| Wedding gift problems | | | | from all of you. This way, you know you've all given |
| With the wedding season fast approaching, we | | | | the same and you'll be presenting the couple with a |
| thought we'd offer some help and guidance with the | | | | much larger and impressive looking gift cheque than if |
| age old problem of what to buy the bride and groom. | | | | you'd all given separately. |
| Most couples will put together a wedding gift list, | | | | Creative wedding gift solutions |
| which may be registered with their favourite home | | | | If the above solutions aren't feasible or the couple |
| ware or department store. Most guests prefer this | | | | 'doesn't want anything', then it's time to be a bit |
| approach as they know exactly what the happy | | | | more creative. |
| couple is looking for. | | | | At this point, we'd advise against buying an ornament |
| But what happens if the gift list is out of your price | | | | or picture that you think they'd like. People's tastes |
| range completely - remember the antique shop scene | | | | are very different and unless you know the couple |
| from Four Weddings and a Funeral? Or perhaps | | | | intimately, your well-intentioned gift - while no doubt |
| you've delayed buying the gift until just before the | | | | gratefully received - may well end up gathering dust |
| wedding and now all that's left on the list is a saucer | | | | in a cupboard. |
| or a pastry cutter! | | | | If money is no object, then an experience gift is |
| Cash, vouchers or nothing at all | | | | something different. A sunset and champagne hot air |
| As more and more couples live together before tying | | | | balloon trip could be incredibly romantic. Or if they |
| the knot, requests for cash or honeymoon vouchers | | | | prefer to keep their feet on the ground, book them |
| are becoming increasingly popular. | | | | a meal at their favourite restaurant and arrange to |
| While it's a practical solution for the happy couple, not | | | | pick up the bill. |
| all guests like to give cash or voucher gifts. Knowing | | | | Keep it personal |
| how much is appropriate to give and the | | | | If you need to keep an eye on the cost however, |
| transparency of how much has been spent can make | | | | then something more personal might be an option. |
| some guests feel uncomfortable. | | | | For couples you've known for a while, put together a |
| Then there are the couples who say, 'we don't want | | | | photo album charting your friendship and their |
| anything but your company'. Great, but would you | | | | developing relationship. While the cost will mainly be |
| really turn up to a wedding without a gift? | | | | your time, photo developing and an album, the end |
| Quick solutions to the wedding gift problem | | | | result will prove priceless for the bride and groom. |
| If the bride and groom have registered a gift list, as | | | | On the theme of photos; if you have a particularly |
| soon as you know that you are going to the | | | | good photograph of the happy couple, have it |
| wedding, buy the gift. The earlier you do this, the | | | | enlarged and framed or a canvass print made from it |
| more choice you will have. | | | | - just make sure it's a photo you know that they like. |
| Most wedding gift services allow you to purchase the | | | | A bottle - or case, if your budget allows - of their |
| gifts online, so you don't even have to make a trip | | | | favourite wine, will always go down well. But if they |
| to the store. So log on as soon as the invitation | | | | insist on a no gift policy, why not make a donation to |
| drops through the letterbox and you're likely to have | | | | charity in their name. Some charities, including Oxfam, |
| the pick of the wedding gifts. Which means you can | | | | have a list of 'gifts' you can buy - including school |
| choose an impressive looking present that doesn't | | | | books for children in developing countries. |
| break the bank. | | | | Meanwhile our Bride and Groom balloons or keepsake |
| It's also possible to overcome the 'they'll know how | | | | wedding teddy bears, delivered to the address of |
| much I've spent' problem with vouchers and cash. If | | | | your choice, always make an unusual and memorable |
| the wedding gift is for someone you work with, why | | | | gift. They're also a great way to send your |
| not club together with other colleagues? | | | | congratulations if you live too far away to attend the |
| If it's a friend, agree a set amount with the rest of | | | | wedding in person. You can always add a teddy bear |
| your group of friends and give them one big cheque | | | | or chocolates to make the wedding gift extra special. |