Wedding season is approaching, and one of the most common questions I hear from guests is about the proper amount to send as a Venmo wedding gift. As someone who’s attended countless weddings and helped couples navigate their registries, let me share some practical guidance for 2025’s digital gifting landscape.
The New Digital Wedding Gift Etiquette
Gone are the days when we’d simply stuff cash in an envelope. Now, about 70% of wedding gifts are sent digitally, with Venmo leading the charge. But here’s the thing – the basic principles of gift-giving haven’t changed, just the delivery method.
Base Guidelines for Venmo Wedding Gifts
Let’s break this down into relationships:
• Close friend or family member: $150-300
• Friend or colleague: $100-150
• Casual acquaintance: $75-100
But here’s the insider secret I always share: these numbers are just starting points. Your personal circumstances and relationship with the couple matter more than any fixed rule.
Factors That Adjust These Numbers
Think about these elements when deciding your gift amount:
• Are you traveling for the wedding? If you’re spending $500 on flights and hotels, it’s perfectly acceptable to send a more modest Venmo gift
• Is this a local celebration? Consider giving more since you’re saving on travel
• Are you bringing a plus-one? Add about 50% to your base amount
Regional Considerations for 2025
I’ve noticed that wedding gift expectations vary significantly by region. In major metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco, the average Venmo gift tends to be 20-30% higher than in smaller cities or rural areas. This reflects the local cost of living and typical wedding expenses.
Special Circumstances
Here’s something many people don’t realize – if you’re in the wedding party and have already spent considerably on attire, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and other pre-wedding events, it’s perfectly acceptable to send a more modest Venmo gift. I typically advise wedding party members that they can reduce their gift amount by about 30% from the base guidelines.
Making Your Digital Gift More Personal
One concern I often hear is that Venmo gifts feel impersonal. Here’s my favorite tip: accompany your Venmo transfer with a thoughtful message or inside joke. You can even follow up with a physical card – the combination of immediate funds and a tangible sentiment creates the perfect balance of practical and personal.
Remember, at the end of the day, wedding gifts are about celebrating the couple’s love and future together. Whether you send $75 or $300 via Venmo, what matters most is that you’re participating in their special day in a way that feels genuine and comfortable for you.
