As wedding season picks up in various parts of Canada, many attendees are facing a familiar dilemma in a time of rising expenses: how much should they budget for a wedding present? With costs for travel, accommodations, and attire adding up, attending a wedding can quickly become a significant expense. Additionally, more couples are opting for monetary gifts or contributions toward their honeymoon rather than traditional registry items, leaving guests uncertain about gift expectations.
Sydney MacDonald, speaking in Calgary’s Beltline, mentioned the challenge of determining a set amount for every wedding due to varying circumstances. She shared that she typically leans towards a range of $100 to $200 for gifts. Meghan McKay suggested $250, while Patrick Griffin from St. John’s mentioned $100 as his preference. Faye Bian expressed a maximum range of $50 to $100 for her gift choices.
These considerations reflect the growing trend among Canadians to balance wedding etiquette with the financial realities of a higher cost of living. Lauren Dubie, who is planning her wedding for 2028, emphasized considering her budget constraints and closeness to the couple when deciding on a gift. She expressed a preference for cash gifts, finding traditional registries outdated.
The evolving landscape of wedding costs aligns with the broader trend of increasing expenses across various sectors. The average Canadian wedding now falls between $30,000 and $42,000, according to WeddingWire Canada and The Knot’s 2025 Global Report. Rising inflation, with nearly a 20% increase since 2021, has impacted costs, including a more than 40% rise in hotel prices and an approximately 18% increase in flower prices. Amanda Figueredo, owner of Day of Diva Planning & Coordination, highlighted significant cost hikes in food and beverage expenses, such as a shift from $10 to $17 for signature drinks.
Figueredo cautioned against directly linking gifts to wedding expenses, emphasizing other factors influencing the overall cost. She suggested a starting point of around $100 for gifts, considering guests’ capabilities. Wedding industry experts emphasize that there is no fixed rule for wedding gifts, underscoring the importance of heartfelt gestures aligned with individual means.
Changing social norms, including couples cohabitating before marriage, have reshaped traditional gift-giving practices. Jennifer Bruce, who tied the knot in Calgary last September, opted for a honeymoon fund rather than physical gifts, reflecting a shift away from traditional registries. Cultural variations also play a role, with some communities, like the South Asian population, having longstanding customs of giving money as wedding gifts symbolizing prosperity and success for the couple.
In conclusion, as wedding costs rise and gift-giving traditions evolve, guests are encouraged to prioritize sincerity and personal connection in their gift choices, ensuring a meaningful contribution to the couple’s special day.