Wedding Gifts

Register with a large department store rather than a boutique.  You will get more useful long-term gifts, even if you really love the stuff in a boutique.

In 20 years time that funky vase won’t be as useful as a good quality stainless steel pot.

When choosing a department store pick one that has a large range, frequent sales and a favourable returns policy.

Don’t register with a particular store at all, instead create your own registry.  A friend or family member can manage this for you, or you can set up one online.  My favourite is www.wishfish.com.  It is easy for you to set up and manage and easy for your guests to navigate.  You can rate your gifts by your preference for them, and include photos.  But best of all, it doesn’t contain any advertising like some other gift registry sites do.  The benefits of setting up your own gift list is the flexibility to choose multiple stores across the country, and it will save you time.  You don’t need to make a specific visit to a store to set up your registry, you just add to it as you see things that appeal to you.

If you don’t need anything in particular, you can always ask for cash from your guests.  Cash can be a touchy subject, and while some people are fine with it, others can be offended at giving cash as a gift.  If it is your preferred option mention it in a creative way in your invitations, such as in a poem.  Alternatively, mention an item that you are saving for (a new bedroom setting, couch, car?) and say that contributions would be greatly appreciated towards this item.  You can get creative with your thankyou’s here too and include a photo of the item you bought with your guest’s cash.