The gift list for your big day

Getting married is great! When else do you get the chance to compile the wish-list of your dreams? It's got to be up there with finding the perfect wedding dress as one of the highlights of planning your wedding!

What can be more fun than compiling a list of presents for yourself? And having put so much effort, time and cash in to your big day, they're hugely practical too, essentially providing an excellent way of making sure you get the presents you really want and need.

Why choose a gift list?

There's nothing wrong or presumptuous about having a wedding list. Those guests wishing to buy you a gift can then choose something they know is needed.Although it might be considered bad taste if you try to force your wedding list onto your guests.

And it's worth remembering that it will be important to some if not all your guests how their personally chosen gifts to be appreciated. However, there's no point asking for something you really don't need. To avoid five toasters and seven kettles, a practical way of getting what you want is simply to set up gift list.

For a full gift list service, go to the confetti gift service.

Types of gift lists

Traditional lists

A traditional list involves you compiling your own list and distributing it to those who ask to see it. You should include the manufacturer's name, model and colour of whatever items you’ve asked for. When your guests have chosen a gift, it is returned with that item crossed off. Since your invitations will have been posted 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding day there will be plenty of time for your list to do the rounds. It is traditional that the host (usually the bride's mother) handles and circulates the wedding list.

Department store gift lists

A far more popular way of handling gift lists is by using the services of a particular shop or department store. Most major stores such as John Lewis, Not On The High Street, Debenhams and House of Fraser provide a wedding list service, where you make up your list from their stock. As part of the service, the store will manage your wedding list so when your guests telephone, buy online or visit the store, the item chosen is removed from your list. After your wedding, the store will send you a list of who has purchased what so you know who to send your thank-you letters to.

Online gift lifts

Many companies and traditional department stores (including John Lewis, Debenhams and Not On The High Street) now offer online gift lists, a hugely practical and popular alternative. The greatest benefit is that you can compile your wedding list from the comfort of your home, saving you the time of browsing around a store. Once you have made your selection, you can usually either create a list online, or mail your choices to them and they will set it up for you. Your guests, meanwhile, can also save the trouble of a trip or phone call and can browse your list online.

Honeymoon Donations

Many couples now choose to ask their guests if they would contribute to a honeymoon fund. They might already have the house and the cutlery and the bed sheets and the only thing they struggle to afford is a holiday of a lifetime. Many companies will allow guests to do this in style offering them the chance to put money towards a dinner out so they know exactly how the money is being spent. 

Charity Donations

Kate and Wills think this is the best way to go. But then they have got everything they need and more. If you are feeling equally generous then this can be a brilliant way to raise money for a cause close to your heart and encourage your friends and family to be as generous as possible. 

Protecting your gifts

Whatever you decide to do, it's worth protecting your gifts. The total value of your gifts could be surprisingly high. So be sure to check your home contents insurance policy to make sure you have sufficient cover in the event they are damaged or stolen. It is unlikely, however, gifts will be covered if they are damaged or stolen at your reception, so it’s a good idea to also take out wedding insurance.