Have you been invited to a bridal shower? Be prepared to shower the bride with gifts. The point of a bridal shower is not only to come together to celebrate a bride and her upcoming marriage, but it also is a time where guests are expected to bring a present along for the bride as well. If you're trying to figure out how much you should spend on a bridal shower gift, a general rule of thumb is it does not have to be as costly as a wedding gift. However, the price range can vary depending on your relationship to the bride.
"According to traditional etiquette, you should purchase a gift when attending a bridal shower," says etiquette expert Mara Opperman. "The only time you should not bring something is if the bride-to-be requested no presents." National etiquette expertDiane Gottsman adds, "The price of the gift depends on several factors. First and foremost, your particular budget. Then, the relationship you have to the bride or groom, and how close you are to the couple."
Want to learn more about how much you should be spending for an upcoming bridal shower on your social calendar? Read ahead to learn all the details of the price of a bridal shower gift.
The Average Cost of a Bridal Shower Gift
Navigating the options for bridal shower gifts can be tricky, but there are a few tips to help guide you. According to Opperman, bridal shower gifts tend to be less expensive than wedding gifts. "Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100," she says. "However, the amount you want to spend is up to you."
Family members or close friends who are hosting the bridal shower should consider the investment they are putting into the event when considering the cost of their gift. "If you are one of the hosts, it would be assumed you were a close friend of the bride. You don’t necessarily have to spend more, but you may want to pull your resources with the rest of the hosts to purchase one gift," notes Gottsman. "You do not need to spend more money on a gift because you were expenses for the shower is part of your gift. It doesn’t mean you don’t give a gift at all, however."
Gottsman says this rule applies to the bridal party, as well. "They do not need to spend more money, but it would be a good idea for the bridal party members to combine the resources to buy one nicer gift," she adds.
How to Choose Your Gift
Once you determine your budget for a gift, Gottsman recommends looking to the registry to find the best present for the bride. "Although you may feel like you can give the bride something more specific, because you know her well, the registry is the best route to take because it is very specific on their needs," she says. "In addition, at another time, you may give her that special item you want her to have such as a small piece of art or a piece of jewelry as a family heirloom if you were a close family member."
Overall, what’s most important is finding a present that is meaningful or useful to celebrate your friend or family member’s upcoming wedding. "The bride-to-be will appreciate anything you give her," adds Opperman.
FAQs
The Average Cost of a Bridal Shower Gift
How much should I spend for a bridal shower gift? ›
The appropriate amount of money to give as a bridal shower gift is the same as the amount you would spend on a tangible present: $50–$75. Give the couple what you can comfortably afford within that range.
What is an acceptable monetary gift for a bridal shower? ›
First, keep in mind that bridal shower gifts tend to be less costly than wedding gifts. The average you should spend on a bridal shower gift is around $50 to $75. If you're especially close to the bride, you may spend upwards of $100. But no matter what, the amount you want to spend is up to you!
What is the etiquette for bridal shower gifts? ›
Common bridal shower gifts include kitchenware, from small appliances or utensils to towels or dishes. Shower gifts tend to stick to the event's specific theme if it has one. A cooking class shower might require a gift of your favorite cookbook, while the hostesses of a lingerie shower will ask for, well, lingerie.
What is the average wedding gift amount? ›
Though the average wedding gift amount is within the $100 to $150 range, your relationship with the couple will greatly influence how much (or little) you should ultimately spend.
Do you buy anything for a bridal shower? ›
Yes, if you are invited to a shower in addition to the wedding, you're expected to bring a gift to the shower as well as send a wedding gift. You shouldn't spend more than you're comfortable with, however (see the next answer), and can split your budget between both gifts.
How much money to put in a bridal shower card? ›
The standard amount to spend on a bridal shower gift is around $50-$75. If you're invited to a bridal shower but not particularly close with the bride, expect to spend at least $25. Regular friends, co-workers, or distant family members should consider spending up to $75 if they have the budget to spare.
What gifts do you get for a bridal shower? ›
Traditionally, a bridal shower is a celebration of the bride's upcoming marriage and an opportunity to give useful presents like appliances, china settings, and serving pieces from the couple's registry.
Should there be prizes at a bridal shower? ›
Bridal shower games and icebreakers are some of the best ways to get people talking during the party, and it doesn't hurt to have some creative bridal shower game prizes on hand to entice your guests to participate.
Is it rude to not bring a gift to a bridal shower? ›
Technically, these are two separate events, and traditionally, it is proper etiquette for guests to show up to the bridal shower with a gift, and also purchase a gift for the wedding (this is typically done via a wedding registry, but it's also fine to bring a present in-person to the wedding).
According to Opperman, bridal shower gifts tend to be less expensive than wedding gifts. "Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100," she says. "However, the amount you want to spend is up to you."
What is the difference between a bridal shower and a wedding shower gift? ›
In contrast to the bridal shower, wedding shower gifts should be items that the couple can use and enjoy together. These are typically taken from the wedding registry, but guests can also choose gifts that speak to the couple's relationship.
Is $500 enough for a wedding gift? ›
There Is No Rule Regarding Cash Gifts
Wedding experts do, however, advise starting at $100. From there, you may want to adjust up to $500 based on factors such as your relationship with the couple, your budget and the cost of your attendance at the wedding.
How much to spend on a wedding shower gift? ›
The Knot suggests an attendee should spend between 50 to 75 dollars on a shower gift. (However, if you also got the couple an engagement gift, the 20-20-60 rule can also apply—so your shower gift should cost 20 percent of your total budget.)
Is $100 too cheap for a wedding gift? ›
A good starting point: $100 per guest, the average gift amount according to Brides.com.
Should you give money at a bridal shower? ›
Giving a cash gift is usually fine at either the shower or the big day, but actual gifts are typically the preference—especially if the bride is opening presents for guests to see. Gift cards are especially suitable for showers, while cash and checks are more common at weddings.
Is $25 a good wedding gift? ›
If you're close friends, family members, or part of the wedding party, you might decide to send a gift in the $50 to $100 range. For people who you don't know as well, like co-workers, shopping from the registry for something around the $25 mark is more than OK.
How much do you spend on hostess gift bridal shower? ›
But, if it's a more traditional bridal shower in your mother-in-law's backyard, for example, you can probably afford to spend a little less. At the end of the day, what you decide to spend is entirely up to you, whether that's $10 or $100—the price tag isn't what makes a gift great.
Do you say congratulations at a bridal shower? ›
Begin With Congratulations: Open your bridal shower message with the most basic of social graces. Offer your congratulations on her upcoming marriage, on finding the love of her life, on making it this far through wedding planning… whatever you feel she'll appreciate the most.
