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Updated Mar 06, 2025Do You Need to Give a Wedding Gift as a Plus-One?
Here's what to consider.
Choosing the perfect wedding gift isn't easy to begin with, even if it's for a couple you're really close to. But when you're invited to a wedding as someone's plus-one, things can get even more complicated. You may find yourself wondering: "Does a plus-one give a wedding gift?" And if so, how much should you spend? Should you go in with your date on a gift or give your own?
The short answer is yes, you should give something, but what that something is can vary depending on your situation. A small token of congratulations to the couple is typically perfectly acceptable, but there are still a few different factors to determine what to give and how much to spend. In this article, we'll help you suss out just what you should do in this type of situation. We'll list different factors that could come into play when it's time to make your choice as well as examine all of the ins and outs when it comes to wedding gift etiquette as a plus-one. Check out what you should consider below before you get shopping.
How well you know the couple
Your own relationship with the couple (or one of the partners within the couple) can certainly dictate whether you give a wedding gift as a plus-one. Perhaps your significant other has recently introduced you to the couple and, while you don't know them well, you're enjoying their company and getting along. In a case like this, a small but meaningful gift could be a great way to spark the budding relationship if you choose to select a gift just from you alone.
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If you've never met the couple at all and you're simply invited so that your partner or date has someone to be with during the event, it may be best to offer to pool money with your date and let them take the lead when it comes to picking a present from the couple's registry. (It's also perfectly fine if you contribute less money than they do, or if they want to foot the bill entirely.) Either way, have the discussion with your date to learn their expectations and to share yours as well.
Your relationship to your date
Here's another factor that really plays into wedding gift etiquette for a plus-one. If you're in a serious relationship with your partner and you're invited to a wedding as a plus-one, you may want to take a more active role in the gifting process. Perhaps the two of you could decide on and shop for a gift together, since you'll probably be giving the gift from both of you.
When it comes to how much money to spend, sit down and discuss this with your partner. Will you share the expense or not (this may be more likely if you're living together)? Decide whether you'll allocate the same amount of money to every wedding you're invited to or if you'll review each situation independently.
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If you've only recently met your partner, are in the early stages of dating or if you're not dating your date at all, it's fine to simply allow the invited partner to select, decide and fully purchase a wedding gift. But if you'd still like to offer a little something to the newlyweds, a kind congratulatory card can go a long way.
The couple's wedding registry
First and foremost, you should always consult a couple's wedding registry before hitting the stores or websites to choose a wedding gift. Not sure how to find it? Check The Knot's registry search function here or check to see if it's listed on any stationery enclosure cards sent along with the invitation. And if you're truly stumped, there's nothing wrong with asking the couple (or asking your date to ask) if they've registered and where they've registered. A registry is typically a gold mine of great wedding gift ideas and it includes only items the couple truly wants and needs, so it's a win for you.
No registry? No problem! When choosing a wedding gift as a plus-one, simply lean on your date's knowledge of the couple. Ask about their interests and hobbies and—remember—your date is the one who should be taking point on this, so you'll definitely be able to put your heads together to come up with a great gift from the both of you. If all else fails, opt for something simple and classic, like a photo frame, a cool vase or a popular kitchen gadget (one that's not too pricey).
Your wedding gift budget
How much should you spend on a wedding gift as a plus-one? When giving a wedding gift in any situation, the first thing to consider is always your budget. And you should never feel pressure to give a gift that surpasses your budget. The average spend for a wedding gift is $160, but that doesn't mean you're on the hook for that. In fact, we recommend spending closer to $75 for wedding gifts for acquaintances and others you don't know very well. But of course, as we mentioned earlier, this can be split with your date or you can spend less if you don't know the couple getting hitched. If you have any more questions about how much to spend, use this handy wedding gift cost calculator.
And when examining your wedding gift budget, remember to also take into account how many weddings you'll be attending this season, either alone, as a couple or as a plus-one.
