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Your gift list: toaster or safari?

Your gift list: toaster or safari?


Alison Hargreaves GFB Wedding Gift Expert
Alison Hargreaves Updated:
8th of March 2023

Gift lists are great; they enable you to successfully communicate your wedding gift preferences to your guests. The internet has transformed the nature of the wedding gift list, and Guides for Brides are delighted to be working in association with Prezola to bring you what we feel is the best gift list solution out there.

Isn't it rude to ask for gifts? 

No! Your guests will want to buy you a gift to mark the day, and most will be thankful for the guidance.  Wedding gift lists are a practical way of ensuring you receive what you want and more importantly, not four or five of what you don't!

The traditional gift list:

Conventionally, gift lists were compiled using a clipboard and pen in a department store and mostly centred around household goods.  Although department stores remain a good option, online companies can offer a wider choice of gifts with the added bonus of easy browsing. Think of your guests as well as yourselves when putting together your wedding gift list and ensure that your list is easy to navigate and use, and be sure to include a variety of gifts for all budgets. Older relatives may like buying you the more practical wedding gifts such as linen or cutlery but your younger, funkier friends may prefer to buy you something a little bit more original.

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Already got a toaster?

Have you already set up home together, or inherited all the china and silverware you could possibly need? Not all couples want household gifts and companies like Prezola enable you to add experiences. This means that in addition to homeware items, you can add a golfing weekend, wine tasting in a French vineyard or even a helicopter trip! It has become increasingly acceptable to ask your guests to contribute towards one really big specific item that the bride and groom will really appreciate; this can be anything from an antique bed, a piece of art or even an extension on their new home. What will matter to your guests is contributing to something you will really enjoy and appreciate.

Trip of a lifetime?

Hoping for a honeymoon of a lifetime? Why not let your guests help get you there? With an estimated 4/10 couples now asking for money towards their honeymoon in place of traditional gifts, this is an increasingly popular option. Rather than just asking for cash, divide up your honeymoon itinerary into affordable portions; your guests will be able to buy you anything from a night in a hotel or a romantic meal, to an elephant safari or cocktails in the departure lounge. The big tour operators no longer offer this service, however with Prezola, you can set it all up on line.

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Hand over the cash!

The final option, but one that most couples find uncomfortable, is to ask for cash or vouchers. This is easy for your guests as they don’t need to think about it until they are on their way to your wedding, but can feel like more of an obligation than a gift. Gift list companies have found that guests typically spend far more on a gift than they would on a cash or voucher donation.

Telling your guests:

Traditionally, the bride’s mother held the details of the gift list and guests would phone to discreetly ask for details.  These days it is acceptable to include details of the gift list with the invitations. This should be in the form of a web address or shop contact details though – not a complete list!

Which option is best for you?

We are proud to be working in association with Prezola, the UK's leading online wedding gift list. Prezola offers over 30,000 gifts from a huge range of top retailers as well as cash gifts, honeymoon funds and charity donation, which can be used in any combination within the same list. What are you waiting for?

Looking to start your gift list soon?

Alison Hargreaves GFB Wedding Gift Expert

About the author


Alison Hargreaves

Alison founded Guides for Brides in 1995 and has been putting brides and businesses in touch ever since. If you are looking for advice on wedding gift lists and relevant suppliers, she is the best person to speak to.

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