Wedding gift lists - not another toaster!

Wedding gift lists with a difference

If you already share a home together and feel that you have all the household items you need, how about using a gift list to ask for something a little different?

Asking for adventure

Gift lists are getting more and more adventurous, and can include anything from balloon rides, paragliding or a romantic weekend together in a health spa. Or what about asking for scuba diving lessons on your honeymoon? These kinds of gifts can certainly be expensive, but it’s becoming popular for guests to club together or contribute towards something in vouchers. It's always a good idea, though, to have a good choice of inexpensive items on your list. Out-of-the-ordinary gifts for adventurous lists can include camera film or a head torch.

Money or vouchers

Asking for money or vouchers is considered more acceptable these days. The advantages are, of course, that you can spend your gifts on whatever you want, be it a new sofa or your honeymoon.

Charity gifts

It’s also proving popular to ask guests to donate money to a chosen charity instead of buying gifts.

Luxury dining

You've probably got a reliable stock of dishwasher-safe, everyday crockery, but wouldn’t you like something a little smarter for special occasions? Choosing a new set of bone china is an investment for life, and while it’s probably not something you’d treat yourself to under normal circumstances, now’s your chance to ask for something special.

Cutlery is also a good choice. There are canteens of cutlery for every possible occasion, from fine dining to barbecues and summer parties. Stainless steel designs look great in any setting but why not try something a little more distinctive and quirky to spruce up your table?

To round off your new-found sophistication, you could ask for crystal glasses. These can be both tradition and contemporary, with a wide range of fashionable ranges available. Alternatively, look out for coloured glassware which can make a real statement when combined with white linens and china.

Bathroom accessories

You may find that having brought your two lives together under one roof you have a mixture of tastes and styles, brought from your former lives. This is often the case in the bathroom, where odd towels mix with modern mirrors and old-fashioned soap dishes.  Relegate your old towels to beach use and treat yourself to a new set of luxury towels. Choose neutral colours and use your bathroom accessories to add splashes of colour, and add super-soft matching robes.