How Much to Give as a Wedding Cash Gift for Your Son

Figuring out the right amount to give your son as a wedding cash gift can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to be generous enough to show support, but you also need to stay within your own budget and respect Australian wedding customs.

What a Wedding Cash Gift Actually Is

Wedding cash gift is a monetary contribution given to the couple, usually placed in a decorative envelope during the reception. It’s the most common gift form in Australia because it lets the newlyweds decide how to use the money-whether for a honeymoon, a new home, or paying off wedding expenses.

Key Factors That Shape the Amount

Several variables influence how much you should comfortably give. Below is a quick checklist you can run through before writing a check.

• Wedding gift etiquette: Traditionally, cash gifts are expected to cover at least the cost of the recipient’s seat at the reception.
• Australian wedding customs: In most Australian cities, guests aim for a figure that reflects the average meal cost per head.
• Average wedding cost in Australia: The 2024 Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a median total wedding price of AU$38,000, with the average per‑guest expense hovering around AU$120.
• Family financial situation: Your own savings, debts, and upcoming expenses (like school fees) should set a hard ceiling.
• Relationship closeness: Parents typically give more than a distant relative or a friend.
• Gift tax in Australia: Cash gifts under AU$10,000 are generally tax‑free, so most wedding contributions stay well below that limit.

Suggested Cash Gift Ranges for a Son’s Wedding

These numbers are not set in stone, but they give you a solid starting point. If you’re comfortable, leaning toward the higher end shows extra support for your son’s new chapter.

How to Choose the Exact Figure

1. Calculate the per‑guest meal cost at the reception venue. Multiply by two (you’ll be counted as one guest but often give a bit extra for the couple).
2. Factor in any additional expenses you’ll cover, such as a honeymoon contribution or a down‑payment toward a house.
3. Cross‑check the amount against your monthly cash flow. Use a simple budgeting rule: do not exceed 5% of your discretionary annual income on a single wedding gift.
4. If you’re unsure, ask the wedding planner or the couple’s close family for a “gift range” hint-many couples now include suggested cash ranges on their wedding website.

Presentation Tips for Your Cash Gift

Even though it’s money, the way you present it matters. Here’s a quick guide:

• Use a high‑quality cash envelope that matches the wedding colors.
• Write a brief, heartfelt note on the inside. A line like “Wishing you a lifetime of love and adventure” adds a personal touch.
• If you prefer, you can slip a gift card from a major retailer into the envelope instead of cash.
• Consider a wedding registry option only if the couple explicitly requests non‑cash items; otherwise, cash remains the safest bet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well‑meaning parents can slip up. Keep an eye out for these pitfalls:

• Giving less than the per‑guest cost and feeling embarrassed when the couple thanks everyone equally.
• Overspending to the point that it jeopardises your own financial security. Remember, the gift is a celebration, not a debt trap.
• Forgetting tax considerations-while most gifts are tax‑free, extremely large contributions may attract scrutiny.

Alternative Gift Ideas When Cash Isn’t Preferred

If your son and his partner have a robust wedding registry and you’d rather give a tangible item, consider these options that still respect the spirit of a cash gift:

• A contribution toward a specific high‑value registry item (e.g., a dishwasher) and label it as a “partial cash gift.”
• Buying a prepaid experience, like a dinner voucher or a weekend getaway, and presenting it in a decorative box.
• Setting up a small “honeymoon fund” with a personalized bank account, then gifting the account details.

Quick Reference Checklist

• Know the average per‑guest cost (AU$120‑150).
• Adjust for your role (parent of groom = higher range).
• Stay within 5% of your discretionary income.
• Use a nice envelope and a brief note.
• Avoid over‑extending financially; cash gifts are generous even at modest levels.