What wedding gifts should cost in a pricier world

Wedding etiquette is shifting as the festivities themselves become more expensive. The average Canadian wedding now costs between $30,000 and $42,000, a jump driven by inflation rising nearly 20 percent since 2021 alone.

Hotel prices have climbed more than 40 percent over the same period. Flower prices are up roughly 18 percent. Food and beverage costs—traditionally the largest wedding expense—have jumped significantly, with signature drinks rising from around $10 to $17 per person.

Calgary guests are adapting their giving. "I think for some of the weddings that we've gone to, usually the $100 to $200 range has kind of been what I've gravitated towards," said Sydney MacDonald from the Beltline. Others reported giving $50 to $250 depending on proximity to the couple.

Amanda Figueredo, owner of Day of Diva Planning & Coordination, cautions against the old rule of "covering the plate." "In the past it used to be: cover the cost of the meal," she said. "But there are a lot of other factors that play into the cost of a wedding."

She suggests around $100 as a reasonable starting point, with flexibility based on means and closeness to the couple.

Lenora Kingcott, producer of Calgary's fall bridal fair and a wedding industry veteran of more than 30 years, echoes that guidance. "The wedding gift is really what comes from the heart and that's always in balance with what your means are," she said. She noted that the "cover your plate" expectation is increasingly viewed as outdated.

Many couples are also shifting expectations. Rather than registries, they're requesting cash or honeymoon contributions—a change that simplifies planning but leaves some guests uncertain about amounts.

The bottom line: there's no universal rule, and guests should never feel pressured. What matters is authenticity, not a fixed number.