How Much Should You Give for a Wedding Gift in France?

Find the right gift amount in euros for a French wedding.

What's your relationship to the couple?

This has the biggest impact on the recommended gift amount

Wedding Gift Culture in France

French wedding gift etiquette combines elegance with practicality. The tradition of the liste de mariage (wedding registry) at upscale stores like Galeries Lafayette is still alive, but cash contributions — known as une urne or cagnotte — have become increasingly common. Couples often set up an envelope box (urne) at the reception for cash gifts.

The typical wedding gift in France ranges from €50 to €250 per person. Parisian weddings and celebrations at châteaux tend to have higher gift expectations. Close family members, particularly parents and siblings, often contribute substantially larger amounts or cover specific wedding expenses like the honeymoon.

French weddings are known for their long, lavish receptions that can extend well into the early morning hours. If you're invited to the full evening celebration (soirée) rather than just the ceremony and cocktail hour (vin d'honneur), a more generous gift is expected as the couple is investing more per guest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I give for a wedding gift in France?

French wedding gifts typically range from €50 to €250. Close family gives €150–€500, close friends €80–€150, colleagues €50–€80, and acquaintances €30–€50. The type of celebration you're invited to matters.

What's the difference between vin d'honneur and soirée gifts?

If you're only invited to the vin d'honneur (ceremony + cocktail), a gift of €30–€80 is appropriate. Full soirée guests should give more (€80–€250+) as the couple is spending significantly more on dinner and entertainment.

Should I use the couple's wedding registry?

If the couple has set up a liste de mariage, it's polite to choose from it. If they've requested cash via an urne or online fund, contributing money is preferred and perfectly elegant in French culture.

When should I give my wedding gift in France?

You can either bring your envelope to the reception and place it in the urne, or send a gift/transfer before or shortly after the wedding. Gifts should arrive within a month of the celebration.