions in Canada
Canadian wedding gift-giving etiquette often closely follows trends in the US but is also influenced by English and French traditions. Recent trends show that more and more couples are requesting monetary wedding gifts, especially if they plan on buying a house or need financial support for a honeymoon.
The Canadian “Sock Dance” Tradition
In French-speaking parts of Canada, there is one particular unique tradition that adds more fun to the celebration. One of the most well-known customs is the “sock dance,” where unmarried siblings of the bride or groom wear silly socks and perform a dance while guests throw money at them. This tradition symbolizes good fortune and contributes to the couple’s future.
Popular Wedding Gifts in Canada
Many Canadian couples create online registries, simplifying the gift-giving process by listing things they truly want.
Canadians tend to be practical gift-givers, often prioritizing functional and high-quality items over decorative ones. If you’re choosing a wedding gift for a Canadian couple, consider the following:
- Kitchen appliances: High-quality blenders, stand mixers, air fryers, or coffee makers.
- Experiences and gift cards: Date-night gift cards for restaurants, movies, or spas, as well as travel vouchers or honeymoon contributions.
- Personalized gifts: Customized kitchen or bathroom sets, monogrammed towels, or engraved kitchen gadgets.
- Outdoor and lifestyle Items: Camping gear, picnic sets, or BBQ grills are all great for those outdoorsy Canadians.
How much should I spend on a wedding gift in Canada?
Wedding guests generally base their gift amount on their relationship with the couple and take into account the estimated cost of attendance. Canadians tend to spend more on wedding gifts than on any other occasion, spending an average of C$145. According to a survey, those aged 35 to 44 spend the most, with an average gift of C$171.
- 💰 Coworkers or distant relatives: C$50 to C$100
- 💰 Friends and relatives: C$75 to C$150
- 💰 Close friends and family members: C$300 or more
Wedding Gift Traditions in Australia
Australian wedding gifts typically reflect the country’s laid-back and practical culture. Australia’s inviting climate often inspires couples to choose stunning settings for the wedding ceremony. Beaches, gardens, or other picturesque outdoor locations become the place of celebration, offering the couple a modern and unique experience.
Both New Zealand and Australia are members of the British Commonwealth, and as a result, many traditions, including wedding traditions, have been borrowed from Great Britain. However, they are often influenced by the wedding customs of the native inhabitants, who have inhabited Australia for thousands of years.
Current Australian wedding customs are not that drastically different from those practiced in the US and Canada, such as cutting the wedding cake together, exchanging wedding rings, and having a wedding reception with friends and acquaintances.
The Concept of an Australian “Wishing Well”
One unique aspect of Australian weddings is the concept of a “wishing well,” where guests can contribute cash or checks in a decorative box. This tradition is similar to the practice of giving money in envelopes as wedding gifts in Europe and has become a staple at many Australian weddings.
Surveys show that guests typically give between A$50 and A$200. Some guests contribute up to A$1,000 for a close friend’s destination wedding, while others consider A$100 to A$500 acceptable. According to one survey, 89% of Australian newlyweds prefer monetary wedding gifts and have opted for a cash-based wishing well at their wedding.
How much should I spend on a wedding gift in Australia?
- 💰 Coworkers or distant relatives: A$50 to A$100
- 💰 Friends or closer relatives: A$100 to A$150
- 💰 Close family members or best friends: A$200 to $500 or more
- 💰 Destination weddings involving very close friends or family: Up to A$1,000
You might Also Like
