When your mailbox is filled with invitations for weddings and showers, gift-giving can seem overwhelming. Today, we’ve got good news for your budget if you’ve been invited to multiple showers for the same bride!
Dear Cheryl,
I was invited to two showers for the same bride. What amount should I spend on a second bridal shower gift? I will also be attending the wedding. How much should I give at the wedding?
Thanks,
Candice
Hi Candice,
How much should you spend on a gift for a second bridal shower? The short answer is $0.
If you are invited to more than one bridal shower for the same bride, you are not obligated to attend both. Personally, I would simply RSVP to one that you can’t make it. And you don’t send a gift to a shower if you don’t attend. Our @AskaRealBride covers when gifting is required in this article, “When Do I Take a Gift: Wedding Edition.”
However, if you would like to or feel that you should attend both showers, you only need to take a gift to the first shower. The bride should know you were at a previous shower and would not expect a second gift. If you don’t want to go to the shower “empty-handed,” then decide on a total gift budget and divide it between the three gifts because you should also give the couple a wedding gift in addition to the shower gift or gifts.
For example:
- 20% of your budget for the first gift
- 20% of your budget for the second bridal shower gift
- 60% of your budget for the wedding gift
Of course, you can adjust the percentages to your preference. Your budget should be determined by your closeness to the couple and how much you can afford/want to spend. There is no “right” amount to spend. For more info on this wedding gift spending, see my article, “How Much Should I Spend on a Wedding Gift?“
If you have questions or comments about this post, gift giving, bridal showers, baby showers, or wedding etiquette, please comment below or email [email protected].
Questions in this column are received from readers. They may be edited for spelling, length, and grammar or to remove sensitive information. However, we are careful not to alter the intent or content of the question.
