How To Get The Wedding Gifts That You Want
Wedding presents are the traditional way to send off a bride and groom into their new life. So, to avoid receiving 20 toasters, watch VideoJug's guide to getting the wedding gifts you want.
Step 1: Don't be embarrassed
Don't be embarrassed about creating, and sending out, a wedding list. Wedding guests generally do like to buy a present and if they are going to give a gift they would much prefer it to be something you want.
Step 2: Don't leave it too late
It's essential to send out your wedding list details with your invitations so think about your gift list at least four to five months before your wedding if possible.
Step 3: How do I create a Gift List?
Your favourite department store will have a Gift List Service, as will many small independent stores. They take the hassle out of creating your list and save your guests buying the wrong thing or duplicating gifts. A gift list provider will arrange manage and delver your gift list for you can either go into your shop and choose everything you would like to go on your list or you can do the list online. You can add your gift list at any point before the wedding.
Step 4: Ask your guest list adviser for help
Gift List advisors are also on hand to advise you how much to put on your gift list - usually one gift per couple or family you're inviting. The Gift List provider can also supply you with small cards you can send to your guests giving them details of where the list is being held. Guests can then contact the company directly and buy a suitable gift either online or in the store some large stores have celebration accounts where guests are invited to pledge money instead of a gifts, sometimes the stores will add around 5% on each pledge.
Step 5: Put a note in with the invitations
The easiest way to let people know what you a gift list is to slip a note into your invitations.
If you are worried about sounding demanding, word your request like this: "If you would like to buy a small gift for the bride and groom..." and then give details of where your gift list is held.
Step 6: Honeymoon vouchers
Family and friends might like to help you share the expense of your wedding but feel uncomfortable just giving you money, why not offer them the chance to buy Honeymoon vouchers for you. Most travel agents offer these in the same way as department stores do gift lists. Be careful to read the small print in case the company charges a cut of the donations. This can be up to 15% so do check first.
Guests can also choose to buy vouchers for specific activities on your honeymoon, like a romantic meal or boat ride. Again, a note inside the invitations suggesting this is a good idea.
Step 7: Donating to Charity
If you really don't need anything or feel uncomfortable taking gifts from your guests you can always ask your friends and family to make donations to a charity of your choice. Websites like justgiving.com make it very easy to set up a page you can direct your guests to. The money will then go direct to the charity of your choice.
Step 8: Second or third marriage?
If this isn't your first marriage you may not feel comfortable asking for a full gift list for a second or third time. Word of mouth is a good way to suggest gifts or small donations to friends and family, especially if this wedding is a less grand affair than your first. However, you may have eloped to Gretna for your first marriage and feel you now want the full shebang. This one's up to you!
Step 9: You just can't tell some people!
Some guests will have their own ideas about what they want to buy you. No matter how strongly you hint about your gift list or your request for money they will have earmarked something for you. Be grateful and appreciative of the thought they will have put into this present - even if it ends up in the next car boot sale.
