How Much Should You Spend on a Bridal Shower Gift?

Have you been invited to a bridal shower? Be prepared to shower the bride with gifts. The point of a bridal shower is not only to come together to celebrate a bride and her upcoming marriage, but it also is a time where guests are expected to bring a present along for the bride as well. If you're trying to figure out how much you should spend on a bridal shower gift, a general rule of thumb is it does not have to be as costly as a wedding gift. However, the price range can vary depending on your relationship to the bride.

"According to traditional etiquette, you should purchase a gift when attending a bridal shower," says etiquette expert Mara Opperman. "The only time you should not bring something is if the bride-to-be requested no presents." National etiquette expert Diane Gottsman adds, "The price of the gift depends on several factors. First and foremost, your particular budget. Then, the relationship you have to the bride or groom, and how close you are to the couple."

Want to learn more about how much you should be spending for an upcoming bridal shower on your social calendar? Read ahead to learn all the details of the price of a bridal shower gift.

The Average Cost of a Bridal Shower Gift

Navigating the options for bridal shower gifts can be tricky, but there are a few tips to help guide you. According to Opperman, bridal shower gifts tend to be less expensive than wedding gifts. "Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100," she says. "However, the amount you want to spend is up to you."

Family members or close friends who are hosting the bridal shower should consider the investment they are putting into the event when considering the cost of their gift. "If you are one of the hosts, it would be assumed you were a close friend of the bride. You don’t necessarily have to spend more, but you may want to pull your resources with the rest of the hosts to purchase one gift," notes Gottsman. "You do not need to spend more money on a gift because you were expenses for the shower is part of your gift. It doesn’t mean you don’t give a gift at all, however."

Gottsman says this rule applies to the bridal party, as well. "They do not need to spend more money, but it would be a good idea for the bridal party members to combine the resources to buy one nicer gift," she adds.

How to Choose Your Gift

Once you determine your budget for a gift, Gottsman recommends looking to the registry to find the best present for the bride. "Although you may feel like you can give the bride something more specific, because you know her well, the registry is the best route to take because it is very specific on their needs," she says. "In addition, at another time, you may give her that special item you want her to have such as a small piece of art or a piece of jewelry as a family heirloom if you were a close family member."

Overall, what’s most important is finding a present that is meaningful or useful to celebrate your friend or family member’s upcoming wedding. "The bride-to-be will appreciate anything you give her," adds Opperman.