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Collecting for a Colleague's Wedding: How Much and What to Write

Ready-made chat messages and formal emails for a team wedding gift — including the common case where the team is not invited.

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A wedding collection at work is different from a birthday one in a subtle way: the occasion is personal, the sums are larger, and the team is often not invited. All three need to be handled in the wording.

Short answer: 1000–3000 RUB per person for a team gift, an envelope rather than an object, announced two to three weeks ahead, and no mention of the invitation either way.

How Much

Envelope or Object

A team almost always gives cash or a gift card. Couples usually have their own list, and appliances bought by an office risk becoming a third kettle. The pragmatic combination: an envelope, something small and symbolic from the team, and a card everyone signs.

Templates for a Team Chat

  1. "Team, Anna is getting married on the 15th 💍 We are putting together a gift from the department — 1500 RUB each, transfers by Wednesday. Joining is optional."
  2. "Colleagues, big news: Sergey is getting married! We are collecting for an envelope and a card from all of us. 2000 RUB each, until Friday."
  3. "Hi all! There is a wedding in the team this month 🎊 We collect whatever feels comfortable, no fixed amount. I will post the total on Thursday."

Formal Email Template

"Subject: Collection for Anna Petrova's wedding gift (until 13 June)
Dear colleagues! On 15 June our colleague Anna Petrova is getting married. The team is putting together a gift; the suggested contribution is 1500 RUB. Please transfer by 13 June using the details below. Participation is voluntary. We will present the gift on 14 June at the end of the working day."

When the Team Is Not Invited

This is the usual case and it needs no explanation in the announcement. Do not mention the invitation, do not apologise for its absence, and hand the gift over at the office on the last working day before the wedding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should colleagues chip in?

1000–3000 RUB per person for a team gift; 500–1000 RUB in a large company.

Cash or a physical gift?

Cash or a gift card — couples usually have their own list.

What if the team is not invited?

Do not mention it at all; present the gift at the office beforehand.

Run the Collection in One Place

Create a free group, add the gift as an expense and share the link with the team.

Create Free Group 🚀