Wedding gifts - make sure you get presents you'll love forever
If you don't want to end up with 12 toasters or porcelain Scotty dog door- stoppers you'll be forced to display, then a wedding gift registry is the way to go.
Wedding registries - making sure you get what you want
These days, wedding registries are not limited to kitchenware; you can choose from a variety of items available at big department stores - from outdoor furniture to bedding - the choice is limitless.
In South Africa, we recommend the following stores for wedding gift registries (they offer a great service - from advice on setting up a gift registry to choosing items you need):
The advantage of listing the gifts you want is that these will be crossed off when your guests have bought them and you won't get duplicates. The big stores who offer this service will even liase with stores in other cities to make sure there's no duplication. And of course the big plus is that you can be sincere in your thank-you notes as you will only get gifts you love.
There will always be the exception to this though; so grit your teeth and be prepared for the odd kitsch ornament from Aunty Dot or the mother-in-law who insists her son loved copper plant pot holders when he was growing up, so he has to have some in his new home.
Re-cycle unwanted wedding gifts, but be careful...
Unwanted wedding gifts can be given away to someone you (hope) will appreciate them, but be certain that the giver will not be visiting your home and ask to see them. Also, remember who gave you what, so that you don't return it - gift-wrapped - to the person who gave it to you next Christmas! And make sure you remove the original tag before you re-wrap to avoid any embarrassing situations.
Don't list wedding gifts your guests can't afford
When setting up your wedding gift registry, make sure that you include a few cheap and cheerful wedding present options. Some guests may be intimidated by a table of expensive gifts and go elsewhere to choose a wedding gift you might not like. On the other hand, a few guests might club together to get you that silver cutlery canteen, so don't be reluctant to add pricier wedding gifts.
Wedding gifts you can never have enough of
Remember that certain wedding gifts like glasses can and will break over the years so you can never have too many of these. Likewise plates and dishes diminish at an alarming rate when you have children. Always aim for 12 of everything and select a cheaper, as well as a formal dinner service. If possible, choose a pattern you know will be in stock for years to come so you don't have to go trekking off to the Wedgwood shop in Regent Street, London, if a side plate gets broken (I know; I've done it for someone).
Great ideas for alternative wedding gifts
Give a megaton of health spa pleasure wrapped in a Health Spa Guide Gift Certificate. You decide the certificate value. The lucky receiver decides which spa to visit, and when. You can't lose! Just click here http://healthspas.co.za/gifts/
Another wedding gift option that is proving popular with couples who have lived together for years and don't need anything for the home is to set up a wine registry, which allows your guests to send you a case (or two) of your favourite wines. Once again www.woolworths.co.za offers a great selection.
Start a new tradition of giving - and save a life. Another great idea for couples who have everything is to ask guests to make a donation in their name to a chosen charity. Go to www.universalgiving.org/donate for charitable ideas for wedding gifts.
What if we want cash instead of wedding gifts?
You can't really ask your guests for money instead of wedding gifts The best way to get around this is to spread the word via your respective parents that you would prefer cash, as you are saving up for something in particular. Remember that guests generally like to know what the money they give as a gift is going to be spent on, and that it is inappropriate to ask for any particular amount.
Enjoy opening those piles of wedding presents and don't forget the thank-you notes.
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