Cash Wedding Gift Calculator 2024

Determine the appropriate cash gift based on modern etiquette and 2024 costs.

Colleague / Acquaintance Friend / Distant Relative Close Friend / Extended Family Immediate Family / Wedding Party

Casual (Backyard, Park, Cake & Punch) Standard (Banquet Hall, Hotel, Restaurant) Formal / Luxury (Black Tie, High-End Venue)

Significant travel costs may justify a smaller gift.

Suggested Cash Gift Range

How Much Cash Should You Give for a Wedding in 2024?

Deciding on a wedding gift amount is no longer as simple as "covering your plate." With inflation impacting venue costs and catering in 2024, the average cost per guest has risen significantly. This calculator helps you navigate these social waters by balancing your relationship, the extravagance of the event, and your own travel expenses.

Key Factors in Wedding Gift Etiquette

• The "Cover the Plate" Rule: While traditional, this rule suggests your gift should roughly equal the cost of your meal. In 2024, this is typically $100–$150 per person for a standard wedding.
• The Relationship Multiplier: Close family and best friends generally receive higher amounts (often $200-$500+) compared to casual acquaintances or coworkers.
• Travel Considerations: If you are spending $1,000 on flights and hotels for a destination wedding, the couple generally understands a more modest gift.
• Plus-Ones: If you are bringing a guest, your gift should reflect the cost of both attendees.

2024 Gift Benchmarks

Relationship	Suggested Per Person
Distant Friend/Colleague	$75 – $125
Close Friend	$150 – $250
Immediate Family	$250 – $500+

function calculateGift() { var relationshipFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('relationship').value); var guestCount = parseInt(document.getElementById('guestCount').value); var venueBase = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weddingType').value); var travelCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('travelCost').value) || 0; if (isNaN(guestCount) || guestCount < 1) { alert("Please enter a valid number of guests."); return; } // Logic: Base cost per plate * relationship multiplier * guest count // Adjusted for travel: Subtract 10% of travel costs from the total gift, // but don't var it drop below a minimum courtesy amount. var baseGift = venueBase * relationshipFactor * guestCount; var travelDeduction = travelCost * 0.15; var finalGift = baseGift – travelDeduction; // Set minimum floors based on guest count to ensure politeness var minimumFloor = 50 * guestCount; if (finalGift = 3.0) { message = "For immediate family, your presence and a generous gift are customary. This range reflects 2024 family standards."; } else if (travelCost > 500) { message = "Since you're spending significantly on travel, a gift on the lower end of this range is perfectly acceptable."; } else if (venueBase >= 200) { message = "For black-tie events, gifts typically trend higher to match the formal nature of the celebration."; } else { message = "This range follows standard 2024 etiquette for a lovely wedding celebration."; } giftMessage.innerHTML = message; // Scroll to result resultArea.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' }); }