Turn your gift list into a wish list...

Picture Credit: Viners Eden 44 - piece boxed cutlery set £125 available at Debenhams

Setting up a wedding gift list may be the last thing on your mind. Its not  traditional but is definitely worth doing if you want to avoid the whole 'three toaster, two irons, five kettles and the useless presents 'you don't want and don't need' scenario. 

With so many wedding gift lists to choose from you'll find something to suit all budgets. Most high street stores offer the service for free - Debenhams, John Lewis, Argos and Next to name a few. All you need to do is set up your list and choose the gifts you would like to receive. The weblink to your gift list can be inserted into your wedding invitations so people can choose a gift in good time. Once a gift has been bought it will be automatically taken off the list, so you won't have to worry about guests buying the same present. 

Its better to give guests a range of items to choose from but don't be afraid of adding expensive items to the list. Although you might think its being cheeky your friends or work colleagues might want to buy a gift together. Gift lists are readily available online for the ultimate convenient factor - all your guests will need to do is search for your list and choose a pressie. They pay with a credit card and have the gift delivered directly to you. Simple.

If you're not warming to the idea just think you'll be doing them a favour and saving them time buying your wedding gift. You could always hand over this responsibility to your groom especially if you're finding that he's losing interest in the planning side. His eyes will soon light up when he thinks that you're going to let him choose the gifts no doubt! You can always add to the list later - just don't tell him! 

Article continues....TOP 5 TIPS TO COMPILING YOUR GIFT LIST

Kerry Plumridge is the Head of Gift List at John Lewis. The Department Store Group offers a free Gift List service to holders and guests.

1) Don’t be too frugal. Many brides and grooms underestimate how much guests will want to spend on them. We frequently see couples having to return to the shop to top up lists which have sold out quickly. Our advice is, always include the basics at a range of price points but don’t forget that your Gift List has the scope to be a Wish List too.

2) Compile your list with your guests in mind.The most successful lists cater for a diversity of pockets and tastes. Your Gift List may say more about your guests’ relationships with you than you think. Flash Cousins will want the scope to buy expensive Global Sabatier knife sets, your practical married friends will want to show you how it’s done with microwaves or hand towels and your single mates will want to take you back to your single days with cocktail jugs. But make sure you cater for those who don’t know you well by putting investment gifts such as vouchers on the list.

3) Get the groom involved in the weddingby seeking his input on ‘us’ gifts. Though grooms may say that they are simply not interested in china and glass, they will be the first to say they don’t like a set of dinner plates when it arrives after the wedding. Many of our brides have tempted grooms in to the shop with our new hand held scanner which keeps them “busy” during the selection process. Since we introduced this technology, we have also seen a number ‘boys toys’ finding their way on to lists from plasma screens to pogo sticks and even flippers

4) If you are seeking big gifts such as large electricals and key pieces of furniture, you may wish to combine your Gift List with gift vouchers.

5) Enjoy yourself! Coming back from honeymoon to the gifts of your dreams will give you a real high.