"Here's the deal with wedding gifts: Technically, you aren't obligated to ever get a couple anything. If you do get them a gift, you're just expressing your goodwill and support of their marriage. That said, most to-be-weds and wedding guests alike consider wedding gifts pretty much obligatory.

Showers are somewhat different. The same rules apply, but since it's technically a gift-giving party, you'd likely be remiss to show up empty-handed unless the hosts have declared it a giftless shower—which are actually becoming more common. (That's why for years the etiquette was that no one in the bride's family could host the shower, since people perceived that as a greedy grab for additional wedding gifts.)" The Knot.

Learn about etiquette. Technically, no one owes you anything. A guest at your wedding is exactly that - a guest. And if someone showed up at your shower with a bar of soap, you thank them gracefully and show your maturity by not holding a grudge about it.

Two different events; two different gifts; shower more personal gifts (honeymoon or self care items-lingere (sp), soaps, lotions, gift cards for pedicures, massage etc). Wedding is gift from registry for both bride and groom. A pain and how it is. I had someone give me some cheap soap from bed bath and beyond for shower and no gift--she's an attorney and not poor. I'm not judging and I won't really forget it. Wedding's and food and booze and all cost a lot. Cheap gifts are rude; if you can't do the gift part decline the invitation. Seriously.

I typically do two items off the registry but spend more on the wedding gift. I like bridal showers that have themes that guide the gift - lingerie, cookware, garden items, etc.

To answer your question OP, you can get away with spending less on the shower gift.