Gifts, gift lists & table settings: the wedding buyer's guide

Gifts, gift lists & table settings: the buyer's guide

The wonderful tradition of buying the bride and groom gifts originates from dowries, when the bride's father gave money or gifts to his future son-in-law and family.

These days, we’ve developed the rather more enjoyable practice of showering the happy couple with gifts, but with this new etiquette of giving and receiving there comes a maze of questions. Some people feel embarrassed to ask for presents; others are offended if the bride and groom don’t want to be given anything. And what exactly should a couple be asking for?

Don’t forget that the happy couple are also expected to give presents, often called favours, for their guests. These serve two purposes -- as well as saying thank you, they can go far in creating beautiful table settings.

So here’s our complete buyer’s guide to gifts, gift lists and tables settings.