Wedding lists have evolved, both in what they include and how you can create one. We went online to see what’s changed Illustration: Barbara Spoettel Words: Mike Fletcher
When previous generations got married, they were setting up home together for the first time and the gift list was a vital aid to kick-starting a new domestic life together. These days, couples leave home earlier and accumulate stuff before settling down later. It has made planning a wedding gift list a more complex affair. Would you prefer some help towards a honeymoon? Maybe you’d rather guests make donations to charity instead? Or do you stick with tradition and hope somebody gets you that waffle maker? Just remember to register your list at least four months ahead, be sure to select more items than the number of guests you expect to come (uncle John who couldn’t make it may still wish to buy you something), and always keep the giver in mind – stick within their budget and select personal items they’ll enjoy gifting. By making descriptions more personal, family and friends will love to know that it’s money well spent. An explosion of websites offering bespoke gift lists across multiple retail brands and charities have simplified the process of setting everything up.
Not on the High Street
The great thing about Not on the High Street is that it’s filled with original gift ideas that your guests will love. Its focus on talented designers and small boutiques ensures you’ll be unwrapping personalised gifts, romantic accessories, twists on the traditional and creative homeware products.
notonthehighstreet.com/weddings/lists
Prezola
Prezola offers unlimited choice from over 100 UK retailers, the option of putting cash towards the honeymoon or donations to a chosen charity. The couple can add gifts to the list at any time and guests can choose their gifts, vouchers or cash contributions on a single site and even get them wrapped.
prezola.com
Zankyou
Couples using Zankyou’s cash wedding lists can reduce carbon footprint by avoiding wrapping paper, deliveries and returns. Just make a list of charitable projects, honeymoon items, gift ideas or experiences and the overall cash equivalent will be paid into your bank account. You can then make your donation, book that skydiving lesson, head off into the sun or hit the shops.
zankyou.com/uk
Hitched
Hitched brings together leading high-street department stores and brands under one virtual roof. Couples can choose to distribute their list via an email link or print off a card to pop in with the invitations. Guests can have the gifts shipped directly to the bride and groom or to themselves so that they can wrap it and bring it along on the big day. They can also buy in-store and then just update the list online.
hitched.co.uk
Buy Our Honeymoon
Start a blog, describe your adventure and make a list asking guests to buy the things that will make your honeymoon a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guests can leave a name and message next to their selected adventure, upgrade or luxury so you can add photos with your thank-you notes after you’ve arrived home.
buy-our-honeymoon.com
This article was first printed in Square Meal Weddings, 2014