Wedding Guest List Cost Estimator

Enter your guest numbers by relationship type and get a projected low, mid, and high estimate for your wedding wishing well — based on 2026 Australian average gift data.

Estimate Your Wedding Wishing Well Total

Enter your guest numbers by relationship type. We'll calculate a projected low, mid, and high estimate based on 2026 Australian average gift data.

How Much Will Your Wedding Wishing Well Receive?

Wondering how much your wedding wishing well will collect? The answer depends heavily on your guest list composition. Close family typically give two to five times more than casual acquaintances — which is why a 50-person intimate wedding can often yield more than a 150-person large wedding.

2026 Australian Wedding Gift Averages

Based on Australian digital wishing well data, average gift amounts by relationship tier for weddings are:

Close family (parents, siblings, grandparents): $200–$400+
Extended family (cousins, aunts, uncles): $100–$200
Close friends (best friends, bridal party): $100–$150
Casual friends: $60–$100
Work colleagues: $40–$80

What Affects Your Actual Total?

Specific goal — "saving for our honeymoon in Japan" generates more than a general wishing well
Cultural background — many Australian communities have traditions of generous monetary gifts
Lead time — guests given advance notice tend to plan and give more
Guest list size vs intimacy — smaller, closer guest lists often yield higher per-person amounts
Location — Sydney and Melbourne guests tend to give slightly more than regional averages

How PocketWell Works for Hosts

PocketWell is completely free for hosts. You receive 100% of every contribution — guests pay a small 3.5% processing fee on their end. Set up your wishing well in minutes, share the link on your invitations, and funds are paid out to your bank account every Tuesday.

Need to know what a guest should give?

Use the gift amount calculator to see recommended gift amounts from a guest's perspective — useful to share with guests who ask what to contribute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about wedding wishing well estimates.

How accurate is this estimate?

The estimator uses 2026 Australian average gift amounts per relationship tier. It gives a realistic range — low (−20%), most likely, and high (+20%) — rather than a single number. Your actual total will vary based on specific guest relationships, cultural background, and how clearly your wishing well is communicated.

Do guests pay extra on top of this?

Yes — guests pay a 3.5% processing fee on top of their contribution amount. This covers payment processing via Stripe. As the host, you receive 100% of every gift — there are no deductions from your wishing well total.

What is the average wedding wishing well total in Australia?

For a typical 100-person Australian wedding, a digital wishing well can realistically collect between $8,000 and $15,000. Smaller, more intimate weddings (30–50 guests) often see higher per-person contributions. The average varies significantly based on guest relationships and how specific your wishing well goal is.

Should I set a target amount on my wishing well?

Many hosts choose not to set a target — it can feel clinical. However, if you have a specific goal (e.g. 'we need $5,000 for our honeymoon flights'), sharing that context often motivates guests to give more generously. PocketWell supports optional targets with a progress display.

When do I receive the money?

PocketWell processes payouts every Tuesday. Funds arrive in your nominated bank account 1–3 business days after the payout run. For first-time payouts, allow an additional 5–7 business days for Stripe identity verification. You can start collecting contributions before your wedding — payouts can begin as soon as guests start contributing.