As soon as you have sent out your wedding invitations, guests will be looking out for a gift list for ideas and inspiration ahead of your big day. Anne-Marie Jenkins, the Managing Director at The Wedding Shop gives us her top tips for creating the perfect wedding wish list.
Words Anne-Marie Jenkins
1. PLAN AHEAD
Think about compiling your wedding list in plenty of time. We recommend that your list is set up just before your wedding invitations go out. Some guests will be very quick off the mark and look for your list once they receive their invitations.
2. NOTIFY GUESTS
Include notification cards with your invitations. Many guests may not know your particular style and taste and what you actually need. Guests can be at a loss in knowing what to buy as a gift for couples so a wedding list guides them in the right direction and takes the stress and worry out of buying that ‘perfect gift.’
3. VARY THE PRICE POINTS
It is very important to include a good range of price points on your list allowing for every guest’s budget. Offer a good choice of less expensive items in addition to a few more luxurious items. If there is a really special item that you feel may be that little bit more expensive, why not ask your guests to contribute to it? A guest can contribute £50 or £100 to this item if they wish.
4. GIVE GUESTS PLENTY OF CHOICE
Create a list that is slightly bigger than would you would expect to receive. Guests like to be inspired and have a choice of gifts. It is important to make your list appealing to your guests. Allow for a guest who likes to buy a more traditional gift but also for those who may wish you buy something a bit more fun or more personal to you.
5. THINK TO THE FUTURE
Take a little bit of time to yourselves before compiling your list and deciding exactly what you need and what you would really love. Always be mindful that your needs will most likely grow throughout your married life. A dinner service for four people may be sufficient at the moment but may not in years to come when entertaining extended family and friends.
6. SEEK ADVICE
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Your Wedding List Advisor is there to help you and has a wealth of knowledge behind them. If you are not sure about the difference between a KitchenAid Mixer and a Kenwood Mixer just ask. With so many brands and products to choose from, compiling a wedding list with endless choices can be a little bit daunting but your Wedding List Advisor is there to make sure the process is stress-free and enjoyable.
7. VISIT A SHOWROOM
It’s always worth visiting the showroom of your gift list company if you can. This will give you the opportunity to see an extensive collection of products in person and discuss which items would best suit your personal lifestyle and tastes. The Wedding Shop has beautiful showrooms in Dublin as well as Chelsea and Oxford Street, London.
8. BUILD IN MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES
Why not let your guests contribute to cookery classes, theatre tickets or even a castaway experience on a private island while on your honeymoon? Allow a guest to create a memory that you will both treasure forever.
9. LEAVE THE LIST OPEN A WHILE
Do leave the list open for at least a month after the wedding date as there may be some guests who were not able to purchase during the lead up to the wedding.
10. ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE
Most importantly, have fun! These are gifts that you will enjoy and treasure forever during your married life together.
