Some couples are embarrassed by making a gift list feeling it is impolite to suggest that they expect a present. Do remember that this is a tradition dating back to times when couples really did have nothing to start their married life with.

Most guests to a wedding want to buy a present and will ask to see the list in order to buy something the couple really want and to avoid duplication - there's no point buying you a toaster when you and your fiancee might have one each from your days as single people.

Choosing your list can be fun but do remember that you BOTH should be happy with the items chosen.

There are a number of ways to administrate your gift list:

1. Let a large department store take over the complete organisation. Guests contact the store direct quoting your gift list reference number. The guest then chooses a gift from the list. This method usually includes home delivery at a time chosen by you. You can always have more than one store operate a list for you.

2. Send out a list with the invitations, with a contact telephone number of someone
who will administrate the list for you. This can be a job for the mother of the groom
who may not otherwise be involved with anything to do with the wedding preparations. Guests simply ring the number and speak to the nominated person to say which gift they will buy, and the person marks down that the gift from the list has been 'bagged'.

3. Send a note book to guests with the gifts on separate pages. Each guest chooses
their gift, removes the page from the note book and then send the note book to the
next guest on the list. This can take time, and one person taking their time over
choosing a gift reduces the time other guests have. Make sure that someone keeps
tabs on where the list is to avoid delays.

Do remember to include the exact details of style, colour, brand and catalogue number (if applicable). Try also to put the price, or price range to help your guests make a choice which they are comfortable with. Some people won't be able to afford expensive gifts so do try and provide a wide selection in all price brackets.

Vouchers

Vouchers are always a good idea as an extra gift, as they help towards the cost of
expensive items which you may feel are too cheeky to put on the list! Or, if you and your partner already own most of the above, why not ask for vouchers towards the honeymoon, landscape gardening (click here), redecoration, or even a car!

Thank You Cards

Of course, all the gifts you receive should be acknowledged in writing promptly after
your return from honeymoon.
If you have a large number of guests, thank-you cards can be printed with your
invitation order. Otherwise, there are cards that can be bought 'off the shelf'. They
should always be handwritten and always thankful. Never mention that it might be a
duplicate, horrible or anything that might be interpreted as something other than
gratitude - you can lose friends very fast by doing so.

Sitting Room

CD Player
Clock
Cushions
Coffee Table
Ipod
Lamps
Nest Of Tables
Rugs
Television Set
Vases
Video/DVD Player
Video/DVD Cabinets

Bathroom

Airer
Bath Mat
Bath Rack
Bathroom Cabinet
Bathroom Scales
Linen Basket
Loo Brush & Holder
Make-up Mirror
Mirror
Shower
Shower Curtain & Rail
Towel Rail
Towels

Dining Room

Best Dinner Service
Breakfast Set
Candlesticks
Canteen Of Cutlery
Crystal
Decanters
Glasses
Place Mats
Napkins
Table & Chairs
Tablecloths
Water Jugs/Tumblers

Kitchen

Bakeware
Bottle Opener
Bread Bin
Bread Board
Can Opener
Casserole Set
Cheese Board
Chopping Board
Coffee Mugs
Coffee Percolator/Cafetiere
Cooker
Cork Screw
Cutlery
Deep Fat Fryer
Dishwasher
Draining Rack
Egg Cups
Electric Carving Knife
Everyday Dinner Service
Food Mixer/Processor
Fridge Freezer
Hand Blender
Kettle
Knives
Measuring Jugs
Microwave
Mixing Bowls
Mug Holders
Oven Gloves
Pan Set
Pedal Bin
Pressure Cooker
Salad Bowls
Salt & Pepper Mills
Sandwich Toaster
Slow Cooker
Soda Stream
Spice Rack
Storage Jars
Tea Pot
Tea Towels
Toaster!!
Trays
Water Filter
Washing Machine
Washing Up Bowls
Wok
Wooden Spoons
Utensils
Vegetable Rack

Miscellaneous

Answerphone
Barbeque & Utensils
Book Shelves
Camcorder
Camera
Coasters
Dustpan & Brush
Electric Fan
Fruit Bowl
Garden Furniture
Garden Tools
Hairdryer
Household Tools
Iron
Ironing Board
Luggage Set
Magazine Rack
Ornaments
Picnic Set
Plant Pots
Radio
Telephone
Telephone Shelf
Thermal Flask
Wastepaper Baskets
Wine Cooler
Wine Rack