Updated on: Mar 11, 2024
Although attending weddings and bridal showers are very exciting, the money you will have to spend at these events is not something anyone looks forward to. Wondering about how much to spend on a bridal shower gift is extremely stressful. However, it is ok to feel stressed or confused about how much you should pay and what you should get; everyone feels that way! We are here to assist you on your bridal shower gift journey and provide you with all the tips and tricks to spending just the right amount of money.
1. How Much to Spend on a Bridal Shower Gift: Monetary Considerations
Typical Range
The first way to gauge how much to spend on a bridal shower gift is to consider a typical range. Research has shown that the average bridal shower gift ranges from $25 to $75 in price if you want a quick answer. There are many other factors you have to take into account like, how close are you to the bride? Are you a family member? And most importantly, what is your budget?
Unsplash
Budget
If you're not going to go the easy route of just spending the national average of $25-$75, you are going to want to determine a strict budget. You must sit down and consider how much you are going to want to spend in total for the entire wedding.
Check Out: Food Ideas on Budget
The bridal shower is just the first of many gift expenses coming your way. There can be multiple ore wedding events; not all require a gift, though. We recommend using the 20% rule when it comes to bridal shower gifts. For example, if you are going to spend $200 total on the entire wedding, you should spend $40 on the bridal shower gift. Of course, if money is not an issue for you, then feel free to spoil the bride was the most expensive gift you can find!
2. How Much to Spend on a Bridal Shower Gift: Creative Ways to Gauge
Registry
Be sure to check if the bride has a registry wishlist, which is a good indicator of how much to spend on a bridal shower gift. If she does, this will make your shopping experience much easier. Something to look out for on the registry wishlist is if it is specifically gifts for the bridal shower or if it includes gifts for the bridal shower and the wedding.
If the registry is for both the wedding and bridal shower, you may want to consider buying corresponding gifts. For example, you can gift specific silverware for the bridal shower and then gift the matching plate set at the wedding. Finally, one of the most important things to pay attention to when buying gifts through the registry is to ensure you are not buying a duplicate gift; nobody wants ten blenders!
Unsplash
Lingerie or Home
It is crucial to determine what theme the bridal shower gifts are going to be. Some bridal showers are more scandalous and include gifts like lingerie etc. Other showers are more focused on home gifts that the bride and groom can use in their new home. You definitely don't want to show up and be the only one with an inappropriate gift. If there is no registry for you to determine this and you are not close with the bride, we recommend reaching out to one of her closest friends for some appropriate gift ideas, don't be shy!
Homemade
If you don't have the money to go over budget or maybe you have a unique crafting talent, homemade gifts are always a great option! Anything sentimental that is homemade, the bride will most definitely love. It can be anything like a family heirloom, homemade cake, a quilt, or even a photo collage. Don't feel like you are "Cheap" for choosing the homemade option; these gifts are often remembered and cherished for much longer than shiny silverware sets, for example.
Wrapping Your Gift
Once you have found the PERFECT gift for the bride deciding how to wrap it is the last but important step. Some brides or hosts ask for the gifts not to be wrapped to help save time when opening. If it is not specified, go right ahead and wrap your gift however you like; consider the shower theme if there is a theme or a color scheme!
3. How Much to Spend on a Bridal Shower Gift: Last Minute Ideas
Don't Come Empty Handed
Crowdfunding has become much more common over the past few years. This is when the bride puts an expensive item on her registry, and a crowdfund is started where guests can leave "contributions" or "donations" to go towards the price of that item. It is imperative to note that even if you put money into crowdfunding, you should not show up to the shower empty-handed! Find something small (Cheap), but meaningful, you can still physically hand it to the bride on the day of the bridal shower.
Unsplash
Cash
Giving cash is always a route you can decide to take. Nobody has ever opened an envelope containing money and been disappointed! Of course, the cash gift is not very sentimental or personal to your relationship with the bride, but none the less the cash gift will surely be appreciated by the bride. Even if you decide to go with a homemade gift, you can always through in an extra bit of cash.
How Much To Spend On A Bridal Shower Gift: Conclusion
We hope we have helped you answer "How much to spend on a bridal shower gift?". Remember, the bridal shower is just the start of the wedding festivities; if you can't find or afford the right gift for the shower, you always have the wedding day to make up for it! Finally, remember the bride invited you to the shower because they want YOU to be a part of a significant moment in their life. The bride will not be focusing specifically on the gift you got them; she will be so happy simply because you are there enjoying this enormous life moment with them!
Written by Anthony Gianfortone