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

Calculate el sobre — the right gift amount for a Spanish wedding.

What's your relationship to the couple?

This has the biggest impact on the recommended gift amount

Wedding Gift Culture in Spain

Spanish wedding gift culture revolves around el sobre — the envelope. Cash gifts are the standard at Spanish weddings, and couples often set up a joint account number or provide bank details with their invitations. Physical gift registries exist but are far less common than cash contributions.

The typical wedding gift in Spain ranges from €100 to €300 per person, with the expectation that your gift covers at least the per-person cost of the celebration. Spanish weddings are festive, extended celebrations with elaborate multi-course meals, open bars, and dancing until dawn. Gift amounts tend to reflect the scale of hospitality offered.

Regional variations exist across Spain — Andalusian weddings may differ from Catalan or Basque celebrations in both scale and expectations. It's common in Spain to transfer your gift directly to the couple's bank account before the wedding rather than bringing an envelope. This practical approach has become especially popular among younger generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Spanish wedding gifts typically range from €100 to €300 per person. Close family gives €200–€500+, close friends €150–€250, colleagues €80–€150, and acquaintances €50–€100. Cover the per-plate cost at minimum.

How do I give money at a Spanish wedding?

Many Spanish couples provide bank account details with their invitation for direct transfers. You can also bring cash in an envelope (sobre) to the reception. Bank transfers before the wedding are increasingly the preferred method.

Should I give the same amount for a civil ceremony?

If the civil ceremony is followed by a full reception, the same gifting norms apply. For a smaller civil ceremony without a large reception, a more modest gift of €50–€100 is appropriate.

Are wedding gift expectations different in Barcelona versus rural Spain?

Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona tend to have higher wedding costs and correspondingly higher gift expectations. Rural celebrations may be more modest, but the fundamental expectation of covering the per-person cost remains.