Which type of list:  It is a good idea to compile your gift list at least three months before your big day to account for any delivery times or items being temporarily out of stock.  Remember to include a wide variety of gifts to suit all budgets so no one feels under pressure to buy something they cannot really afford.  There are basically three types of wedding 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. It is traditional that the host of the wedding celebration, usually the bride’s mother, takes charge of the wedding list and is responsible for circulating it around the guests.

A department store list is now a very popular choice.  Many of the major stores offer this service and the list is compiled from their stock and managed by the store.  Guests choose the item they wish to buy and it is then removed from the list.  After the wedding the store will supply you with a list of which items guests have purchased for you to thank individually.  

An online gift list is now offered by many companies and this option enables you to compile a list without even having to visit the store. Once you have chosen our items you can create your list and your guests can browse the list and order online.    

Gifts of money…Wishing Wells and Treasure Chests:  In some countries and cultures couples are automatically given money by their guests and this practice is becoming more and more popular in the UK.  Many couples getting married have already been living together for some time and have all the essential household items they need.  

 It is now quite acceptable to ask for money instead of gifts and this should be made clear when sending the wedding invitations.  To make this task easier, many couples are choosing a Wishing Well or Treasure Chest.  These are cleverly designed receptacles left in an appropriate place at the reception where guests can deposit gift vouchers, cards and money.  They are cleverly designed so they have a small aperture wide enough to insert an envelope but small enough to keep the contents safe and secure.  

To buy or not to buy:  Some couples are embarrassed by the thought of giving their guests a wedding list as they do not want guests to feel obliged to buy them a gift.  People understand that the reason for getting married is not to receive gifts but because the couple love each other and want to be together.  There is nothing wrong or presumptuous in having a wedding list as long as you do not force your list on guests.

If you want to explain to your guests that they do not have to buy you a gift, there are a few common phrases you may want to use:

• Please don't feel obliged to give us a gift - all we really want is to have a lovely wedding which we can share with our friends and family.
• Your presence is more important than a present!
• We've decided to set up a charity gift list. If you would like to give a gift, this is a perfect way for our wedding to help others less fortunate than us.
• As we already have a lot of household items, we hope you won't mind us asking for money instead of traditional wedding gifts 

Insure your gifts:  The value of your wedding gifts can be surprisingly high so it is worth giving some thought to insurance.  Gifts damaged or stolen from the reception venue are unlikely to be covered. If you are not fully protected by your household insurance consider taking out extra wedding insurance.  

Finally…don’t forget the thank you cards!
Your guests will have put in a great deal of thought and effort in purchasing your wedding gifts.  Keep a list of all the people who bought you gifts and the item they bought to help you write those all important thank you letters after the wedding celebrations are over.