It can be hard to know just how much cash guests are expected to give as a wedding gift. 

While some may view cash as a "crass" wedding gift, it tops the polls time and time again as the most popular wedding gift for guests and newlyweds alike.

On The Pat Kenny Show, wedding expert Sara Kennedy said "cash is king" when it comes to wedding gifts.

“Any poll that I run - and I run this poll every year around gifting for weddings - 90% will come back saying cash," she said.

"That’s what they’re giving - that’s what couples want and that’s what people are happy to give."

Bride and groom with guests at wedding reception outside, Alamy

The going rate, Ms Kennedy notes, has seen a recent decrease.

"In the most recent poll I ran, the majority of the audience came back and said €200 per couple," she said.

"Now that is down on the previous year that came in at €250 which was quite a spike - if I go back prior to COVID, couples were giving about €150."

Ms Kennedy said that a number of "variants" may change the amount guests give.

"Those who are within the bridal party said that they would give more and that could be anything from €100 more to €200 more - in some cases there was a small minority who were going higher than that," she said.

"Then there are the parents who are going to gift their children maybe a little bit more than that.

"Some were saying they were giving a lot and contributing to the wedding as well to help them get it over the line."

Ms Kennedy said when guests only receive an invite for one part of the day, they give smaller amounts.

Experiences

For those who are uncomfortable giving cash as a present, Ms Kennedy said vouchers for experiences make excellent alternatives.

"You know yourself, cash can come and go and [couples are] getting a big bulk and that will go towards paying off the overall expenditure of the wedding," she said.

"It’s a nice idea because you do remember the guest that gave you that after the wedding."

Restaurant vouchers and hotel vouchers make great alternatives to cash gifts, Ms Kenendy said.

Feature image: A young couple on their wedding day, Alamy.