How Much Shagun to Give at an Indian Wedding: A 2026 Guide

It is the most common question before any Indian wedding: how much shagun should I give? There is no official answer, and customs change from city to city and family to family. But there are some widely followed guidelines that can help you decide with confidence.

Start with three questions

1. How close are you? A colleague, a friend and your own cousin are very different relationships.
2. What did they give you? In many families it is customary to return at least what you received at your own function.
3. Are you going as a family? One envelope from a couple or family usually carries a bigger amount than one from an individual.

A simple guide by relationship

These are typical ranges many families use. Treat them as a starting point, not a rule.

• Colleague or acquaintance – ₹501 to ₹1,100
• Friend – ₹1,100 to ₹5,100
• Close friend – ₹5,100 to ₹11,000
• Relative – ₹2,100 to ₹11,000, depending on closeness and family custom
• Close family (siblings, uncles, aunts) – often ₹11,000 and above, sometimes with jewellery or a gold coin

Notice that most amounts end in 1 – read why in our post on the meaning of the extra rupee.

Different functions, different shagun

A big Indian wedding is really several events. If you are invited to more than one, you do not need to give at every function, but many people do give a smaller envelope at the roka, sagan, tilak or mehendi and keep the main shagun for the wedding or reception.

Etiquette that makes a difference

• Use fresh notes. Crisp, new notes are a sign of respect. Visit the bank a few days early.
• Write your name clearly. Couples receive hundreds of envelopes. Put your full name – and your family name if you are giving together – on the envelope so they can thank you.
• Hand it over personally. Give the envelope to the couple or their parents during the blessing, not to whoever happens to be nearby.
• Keep it private. Shagun is between you and the family. Avoid discussing amounts with other guests.

Why the envelope matters

A plain white envelope can get lost in a pile. A beautiful one tells the family that you cared about the gift as well as the amount – and many couples keep their favourite envelopes as a memory of the day.

For weddings, our wedding envelopes range from classic velvet to our Premium finish with UV print and raised gold foil. If you are attending many weddings this season, personalised name printing on packs of 50, 100 or 200 saves you from writing your name again and again.

When a bigger gift needs a bigger box

If you are giving a large amount, jewellery or a gold coin, a designer shagun box keeps everything together and looks stunning on the gift table.

Whatever you give, it is the blessing that counts. Choose an amount you are comfortable with, put it in an envelope you are proud of, and enjoy the celebration.