When we got married to our respective partners, the four of us all experienced the same dilemma…we didn’t want to ask our guests for gifts/money, in part, because we were already asking people to travel and incur all the costs associated with that, but tradition, and often expectation, creates an assumption there will be one. There are pros and cons of course to either decision, however for us, it boils down to this; guests usually want to get you something, even if it’s something small as a gesture, they want it to be something you’d want, you’d like and you’ve not already got. SO HELP THEM OUT! You don’t have to advertise in your invitations that you have a gift list, and that’s often when guests feel obliged. Maybe you just tell the people that specifically ask you about it – if they’re asking, they want to know! Or maybe pop it on your Wedding Website or even just tell key people like your parents so that if relatives are asking them for ideas then they’ve got somewhere to direct them.
Top tip: Include a range of pricing so people can pick at the level they are comfortable at and this demonstrates that you have no expectation of them to spend big, they know they can get you something you actually want that isn’t going to sting their credit cards. Everybody wins. Not to mention this avoids duplication, as much as you’re grateful for the thought and appreciative, there’s only so many heart-shaped photo frames any one home can realistically handle!
And don’t forget, gift lists today don’t have to mean registering with John Lewis or Debenhams if that doesn’t float your boat (although it’s still a pretty good boat to get on!). There’s everything from charity donations to virtual honeymoon lists out there. Have a listen to our video for some inspiration.
We hope this helps!
Come on over to Pinterest for our Gift List ideas.
–Bride Society
