At a Jewish wedding, cash gifts carry a meaningful numerical tradition known as Chai. Rather than giving round figures like £100 or $150, guests customarily give amounts that are multiples of 18 - such as 72, 108, 126, 144, 180, or 360.
Understanding the story behind the number 18 makes choosing your wedding gift straightforward, whether you are attending an Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or interfaith Jewish celebration.
Why multiples of 18? The meaning of Chai
In Hebrew gematria (where every letter of the Hebrew alphabet has a numerical value), the word for 'life' - Chai - is spelled with two letters: Chet (8) and Yud (10), which add up to 18.
Giving money in multiples of 18 is a symbolic wish for a long, healthy, and blessed life together. Even if you are not Jewish, giving a multiple of 18 is a thoughtful nod to the couple's heritage that never goes unnoticed.
Jewish wedding gift amounts in 2026 (Chai multiples table)
Here are the most popular Chai multiples for 2026 across GBP, USD, CAD, and AUD, matched to your relationship with the couple:
| Relationship to Couple | Chai Multiple | UK (£ GBP) | US ($ USD) | Canada ($ CAD) / Australia ($ AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colleague or distant acquaintance | 3x or 4x Chai | £54 or £72 | $54 or $72 | $72 or $90 |
| Good friend or relative | 5x to 8x Chai | £90 or £108 | $108 or $144 | $108 or $144 |
| Close friend or sibling | 8x to 10x Chai | £126 or £180 | $180 (10x Chai) | $180 or $216 |
| Couple attending together | 10x to 15x Chai | £144 or £180 | $180, $216, or $270 | $216 or $270 |
| Immediate family & close inner circle | 20x+ Chai | £360+ | $360, $540+ | $360, $540+ |
Cash vs registry vs Tzedakah (charity)
Most Jewish couples today register for a mix of honeymoon experiences, cash funds, and household items. Contributing a Chai multiple directly through the couple's online gift registry before the wedding is the easiest and safest approach, as Orthodox and observant couples do not handle money during Shabbat or religious festival hours.
Some couples also nominate a Tzedakah (charitable organisation) on their wedding website. Making a donation in a multiple of 18 in the couple's honour is a deeply respected tradition.
What to write in a Jewish wedding card
You cannot go wrong by including 'Mazel Tov!' (meaning congratulations and wishing good fortune) inside your card. If you want to include a traditional Hebrew blessing transliterated into English, 'Mazel Tov on your marriage - wishing you a lifetime of health, joy, and shalom bayit (peace in the home)' is warm and appropriate for every denomination.