[Gifts Id Love]

The first wedding list was created at a department store in Chicago in 1924 and over the years they have become a traditional part of any wedding. Nowadays any guest attending a wedding expects to find details of how to access the couple's list of gifts they'd love along with the wedding invite. These traditional lists that are based in just one shop are now increasingly being pushed aside for a more universal list as we will describe later.

Some couples question whether they should create a wedding list or not, feeling it could seem rude to ask for gifts. However it should be remembered that buying the happy couple a gift is a traditional and expected part of attending any wedding, and refusing gifts can offend some traditionalist guests. Also without a list of the gifts you would like it can lead to a lot of wasted time and money with guests searching for suitable presents, maybe duplicate presents being purchased, or worse still something the newlyweds don’t need or like!

Planning a wedding is famously extremely, but creating your wedding list should be, easily, the most enjoyable part of preparing for the special day. Make sure you leave yourself enough time to plan and create your gift list; after all there is an entire world of gifts to choose from! It is suggested that you start preparing your list at least two months before you send out your invitations, you will need to provide your guests with details of your list with the invitations and you need to ensure that you aren’t creating your list in a rush at the last minute. This bit really should be a relaxed and happy part of your wedding planning.

What should I add to my Wedding List?

Choosing the gifts to add to your wedding list can be both exciting and a little daunting so making a few notes and a plan before you start will make things a little easier. When you start try to jot down a list of gifts that you actually need or are really hoping for. It is these “vital gifts” that can sometimes get forgotten about in the excitement of adding other more frivolous items. Traditional examples of important additions would be a dinner set and cutlery set, these make excellent additions to any wedding list as they can be split into smaller groups or individually when adding them to the list such as “eight side plates” or “one terrine”.

The next suggested step is to walk through your house, looking in every room including the garden and garage, look for things that you want or need, and remember to add the things you “need” to the high priority list. Make sure you add items of varying costs, and don’t be shy about adding high value items, it is commonplace for wedding guests to club together to buy those extra special gifts.
It is common for wedding guests to want to buy something that will stand the test of time and that the couple can enjoy together.

Where to create your wedding list

The traditional method of having a list based at one department store has now become antiquated as it limits the couple to products from just one store, either that or they end up having to have lists at every shop they wish to purchase from which wastes so much time and effort for both the couple and their guests. Recently a number of websites have started offering Gift List services, where the couple can add any product from any store, giving the ultimate choice and freedom to the couple. Some sites charge for this service, and some limit the choice of shops, but using a site such as GiftsIdLove.co.uk will enable you to create a list for free with no hidden charges to you or your guests, and you are free to add absolutely any gift from any shop (even if they don’t have a website). You simply create your wedding list and add products as you happily window shop, then let your guests know where to find your wedding list. They can browse it at their leisure, click through to the product and mark it as purchased once they have ordered the gift direct from the shop. There is no risk duplicated gifts and as all transactions happen directly between the guest and the shop where you saw the item there are no hidden charges or risks involved.

It’s YOUR special day so create a list just as YOU want it!

[Misspink]

Hiya,
Great post!
Can I ask, What do you think about having a wedding list for a wedding abroad? I have basically said no to doing a list from the start because our guests are already spending a small fortune coming out to Italy for the wedding so I just feel cheeky asking for gifts too. My mother in law to be however thinks that we should get one because its what people expect and because we are having an evening reception back home.
What do you think? Will people really be thinking about buying us gifts as well as travelling abroad? and do evening guests buy gifts?

[RainbowFireworks]

Hi,

I`m a big believer in having lists, at least you wouldn`t get a unwanted gift.

Especially when your guests are travelling abroad! I`m sure most people would expect to attend a wedding with a gift..and would want to make sure it is something that the bride & groom want.

[Gifts Id Love]

MissPink,

Firstly let me apologise for replying so late!

I understand how you feel about creating a wedding list when your guests are already spending lots of money travelling abroad, but trust me, there will still be a lot of them that will want to buy you a gift. In your situation what many of our previous list creators have done is make it very clear to the guests that gifts aren't expected but should they wish to get something you have created a list.

The other important thing to remember with weddings over-seas is that there will be a number of people (sometimes close family and friends) who can't afford to go to the wedding but would still love to buy you a gift, they feel they want to be involved in the celebrations in some way despite not being able to be there. Mentioning where you list can be found on your FaceBook page for example if a good way of letting other people know about the list without sounding like you are asking them to buy you something. Logged in users on our site can post a message to their FaceBook profile direct from the site, and I'm sure other companies may offer that service too.

The trick is to create a list with a wide variety of products at differing prices. Remember (something we see a lot) if you have lots of cheaper items guests may buy a number of cheaper items for each instead of one more expensive gift.

[The Gift Box]

Hi

Another idea if you are not happy with your telling your guests you have a gift list is to set up a list and not include the inserts (free with our service) into the invitations. Only tell your guests that you have a list if they ask you or your family. This way you are not being presumtuous in including the inserts but you have direction should they wish to buy a gift. We also include an area where you are able to post a message to your family and friends and we often have couples that take the opportunity of writing something along the lines of "the best gift you could give is to share our special day".
We have many Brides and Grooms register with us for weddings abroad and just compile a short list that is in a price range they feel appropriate and they often are surprised by the amount that is bought for them even when guests are going abroad for the wedding. People don't go to a wedding empty handed and even if it is a small gift they will buy something and like to know that they are buying something that is wanted or needed and not something that wont go with decor, is a duplicate or inst liked. By not having a list you are actually making your guests job of buying you a gift that bit harder. Plus they have to then go out and select a gift, wrap and deliver whereas we take care of all of that for you.
Check out our website. www.thegiftbox.co.uk

Thank you

[The Gift Box]

Getting Married in 2010?

Not done your Gift List Yet?

Don’t worry – we are here to make your Gift List an easy and fun part of getting married....and the only service for your wedding that is completely free of charge!!! Not only that, if you book to have an appointment in 2010 we will give you £100 towards your gift list as our wedding gift to you!!

We are a bespoke Wedding Gift List service, where you can have anything on your wedding list what so ever and our service is completely free of charge.

• We have helped hundreds of couples put together their gift list and we understand just how busy the build up to your wedding can be. That is why we aim to make creating your list as easy and as pleasurable as possible.

• The Gift Box offers the best of all worlds – a fabulous website, an endless supply of products for you chose from as we are completely stockless, and we cater for any budget from high street prices to designer and very importantly a truly personal service. Our service is of course completely free of charge.

• We offer an unlimited choice of gifts from the traditional, dinner service and glassware to the unusual, honeymoon experiences and charity donations. No matter what you are looking for on your wedding list, The Gift Box will provide it for you.

• Your guests will enjoy the same great personal service- they can view and buy your gifts online or we can send them a colour copy of your list and they can call us to make their purchase.

• We are committed to offering a service that is about good value and great customer service.

To make an appointment you can email us with your preferred dates, we can do evenings, during the day and weekends (including Sundays).

If you have any other questions, please call us on 0113 22 55 557 or you can just send us an email.

Thank you.

[pop124]

In my limited experience people in ball-gown shops are more polite and helpful than people in bridal shops. So if you're stuck for ideas hunt one of these out. Suppliers I'm not saying you're all like my experience lol. I'm constantly told that there's wonderful people in bridal shops.

[pansy]

I adore the ball gown style the most as its very elegant and fairy tale like.but it needs tall figures to carry it off.