How Much Money Should You Put in a Wedding Card in Ireland?

If you’ve been invited to a wedding this year, you’re probably asking the same question as thousands of others: “How Much Money Should You Put in a Wedding Card in Ireland?”

It’s a topic that sparks debate every year, and with the cost of living still high, from accommodation and travel to outfits and childcare, guests are weighing up how generous they can realistically be.

Photo Credit: Wild Feather Events

At The Aisle by Sara Kennedy, I run a yearly survey of Irish wedding guests to get real-world insight into gifting trends. This year’s poll had almost 4,000 responses, giving us the clearest picture of what people are putting in cards, how they decide on an amount, and how destination weddings factor in.

Whether you’re a couple planning your own big day, or a guest wondering what’s appropriate (and affordable!), the results are in and there are some definite shifts compared to previous years.

Let’s be clear that im not telling you what you should or shouldn’t be doing, this is what you guys are telling me your are doing!

Right let’s get in to it…..

How Much Should You Put in a Wedding Card in Ireland?

2025 Wedding Gift Snapshot: The Going Rate Right Now

For couples attending together:

• A massive 79% are giving €250
• 18% are now going €300 or more (this had the highest growth YOY)
• However, I received a strong number of DMs from people citing that they are putting in at least €400 per couple! Can we we please cool the jets guys!!!

For solo guests:

• 95% are giving €100–€150

Bridal party members:

• Still trending towards €300–€400+

These figures show a continued rise in gift amounts, especially in that €250+ bracket.

And get this 45% said they actively consider how much the venue costs per head when deciding what to give. That means if you’re hosting in a 5-star venue, guests are likely to adjust the cash gift accordingly. (Praying I don’t get invited to Adare Manor any day soon!)

What if the wedding is abroad?

Surprisingly, the majority of guests say destination doesn’t impact what they give:

• 63% said they would give the same amount as if it were at home

This has stayed relatively consistent year-on-year and says a lot about the Irish mentality when it comes to wedding gifting. In essence: they may be flying to Spain, but they’ll still give you the same as if it were Meath!

How Expensive is Attending a Wedding These Days?

This year I added a few new questions to understand the true cost of attending as a guest and the results say it all:

• 74% of respondents said it has never been more expensive to attend a wedding
• 46% spend between €400–€600 per couple
• 35% spend €700–€900
• 11% spend over €1,000+ per wedding (I’ve been that soldier!)

A big driver of that cost? Accommodation, outfits, travel, childminding and the gift itself.

Year-on-Year Wedding Gift Comparison: What’s Changed?

2022:

• Close friends/family averaged €200
• Bridal party €400+
• Standard guests gave €100–€150
• 63% said they would give a gift even if they couldn’t attend
• Hotel and experience vouchers (especially Blue Book) topped the non-cash gift list

2023:

• 96% planned to give cash
• Bridal party: €300–€400
• Close friends: €200–€300
• Sharp drop in gifts over €500
• 59% believed we spend too much on cash gifts
• Hotel vouchers and Newbridge Silverware were the top alternatives

2024:

• €200 was the most common gift (50%)
• €250 gained ground (28%)
• €300+ dropped to 11%
• 54% said they’d give the same if abroad
• 60% of those not giving cash chose hotel vouchers
• Nearly 40% said they’d turned down invites due to cost
• Estimated spend per guest: €500+; €700+ if abroad

2025:

• €200–€250 is now dominant (79%)
• €300+ increasing again (18%)
• Solo guests nearly all giving €100–€150
• 74% say it’s never been more expensive to attend
• 46% spend €400–€600 per couple, 11% over €1,000
• 45% consider meal cost when deciding gift amount
• 63% still give the same for abroad weddings

Wedding Gift Alternatives to Cash Gifts

While cash is still king (96% of guests give it), there are plenty of beautiful alternatives mentioned every year:

• Hotel vouchers (The Blue Book, Press Up, etc.)
• Newbridge Silverware
• Avoca hampers, candles, Irish crafts
• Glassware, wine decanters, Foxford blankets
• Personalised giftware (engraved frames, glass sets, family crests)
• Luxury alcohol with engraved glasses
• Cases of wine or pottery
• Paying for a specific part of the wedding (e.g. cake or flowers)

So… How Much Should You Give?

There’s no single answer but the data shows the standard is rising. If you’re going as a couple, €200-€250 seems to be the ‘going rate’.

For solo guests, €100–€150 remains the sweet spot. (Sorry guys!)

Of course, it’s always your call, you know your financial situation, your relationship to the couple, and what feels right. So maybe it’s less about ‘How Much Should You Put in a Wedding Card in Ireland?’ and more about ‘How much CAN I put in a wedding card!’.