5 Tactful Ways to Give Money as a Wedding Gift

If you're wondering how to give money as a wedding gift, you're in the right place. Nope, we're not going to tell you that you shouldn't give cash to newlyweds. Giving money as a wedding gift is no longer considered taboo. In fact, according to The Knot's 2023 Wedding Registry Study,* nearly three-quarters of couples are asking for cash for their wedding. And our 2024 Guest Study** revealed that 77% of wedding guests prefer to give something they know the couple actually wants. So, it's safe to say cash is now the clever choice, not the cop-out. Still, there is etiquette for giving money as a wedding gift. We asked etiquette experts the best ways guests can gift cash.

"Now, more couples have established households before the wedding, so traditional gifts are not as necessary. Pair that with the growing trend of younger couples valuing experiences over things and you have two very good reasons that money makes a great wedding gift," says Heather Wiese Alexander, etiquette expert and founder of Bell'INVITO. Money as a gift can take many forms—cash, check, gift cards or even digital payments through online platforms, meaning there's no physical exchange required. We'll answer how to give money as a wedding present shortly, but first, let's address the other big question: How much should you give for a wedding gift?

"Deciding the amount [of money] you give is based primarily on two factors," says Alexander. "The first revolves around how well you know the couple and the second is how much you can afford to spend." The Knot's 2024 Guest Study showed that the closer to the couple the guest was, the more they spent on a gift. The reverse is also true. On average, the survey found that people spend a range of $120 to $160 on a wedding gift. (Psst, we have a calculator to help you find your magic number.) While it's helpful to have a general range, the most important thing is giving what feels right for you. "You should never feel like you have to do more if you don't have it in your budget," says Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute.

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Once you've determined your budget, the next step is choosing the best way to present your gift. Fortunately, there are several ways to give money to newlyweds, each with its own benefits. About 39% of participants surveyed in our 2024 Guest Study gave cash as a wedding gift and another 10% gave gift cards. Let's explore the five most popular methods for giving money as a wedding gift.

1. Contribute to a Cash Fund on Their Registry

If the happy couple prefers cash instead of, or in addition to, physical gifts, they'll likely set up a cash fund on their registry. Whether they plan to use the monetary gifts for a down payment on a new home or toward their honeymoon, a cash fund gives them the flexibility to use the money however they see fit for their newlywed life. The best part? Donating to a cash fund is flexible for you as well. Unlike traditional gifts with a fixed price, you can contribute an amount that fits comfortably within your budget.

To find a couple's cash fund, search for their registry information on The Knot or check their wedding website (here's how to find a couple's wedding website on The Knot). If you're unable to find where they're registered, you can always ask their wedding party or family members to share additional gifting details.

2. Buy the Couple a Gift Card

The golden rule of wedding gift etiquette is to follow the couple's registry. And yes, registering for gift cards is definitely a thing! If a cash fund donation feels impersonal because you won't know how the couple uses it, a gift card can fill that gap. You know a home furnishing brand gift card will be used for adding stylish decor to their home, while a voucher to their favorite restaurant will be put to use for a future date night.

3. Put the Cash or Check in a Thoughtful Card

When it comes to deciding how to present money as a wedding gift, slipping cash or a check into a card is the most popular method, with 24% of guests we surveyed choosing this option. "If you're giving money as a wedding gift, it's a two-part play: Give both money and thoughtfulness," Alexander says. "A note with some genuinely thoughtful words should accompany the gift. Forget formality and write whatever is genuinely 'you.' Be funny, sentimental or witty—just write something they can keep and look back at fondly."

Post echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of proper etiquette for cash as a wedding gift. She advises,"If I'm doing it from an etiquette perspective, I'm making sure there's a card, and it's very clear who the money is from and who it's for." She adds, "The card really helps deliver that and makes it more personal." (Check out our guide on what to write in a wedding card for more help.)

When should you give the couple a card full of money? There are two options: First, you can bring the card to the wedding reception. Look for a designated gift table or, if there isn't one, hand it to a member of the wedding party (like the MOH, best man or a parent of the couple) or their wedding planner. This ensures that the gift is less likely to be misplaced or lost, especially since the couple will be busy throughout the event. Secondly, you can mail it to the couple. If you choose to send money as a gift, be sure to track it for peace of mind.

4. Donate to the Couple's Favorite Charity

It's not a trick! If a couple's wedding website says, "No gifts, please, but donations welcome," they really mean it. Charity registries, like GoFundMe, offer a great alternative for couples who prefer giving back to their community instead of receiving physical gifts. Simply follow the instructions provided and donate any amount you feel comfortable with to the chosen organization in the couple's name.

5. Send Money Through a Virtual Platform

Sending cash through a third-party app like Venmo or Zelle should be considered a last resort, unless the couple explicitly requests this method. Why? It's the most casual way to give a wedding gift. "The everydayness of Venmo or Zelle feels a little less celebratory," says Post. While she acknowledges its convenience, she adds, "You're literally just tossing money into [their] accounts. Put a little bit of ceremony around it, more than just posting publicly, 'Congratulations on your wedding!'" (Like giving a card that speaks directly to the couple!)

To ensure your gift is thoughtful and aligned with the couple's preferences, start by checking their registry and wedding website. These resources will help you understand how they prefer to receive monetary gifts and guide you on sending your gift in an appropriate—and timely—manner.

*The 2023 Wedding Registry Study represents feedback among over 5,000 respondents ages 18+ in the US (N=5,196). The survey was sent to couples in April 2023 with an email address on file with The Knot.

**The 2024 Guest Study surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18-54, all of whom were recruited through a third-party research company and required to have attended at least one wedding in person in 2024.

Sarah Hanlon contributed to the reporting for this piece.