A wedding expert has revealed how much money guests should gift newlyweds - and says £50 is a "benchmark" to "cover your cost" on the big day. <br /><br />Zoë Burke, 33, claims it is pretty standard to give cash to the bride and groom - replacing the tradition of gift giving.<br /><br />She said although in the UK couples don't typically ask for anything, it is "appropriate" to give £25 and upwards to the newlyweds.<br /><br />Zoë suggests £50 if you're a single guest, £100 per couple and £100 if you're family or a close friend.<br /><br />But she said guests should never be "ashamed" if they can't afford to bring a wedding gift and it is never "expected".<br /><br />Zoë, editor of Hitched, from Twickenham, London, said: "You're expected to cover your plate in a number of cultures.<br /><br />"The average cost of catering went up to £80 per person in 2023.<br /><br />"I think £50 is a benchmark to cover your standard cost of being there."<br /><br />Zoë believes there is a lot of "anxiety" over what to give a couple on their wedding day.<br /><br />She said: "Traditionally it was a gift list - initially for people moving in together.<br /><br />"Couples don't need a kettle or toaster anymore.<br /><br />"It's a difficult one to know.<br /><br />"Couples don't commonly ask for money. <br /><br />"I think they hope they get cash for their honeymoon.<br /><br />"There is a lot of anxiety over what the couple think of you.<br /><br />"Wedding gifts are never expected. It's totally optional."<br /><br />Zoë says those who know the couple well will be able to judge how much they give them "better".<br /><br />She said evening gifts should aim to gift £25 to £50.<br /><br />She said: "It's expected to give less for an evening guest.<br /><br />"Not in a rude way but you're less important. It makes sense for the number to drop."<br /><br />For those not wanting to break the bank, Zoë says a personalised gift such as champagne flutes can be a nice touch.<br /><br />She says transferring cash into the currency for the couple's honeymoon destination can also be a nice touch. <br /><br />Zoë said: "In my 20s I knew the couple were going on a road trip of Canada. I changed £25 for Canadian dollars and said it was their coffee road trip fund.<br /><br />"It felt more personal and disguised the cost."<br /><br />Zoë also shared her rules for wedding guests - saying you should always RSVP promptly and never ask to bring a plus one if it is not on your invite.<br /><br />She said: "It's poor etiquette just asking for a plus one.<br /><br />"It's putting the couple in an awkward position.<br /><br />"They would have said you had a plus one if they wanted you to have one."<br /><br />Zoë said guests should respect if a couple ask for no children at the wedding and they should never wear white.<br /><br />She said: "You can have a bit of white on it.<br /><br />"If you're coming in a white lace or satin dress that will not go down well.<br /><br />"Let the person have their moment."<br /><br />For more wedding advice go to - https://www.hitched.co.uk/
